Which AirPods to choose

Since the launch of the first model of AirPods, at the end of 2016 the field of wireless in-ear headphones It was never the same again. Not only for the undoubted audio quality and ease of use, but also for the perfect integration with the entire Apple environment, which still characterizes the product today.

Over the years Apple has launched various models, in this guide we will see in detail the different models available. so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs.

Which AirPods to choose

• 1. Common features between AirPods models
• 2. The AirPods models on the market
  • 2.1. Airpods 2nd generation
  • 2.2. Airpods 3nd generation
  • 2.3 AirPods Pro
  • 2.4. AirPods Pro 2nd generation
  • 2.5. AirPods maximum
• 3. How to find my AirPods if I lose them?

Common features between AirPods models

All AirPods models currently available on the market, except the Pro model, which offers the new H2 chip from Apple – present a series of common characteristics, thanks to the use of the Apple H1 chip. This chip, compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, offers superior performance to the W1 chip in the first generations of AirPods, including a 30% reduction in connection latency.

The company's philosophy has always been to offer a comfortable listening experience, no frequency peaks which could be exhausting. This is combined with immediate convenience, as only one earbud can be used, regardless of whether it is the right or left one.

AirPods connect to iPhone or iPad with Bluetooth enabled, simply opening the case near them, a step-by-step procedure immediately appearing on the screen.

This ease of use is repeated every time you place the headphones near your device: Connection and use are immediate.. The same thing happens when switching between an iPhone and a Mac, such as switching from a phone call to watching a video stream. If another call comes in, the audio automatically returns to the cell phone. Siri voice activation is also instant.

Another convenient feature is the system that automatically pause audio when you take off your headphones. Plus, you can share a song with a friend by placing another pair of AirPods near your iPhone or iPad.

Finally, until the presentation of iPhone 15, AirPods models use the connectivity standard lightning, with Lightning-USB cables included. With the arrival of the USB-C connector also for Apple, the AirPods Pro have been updated with the charging case and MagSafe input USB-C.

The AirPods models on the market

After this brief but necessary introduction we can get to the heart of our article, focusing on the characteristics of each model to understand which AirPods to choose.

Airpods 2nd generation

Let's start our examination from the basic model., were presented in 2019 to replace the 2016 model and improve the previous ones in many aspects. Of the range currently on the market, they are the cheapest and easiest to use (also because they have fewer functions).

Easily connect to all Apple devices and they offer a fairly clear and balanced sound (despite a certain lack of bass). During calls, the audio quality is more than adequate, they are heard well and the interlocutor in turn will hear us as best as possible. They also have support for Crab (Apple voice assistant), i integrated touch controls in bars. They rest on the pinna and are so light that it almost seems like they are not there; This is also a disadvantage because They don't feel very stable. during sporting activity.

The AirPods 2 They offer an autonomy of 5 hours of listening or 3 hours of talking, while the case allows you to add an additional 24 hours of battery life.

However, they also have some limitations compared to the more expensive models that we will see shortly: They don't have active noise cancellation., they do not fit perfectly in all ears and have a shorter battery life than other models. Its list price is €149.. You can often save some money by purchasing them on Amazon.

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Airpods 3nd generation

Despite the basic name of the model, in reality the improvements compared to the previous version are so many that they can be considered mid-range headphones. Apple has decided to offer a valid product suitable for one wide segment of audience.

The third generation AirPods, introduced in October 3, are equipped with a design inspired by AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro, with a longer body that adapts better to the ear and a water protection certification and IPX4 sweat resistant.

The rods make up gods. micropanels that emulate clicks instead of responding to touches. Thanks to a new sensor system, AirPods 3 can detect skin upon contact and then enable a pause when they move away from your ears. For these reasons I am Also more suitable for those who practice sports. (although they do not reach the comfort of the Pro model).

The distinctive feature of the AirPods 3 and the clear improvement over version 2 is the music or movie playback. The bass is full-bodied and quite deep, thanks to a new speaker developed by Apple. It works well both indoors and outdoors, also thanks to the presence of an adaptive equalizer. AirPods 3 are also compatible spatial audio technologies (with dynamic head position detection) and Dolby Atmos, which offer a very attractive experience to try on Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, Netflix or Disney+.

