AirPods

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Accessibility

Accessibility

AirPods are loaded with features to assist with select hearing needs, from focusing on the voice in front of you in noisy surroundings to amplifying the frequencies you may need to hear more clearly.

Which AirPods are
right for you?

AirPods 2nd generation

Adaptive Audio feature unavailable

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode unavailable

Conversation Awareness feature unavailable

Spatial audio unavailable

Sweat and water resistance unavailable

AirPods 3rd generation

Adaptive Audio feature unavailable

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode unavailable

Conversation Awareness feature unavailable

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking ◊◊

Sweat and
water resistant ◊◊◊

Lightning Charging Case or MagSafe Charging Case ΔΔ

AirPods Pro 2nd generation (USB-C)

Active Noise
Cancellation and
Transparency mode

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking ◊◊

Dust, sweat, and
water resistant Δ

MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) with speaker and lanyard loop ΔΔ

AirPods Max

Adaptive Audio feature unavailable

Active Noise
Cancellation and
Transparency mode

Conversation Awareness feature unavailable

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking ◊◊

Sweat and water resistance unavailable

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• * New subscribers only. $10.99/month after trial. Offer available for a limited time to new subscribers who connect an eligible device to an Apple device running iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 or later. Offer good for 3 months after eligible device pairing. No audio product purchase necessary for current owners of eligible devices. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply.

1. Requires an iCloud account and a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software.
2. Compatible hardware and software required. Works with compatible content in supported apps. Not all content available in Dolby Atmos. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS.
3. Requires a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software.

• † Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) is a 0% APR payment option that is only available if you select it at checkout in the U.S. for eligible Apple products purchased at Apple Store locations, apple.com, the Apple Store app, or by calling 1‑800‑MY‑APPLE, and is subject to credit approval and credit limit. See support.apple.com/kb/HT211204 for more information about eligible products. APR ranges may vary based on when you accepted an Apple Card. Cardholders who accept an Apple Card on and/or after August 10, 2023: Variable APRs for Apple Card, other than ACMI, range from 19.24% to 29.49% based on creditworthiness. Rates as of August 10, 2023. Existing cardholders: See your Customer Agreement for applicable rates and fee. If you buy an ACMI eligible product by choosing to pay in full with Apple Card (instead of using ACMI), that purchase is subject to the Apple Card variable APR, not 0% APR. Taxes and shipping on ACMI purchases are subject to the variable APR, not 0% APR. You’ll need to select AT&T, T‑Mobile, or Verizon as your carrier when you check out. An iPhone purchased with ACMI is always unlocked, so you can switch carriers at any time. ACMI is not available for purchases made online at the following special stores: Apple Employee Purchase Plan; participating corporate Employee Purchase Programs; Apple at Work for small businesses; Government, and Veterans and Military Purchase Programs, or on refurbished devices. The last month’s payment for each product will be the product’s purchase price, less all other payments at the monthly payment amount. ACMI financing is subject to change at any time for any reason, including but not limited to, installment term lengths and eligible products. See support.apple.com/kb/HT211204 for information about upcoming changes to ACMI financing. See the Apple Card Customer Agreement for more information about ACMI financing.

• ◊ Works with AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software.
• ◊◊ Compatible hardware and software required. Works with compatible content in supported apps. Not all content available in Dolby Atmos. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS.
• ◊◊◊ AirPods (3rd generation) are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and they are IPX4 rated. Sweat and water resistance are not permanent conditions.
• Δ AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are dust resistant and sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and they are IP54 rated. Dust, sweat, and water resistance are not permanent conditions.
• ΔΔ MagSafe charging requires a compatible MagSafe charger. Wireless charging requires a Qi‑certified wireless charger. AirPods (3rd generation) charging case also works with the Apple Watch charger or Lightning connector. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) charging case also works with the Apple Watch charger or USB‑C connector.
• ΔΔΔ Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage, and many other factors.
• To access and use all the features of Apple Card, you must add Apple Card to Wallet on an iPhone or iPad with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Update to the latest version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Download and Install.
• Available for qualifying applicants in the United States.
• Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch.
• If you reside in the U.S. territories, please call Goldman Sachs at 877‑255‑5923 with questions about Apple Card.

