Read This Guide Before You Buy Your Next Pair of Apple AirPods

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BUYING A NEW pair of headphones can be tricky, especially when you're evaluating if it's worth it to go all in on a pair of Apple AirPods. Right now in 2024, Apple currently makes five types of headphones, with models ranging from $20 to $550. What's cool about buying AirPods is there's value across virtually every model, so the best AirPods are really the pair that best suit your needs—as opposed to just grabbing the most expensive pair.

The editors and writers at Men's Health have been testing Apple AirPods for years now, oftentimes via exclusive review access before new AirPods are released to the public. We've found noise-cancelling AirPods that are great for tuning out coworkers who talk way too loud while we're punching away at the keys, AirPods that perform well as travel headphones, and even AirPods that double as great workout headphones.

It's true our best pair of Apple AirPods overall is the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, thanks to its superior audio quality, special features, and in-ear comfort. However, there are many other AirPods models worth buying in 2024. Keep scrolling to get the rest of our picks.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

AirPods Pro have been a premium pick for years now, and the latest AirPods Pro 2nd Generation showcase exactly why you should consider buying them first. On the outside, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen features a new USB-C charging port and an enhanced IP54 water and dust resistance rating. On the inside, new software like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume create a smoother experience when it comes to interacting with the world—whether it's through the AirPods Pro automatically lowering volume when speaking to a coffee shop barista, or through switching over to noise cancellation when an ambulance drives past you walking on the street.

These new features all come together to boost the AirPods Pro as an essential pair of noise cancelling headphones that work great for daily use. When it comes to a gym setting, AirPods Pro are the most suitable workout headphones of all the AirPods thanks to the high audio quality, noise cancellation, and one-touch controls for pause, play, and volume adjustment.

AirPods Pro 2nd Gen come with multiple ear tip pieces to help fit most ear sizes. Not to forget, you also get the iconic charging case that boosts the headphones to a total battery life of 30 hours. The last note we'll add on the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen superiority: the headphones can be found on sale from time-to-time. A good sale we've seen on this pair is 20 percent off, therefore lowering the price to under $200.

Value, versatility, performance, price; here is the pair of AirPods you need to examine first before going to other models.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

Just because something is new doesn't mean it's better. That's the case for us when it comes to opting for the older AirPods 2nd Generation over the newer AirPods 3rd Generation.

It's true the AirPods 3rd Gen does some things well, namely premium features like Spatial Audio, an IPX4 sweat and water resistance, and a six hours of total listening time compared to the AirPods 2nd Gen (30 total hours compared to 24). That's all great, but the cost of AirPods 3rd Gen is typically $169. If you're going for premium features, it would be smarter to wait for an AirPods Pro 2nd Gen sale.

If you want a deal on your AirPods, then pivoting to the AirPods 2nd Gen are the move. You still get quality audio processing thanks to the H1 chip from Apple. The AirPods 2nd Gen still provide an ultra-fast connection (as soon as you open the case and pop out the buds). There's the 24 hour total battery life thanks to the accompanying charger case too.

The AirPods 2nd Gen are likelier to have better sales than the AirPods 3rd Gen in 2024. In fact, we've seen AirPods 2nd Gen on regular sales of just $99. If you're looking for the best bang for your buck on AirPods, then you're going to get the most value out of these.

Read more: AirPods Pro 2nd Gen Full Review

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Apple only makes one type of over-ear headphones right now in the AirPods Max. Nevertheless, these headphones provide the most premium (and most stylish) audio experience money can buy right now. The biggest downside to the AirPods Max is their price point (usually around $550), but a couple of our editors have been going strong on the same pair for almost three full years now; so there's definitely some long-term durability baked into your investment.

As for the audio quality, AirPods Max snub out the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen thanks to the combination of Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio with a special dynamic driver. That means you can use the AirPods Max to tune into everything from movies on a flight to album deep dives at home on your couch. A mesh canopy top and mesh ear pads help deliver top tier comfort too, so you can wear AirPods Max for much longer than any other pair of AirPods.

AirPods Max are available in several fun colors, and each pair comes with its own protective carrying case. It's likely Apple will release a second iteration of the AirPods Max at some point down-the-line. It would be beneficial if Apple updated the AirPods Max with a lighter overall weight and a better carrying case, but these qualms are peanuts to the overall excellence of Apple's first go at over-ear headphones.

Grab this pair if you're looking for the best audio quality and best comfort available.

Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug

Technically called "EarPods", the classic wired buds have made a surprising comeback in recent years due to the delivery of quality audio for just $20. Sure, there's no noise canceling or special features, and you have to deal with jumbled cords on occasion, but EarPods are ultimately great to have around as a backup pair or to have for casual listening purposes.

It's true some Hollywood stars have accessorized their outfits in recent history with a pair of EarPods. It's also true many creators on TikTok use these puppies to create content—the built-in remote with the integrated microphone has just as high quality as any of those tiny attachable microphones.

To us, there's no better headphones deal out there from a major tech company. Even if you don't think you'll use them as your primary headphones of choice, it never hurts to have a pair of EarPods around the house.

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Why Trust Us

The Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing and reviewing the latest over-ear headphones and earbuds. In most cases, we get first dibs on new releases, allowing us to hone in and test a product before it gets to market.

But we never allow outside influences dictate the products we cover, whether that be retailers, manufacturers, brands, or PR folks. Everything we recommend is editorially selected. Occasionally, our staff receives press samples of the products we test (typically on a “loaner” basis). But it’s important to note that we never guarantee a mention, a positive review, or a recommendation for any product. In many cases, our staff personally buys the products they test. However we come about the products we review, we treat them all the same for testing purposes. They’re all subjected to the same honest review.

What Are the Top AirPods on the Market?

As mentioned earlier, we believe the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation to be the top AirPods available in 2024. The headphones' high versatility, elite performance, unique design features (like one-touch controls), and in-ear comfort make them well worth the $250 price point.

Which Is Better: AirPods 2 or AirPods 3?

Though AirPods 3 (3rd Generation) are the latest AirPods model, we believe the AirPods 2 (2nd Generation) is better. The AirPods 3 promises a few premium features over AirPods 2—namely Spatial Audio, a better Ingress Protection rating, and a slightly longer battery life—but if upgraded audio is what you're after then you might as well upgrade to AirPods Pro.

The AirPods 2 are much cheaper than the AirPods 3, all while promising a similar comprehensive listening experience.

How to Read Dust and Water Resistance Rating (IP Rating)

When you see an "IP" rating, what you are really reading is the Ingress Protection rating. A rating can be read by each number, the first being its dust protection and the second being its water protection. Most of the headphones above have an "X" as the first number. The X means there was no data collected on the dust protection. Sometimes it helps to know the dust protection, especially when you're looking for workout headphones or headphones you're going to be wearing on a daily basis.

The second number reveals the strength of waterproofing on the product. Zero is the lowest while 9K is the highest (you're unlikely to see a 9K on headphones because this level is only given to materials that can handle direct, high-temp, and high-pressure water).

So what's a good waterproof number to look for? We recommend anything between a four and six, but seven and higher would be a premium rating and capable of withstanding full water submersion. Most of what you will see are "IPX4", which is solid, but if you're really wanting a pair of headphones that are made to handle high activity then look for a second number of seven or above.

How We Selected

For the past year, we consulted with Men's Health's editors and writers on their favorite AirPods models. Experts, including our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, put the entire AirPods lineup together and evaluated each pair based on performance, durability, and comfort. We also considered price point, as some AirPods provide a better overall value than others.

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