$160 at Amazon – Best Apple earbuds for working out – Beats Fit Pro
$549 at Apple – Best high-end wireless headphones for Apple users – Apple AirPods Max
$156 at Amazon – Best open wireless earbuds – Apple AirPods 3rd Generation
$170 at Amazon – Top wireless earbuds from Beats – Beats Studio Buds Plus
$250 at Amazon – Best Apple alternative to AirPods Max – Beats Studio Pro
$129 at Apple – Best budget AirPods – AirPods 2019 (2nd-gen)
What are the best Apple AirPods overall? Apple offers some of the best earbuds and headphones in the market. The AirPods Pro 2 are considered the best Apple AirPods available, featuring Apple’s H2 chip, USB-C charging, adaptive audio mode, and excellent sound quality. We also have recommendations for classic over-ear headphones and sportier earbuds options.
A good seal is crucial for optimal sound quality and noise cancellation. If you’re not a fan of earbuds that need to be jammed into your ears, there are other Apple and Beats options available. While not all of them are called AirPods, they still offer similar Apple chipsets and features.
Our expert has tested and reviewed all of Apple’s headphones and earbuds on this list. We also keep track of their prices to bring you the best deals on every AirPods model. While Apple doesn’t usually discount AirPods, other retailers may offer substantial savings.
Apple has introduced new AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe (USB-C) for better sound quality, noise canceling, and voice-calling performance. Despite their high price, they are recommended for Apple users.
The Beats Fit Pro, built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro, offers active noise canceling, spatial audio, and Adaptive EQ, making them the ideal sports AirPods.
The AirPods Max delivers rich sound quality, top-notch noise canceling, and premium build quality, along with Apple’s spatial audio feature. They are a bit heavy but comfortable for most users.
The AirPods 3, with an improved design and sound quality, are a great option for those looking for open earbuds. They are officially water-resistant and offer good noise reduction during calls.
The Beats Studio Buds Plus are a significant improvement over the original Studio Buds, with better sound, noise canceling, and battery life. They also offer top-notch voice-calling performance.
The Beats Studio Pro, the fourth generation of Studio headphones, offer great sound quality and are considered more affordable alternatives to the AirPods Max.
The AirPods 2019 (2nd-gen) are a budget-friendly option for those looking to replace their original AirPods. They may not have all the features of newer models but are still a good choice.
When choosing between AirPods and Beats earbuds and headphones, consider the design and fit that works best for you. Apple products are more tailored towards Apple users, while Beats products cater to both Apple and Android users.
It’s important to buy your earbuds from a retailer with a good return policy to ensure you can exchange them if they don’t fit properly.