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless Headphones Review

The Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless are decent-sounding truly wireless earbuds with a sturdy and stylish design. They’re compact, breathable and more stable than the Apple EarPods making them a suitable option for sports. However, getting a tight fit may vary from person to person. They also barely block any ambient noise, which helps you monitor your surroundings, but also means they will struggle in loud, noisy environments.

Our Verdict

The Apple AirPods 1st Gen are well-designed, comfortable headphones. They have an innovative way of connecting to your iOS devices and a rechargeable battery life that can last up to 27 hours, provided you have a fully charged case with you. They won’t be the ideal headphones for critical listeners or to commute with, due to their average audio reproduction and poor isolation. However, their portable and stable design, make them decent headphones for sports and casual listeners.

The Apple AirPods 1st Gen are passable for neutral sound. They’re incredibly comfortable and lightweight so you can them wear for hours, which is great for long listening sessions. However, their sound quality is average-at-best and may not be ideal for neutral listeners that want a great Soundstage or a deep extended bass range.

The Apple AirPods 1st Gen are acceptable for commuting or traveling. The open design lets in a lot of ambient noise seep into your audio, which is not ideal for the loud environments, typically, involved in commuting. On the upside, they’re super portable and have a good battery life and charging case so you can keep them on you at all times.

The Apple AirPods 1 are very good for sports and fitness. The earbuds are a vast improvement over the EarPods regarding stability. The truly wireless design allows them to stay in your ears, when running or jogging, provided you can get a tight fit. However, They are not sweat resistant and don’t have any additional stability tips so they may not be ideal for intense exercise.

The Apple AirPods 1 are sub-par for office use. They don’t leak much, so they won’t distract your colleagues. They’re also comfortable so you can wear them for hours. However, their earbud design is quite open so they won’t isolate you from the office chatter and ambient noise.

The Apple AirPods 1 are sub-par for gaming. They have a mediocre microphone, they lack customization options and have a bit too much latency to be suitable for gaming.

• 6.4 Mixed Usage
• 6.3 Neutral Sound
• 6.3 Commute/Travel
• 7.9 Sports/Fitness
• 5.9 Office
• 5.5 Wireless Gaming
• 5.3 Wired Gaming
• 5.7 Phone Call

1. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
2. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
3. Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
4. Updated Sep 28, 2017: The microphone has been tested with our new methodology, as explained here
5. Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
6. Updated Mar 01, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
7. Updated Jan 19, 2017: Review published.
8. Updated Jan 17, 2017: Our testers have started testing this product.
9. Updated Jan 11, 2017: We’ve purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Compared To Other Headphones

The Apple AirPods 1st Gen are truly wireless headphones with a decent sound and good active features. They’re the best truly wireless earbuds for iPhone we’ve tested. However, they’re more optimized for iOS so they won’t be as good for Android users and they’re also not as stable due to their one-size-fits-all design. See our recommendations for the best true wireless earbuds and the best Bluetooth earbuds.

The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless and the first model, the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless, are practically the same headphones. There are very few differences between the two models. The second generation model now uses the H1 chip, has better wireless range, and should have less latency, although we measured the opposite. They pretty much have the same sound profile, but the biggest difference is that you can now buy them with a case that supports Qi wireless charging.

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life, a better control scheme, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. They support Spatial Audio and head tracking for virtual surround sound and also come with a case that supports wireless charging. They may also be less comfortable since they have a bulkier design that can put pressure on the inside of your ears. Ηowever, both versions have a one-size-fits-all design, so it depends on the size and shape of your ears.

The Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Apple EarPods if you want a wireless design. The EarPods are wired, so they do not have the range and convenience of the wireless AirPods . On the upside, this also means they have no latency when watching movies. You also do not have a battery life to worry about since the EarPods are completely passive, unlike the AirPods. The AirPods , on the other hand, are a bit more stable for most listeners thanks to the absence of an audio cable. The AirPods are also a bit more practical for everyday casual use since they are truly wireless headphones with good battery life and a stable wireless connection.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless thanks to their closed-back design. The Samsung isolate more noise than the Apple, and its audio reproduction is more accurate and versatile. Also, the Samsung’s single-charge battery life is longer, but the Apple case holds more additional charges for a longer total battery life. If you have an Android device, you can download the Samsung Wear app and access customization presets, which you don’t get with the Apple.

The Sony WF-1000X Truly Wireless are better in-ear headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless thanks to their closed-back design, which helps with noise isolation. The Sony audio quality is also better than that of the Apple. The Sony also support NFC for quick and easy pairing. On the other hand, the Apple have a comfortable fit for most, and their overall battery life is pretty impressive with about 24 hours. They also have noticeably better latency, which might even be lower with iOS devices. However, the Apple interface doesn’t offer as much customization options like the Sony app.

The Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless are slightly better truly wireless headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Bose have a more stable fit for sports and a better-balanced sound quality that delivers a lot more bass than the Apple. On the other hand, the Apple have a better wireless performance with a more stable connection and a lot less latency when watching videos on PCs. They also have a longer cumulative battery life of more than 24 hours when you include the additional recharges from the case.

The Jabra Elite 65t Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Jabra have an in-ear fit that blocks more noise and is slightly more stable for running and working out than the Apple. The Jabra’s closed in-ear design also gives them a better bass range and a slightly more neutral sound profile that you can further customize thanks to the Sound+ app. On the upside, the Apple have a more reliable wireless connection, especially when paired to iOS devices. They also do much better for latency and have a longer battery life than the Jabra.

The Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless are a somewhat better truly wireless headset than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless, although not by much. The Sony have a more isolating in-ear fit that will block noise better than the Apple, but getting the right seal can be a bit tough at times. The Sony also have a customizable sound quality that packs more bass than the Apple. The Sony are also a bit more stable for the gym and do not leak as much even at high volumes. The Apple, on the other hand, have a more reliable wireless connection, a better range, a better battery life, and much lower latency which makes it suitable for watching videos, especially on iOS devices. They also have a more comfortable earbud fit and last a lot longer, with five hours of continuous playback and more than 24 hours of total battery life, compared to 2.2 and nine hours for the Sony respectively.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Sennheiser are more versatile thanks to their closed-back design, and their touch-sensitive control scheme is responsive and easy-to-use. They are better suited for sports and have more bass to keep you pumped. The Sennheiser also have better isolation and leakage performance. On the other hand, the Apple have better battery life and are significantly more comfortable than the Sennheiser. However, they can only be used with iOS devices.

The Bose SoundSport Wireless are a much better wireless headset than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Bose have a more stable fit and are better suited for sports and running. They also have a better-balanced sound that delivers a lot more bass than the Apple. The Bose block a bit more noise, although they will not be the best headphones for commuting due to their semi-open earbud fit. On the other hand, the Apple are a lot more portable and come with an excellent case that gives them more than 24 hours of battery life. The Apple also have a slightly more stable connection, are easier to use, and have lower latency with iOS devices.

The Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless are much better wireless headphones than the Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless. The Apple have a more comfortable fit, especially for those used to the Apple’s one-size-fits-all earbud design. They also have better build quality, and unlike the Google, they are truly wireless. You can also use each earbud independently of each other. The Apple have a slightly better sound, even if they don’t have a lot of bass. On the upside, the Google are a lot more stable for physical activity and sports. Their adjustable earbud fit design also caters to more listeners than the Apple.

The Jaybird Run XT Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless due to their good isolation performance and the fact that you can easily change the EQ inside their companion app. The Jaybird are great for sports, and they fit nicely into the ears to block ambient noise, which is useful for commuting and using at the office. While both headphones offer about the same battery life on a single charge, the Apple’s case offers way more additional charges. Also, the Apple are more comfortable and less bulky to carry around in their case and feel better made than the Jaybird.

The RHA TrueConnect Truly Wireless are more versatile truly wireless headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. Due to their closed-back design, the RHA have great isolation performance, which is suitable for commuting and using at the office. They also have a good control scheme that includes volume control, which the Apple lack. On the other hand, the Apple are more comfortable and are very well-built earbuds. They also have one of the best total battery life for truly wireless in-ears, at about 24 hours.

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 2.0 Truly Wireless 2019 are better truly wireless headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Bang & Olufsen have a more isolating in-ear fit that translates into a better bass range thanks to the better seal they create in your ear. The Bang & Olufsen have a customizable sound and better app support than the Apple, even on iOS devices. The Bang & Olufsen also have a better control scheme that gives you all the essential functions, while the Apple rely heavily on voice-enabled controls, which isn’t always practical. The Apple have a longer cumulative battery life at 25+ hours compared to the Bang & Olufsen. The Apple have a more reliable wireless connection with greater range and better latency than the Bang & Olufsen, especially on iOS devices.

The JBL Free X True Wireless are better truly wireless in-ears than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless in general. The JBL sound better, isolate more noise, have an easier-to-use physical control scheme, and have a more stable fit for sports. However, the Apple are much more comfortable than the JBL, have a significantly better battery life, and are easier to use with Apple devices. The JBL are a better choice for most use cases, but the AirPods could be worth looking into if you’re a fan of the Apple ecosystem.

The Anker SoundCore Liberty Lite Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless due to their closed-back design. The Anker isolate more ambient noise, which makes them a better option during commuting. Also, their audio reproduction is noticeably better, and their wireless range is excellent. On the other hand, the Apple are better-built headphones and feel sturdier. They also have one of the highest total battery life for truly wireless in-ears and are very comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The Apple also have noticeably less latency, which is good when watching videos.

The TREBLAB X5 Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless due to their closed-back design, which isolates more ambient noise. The TREBLAB also have better sound quality and pack more bass. On the other hand, the Apple are more comfortable and don’t feel as cheaply made as the TREBLAB. The Apple also have a better battery life, and their case is sturdy and gives you more additional charges. However, if volume control is a must-have for you, only the TREBLAB have it.

The Jabra Evolve 65t Truly Wireless are more versatile than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. Due to their open-back design, the Apple don’t isolate much noise and aren’t the best option for commuting and using at the office. The Jabra also have better sound quality and are a better option for sports due to their stable design. On the other hand, the Apple are very well-made and comfortable in the ears. Their case is also great and offers a great total 25-hour battery life.

The Anker SoundCore Liberty Air Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Anker are more versatile, thanks to their closed-back design that helps isolate more noise, which is useful for commuting and using at the office. The Anker sound quality is also more accurate and follows our curve better. Thanks to the different tip sizes, they are also very stable in-ears for sports. On the other hand, the Apple feel better made, have a better battery life, and are more comfortable for most people. The Apple are also more open-sounding due to their open-back design and have noticeably lower latency.

The SoundPeats TrueFree/True Wireless are better headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The SoundPeats closed-back design allows them to block more ambient noise and be more versatile for everyday casual use. The SoundPeats are also more stable for sports, and their sound signature packs more bass. On the other hand, the Apple have a way longer total battery life and are a better-built pair of headphones. The Apple case also completely protects the headphones, and they are more comfortable for long listening sessions. They are also open-back headphones, so they can be better for monitoring your surroundings during outside runs.

The XFYRO xS2 Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. They have better isolation due to their closed-back design, making them a better choice for commuting and use at the office. They also barely leak, have great wireless range, and aren’t exclusive to Apple products. On the other hand, the AirPods have significantly better build quality and have one of the best cases we’ve tested so far. They also have better battery life, but they lack a lot of bass.

The Skullcandy Push Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless if sound is the most important thing for you. The Skullcandy are more packed with bass thanks to their closed-back design, and they also isolate better. However, the Apple are better made, more comfortable, and have a better build quality. They also have more battery charges stored in the case, which can be useful. If you’re looking for truly wireless headphones to jog with outside, then the open-back Apple will allow you to be more alert to your surroundings.

The Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless are open headphones that don’t isolate much noise and are more versatile than the AfterShokz Trekz Air Bone Conduction. The Apple sound quality is better, and the case gives you up to five extra charges, for a total of around 25 hours of battery life. On the other hand, the around-the-head design with over-ear hooks of the AfterShokz is more stable for sports, and they have more on-the-go controls on the headphones. The Apple are a lot more portable but have a worse wireless range.

The Jabra Elite Active 65t Truly Wireless are a better truly wireless option than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Apple have a longer cumulative battery life than the Jabra, with 25 hours compared to 15. The Apple also have less latency, especially on iOS devices, so they’re a bit more suitable for watching videos. Their open earbud design is also more comfortable than the Jabra and are more suitable for monitoring traffic when running outdoors. However, the Jabra have a better-balanced and more customizable sound. They also have a lot more bass than the Apple and isolate better in noisy conditions thanks to their in-ear fit. This makes them a far better choice for commuting than the Apple. The Jabra are also more stable, which makes them better for sports and physical activity in general.

The JBL Free Truly Wireless 2018 are slightly better truly wireless headphones than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless when they have a stable connection. The JBL have a more isolating in-ear fit that will be better for noisy environments and are a bit more stable for running and working out. The JBL also leak a little less than the Apple and have a better sound quality, thanks to their stronger bass range that caters to more tracks. On the other hand, the Apple have a more stable wireless connection, better range, a longer battery life, and lower latency, especially on iOS devices.

If you prefer the compact format of a truly wireless design, then the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless will be a better choice. However, if you want a typical wireless in-ear for sports, go for the Fitbit Flyer Wireless instead. The Apple have an excellent 25-hour battery life, thanks to their compact and portable charging case. They also have an earbud design that most will find more comfortable than the FitBit. On the other hand, the FitBit have a more isolating in-ear fit, which makes them more suitable for noisy environments and commutes. The FitBit are more stable thanks to their multiple tips and stability fins sizes, and they have a lot more bass and will sound more exciting than the AirPods .

The Samsung Gear IconX Truly Wireless are a much better truly wireless headset than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Samsung have an in-ear fit that isolates better in noisy conditions and produces more bass than the Apple thanks to the better seal they create in your ear. The Samsung also have a dedicated app that gives them access to a preset equalizer, sports data, and a built-in coach to keep track of your progress, whereas the Apple feel lacking in features. The Samsung also have 4GB of onboard storage. On the upside, the Apple are better integrated into the iOS platforms, which gives them a few advantages over the Samsung if you have a lot of Apple devices already. They also have a much longer 25-hour battery life than the Samsung and a more stable and reliable connection with less latency, especially on iOS devices.

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Truly Wireless 2018 are a better truly wireless headset than the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless. The Bang & Olufsen have a more isolating in-ear fit that also translates into a better bass range thanks to the better seal they create in your ear. The Bang & Olufsen also have a customizable sound and better app support than the Apple, even on iOS devices. The Bang & Olufsen have a better control scheme that gives you all the essential functions, whereas the Apple rely heavily on voice-enabled controls, which is not always practical. On the other hand, the Apple have longer cumulative battery life at 25+ hours compared to the Bang & Olufsen’s 15 hours, at best. The Apple also have a more reliable wireless connection with greater range and better latency than the Bang & Olufsen, especially on iOS devices.