Call quality is excellent., but perhaps the AirPods Pro do even a little better. The autonomy is almost record: 6 hours of listening or 4 hours of talking, with the case capable of bringing the total count to around 30 hours. The AirPods 3 are compatible with wireless charging and thanks to a small magnet, positioning them on the Apple Magsafe or Duo Magsafe is also much easier.

Overall, the AirPods 3 are a great product that offers excellent value for money. They are recommended for those looking for mid-range wireless headphones with great sound, long battery life, and a modern design.

Su The list price is €199. Sometimes you can save something by buying them on Amazon, where if you want you can also add the AppleCare+ guarantee (like on the Apple website).

Apple 2021 AirPods (XNUMXth generation) with MagSafe charging case

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AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro were introduced in October 2019 and have long represented the Line of high-end Apple headphones.. They are in-ear headphones, so they fit in the ear canal but, unlike competing models, they are not too invasive. Thanks to the support on the cornice of the ear, they do not give a feeling of constriction, maintaining good stability, even during sports activity. Am IPX4 certificates, then they are Waterproof and sweat.

AirPods Pro have active noise cancellation (ANC) very efficient. The ANC is capable of reduce ambient noise up to 30 decibels, allowing you to listen to music or watch videos without being disturbed. The AirPods Pro also come with a transparency mode allowing you to listen to ambient sounds without having to remove your headphones.

AirPods Pro have balanced sound, with well-balanced bass, midrange and treble. The sound quality is excellent, both for music and videos. AirPods Pro also support spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, providing an even more immersive listening experience.

Call quality is excellent., thanks to the microphones built into AirPods Pro. The microphones can reduce ambient noise and make you hear better during calls.

The autonomy of the AirPods Pro is approximately 4,5 hours of listening (5 hours without ANC) or 3,5 hours of talking. The AirPods Pro case offers an additional battery life of approximately 24 hours.

These Airpods were a great product for those looking for a pair of wireless headphones with excellent noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and long battery life. Now they have been replaced by the new model, let's see the improvements.

AirPods Pro 2nd generation

The AirPods Pro 2 are the second generation of Apple's flagship wireless headphones. They were presented on March 8, 2023 and offer a series of new features compared to the previous generation.

The new model has a similar design to the previous generation but is smaller and lighter. They are also more resistant to water and sweat, with an IPX4 rating.

AirPods Pro 2 come with a new H2 chip, which offers better sound quality and longer battery life. They also have a New active noise cancellation (ANC) system, which is more efficient than the previous generation.

AirPods Pro 2 also support new features like Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ. Spatial Audio delivers a cinematic listening experience, while Adaptive EQ automatically adjusts bass and treble to the shape of your ear.

The battery life of the AirPods Pro 2 is approximately 6 hours with noise cancellation on or 8 hours without. The charging case offers a significant additional battery life of around 30 hours.

The AirPods Pro 2 are a big upgrade compared to the previous generation. They offer better sound quality, longer battery life and new features. If you're looking for the best Apple headphones, the AirPods Pro 2 are a great option.

These are Apple's most expensive headphones, their The list price is €279, you can always try to save by looking for them on sale, for example on Amazon, where if you want you can also add the AppleCare+ guarantee as an option (according to Apple's website).

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Recently, to align with the new model of iPhone 15, the charging case is new USB-C input instead of Lightning.

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max airpods

We now come to the top-of-the-range model with cutting-edge technical features, specifically the max airpods. This is Apple's flagship model because the latter did not skimp on the use of high quality materials like anodized aluminum.

These are Over Ear headphones and they are completely different from the portable headphones presented previously; These AirPods Max are considered among the the best on the market because they offer a specific musical experience for audiophiles and they use spatial audio, Dolby Atmos and high resolution.

In addition to having the best features, these earbuds are quite heavy and, as mentioned, have a completely different intended use than other AirPods.

The noise cancellation system is effective in all situations. and it also allows you to make clear calls with your interlocutors without them hearing any annoying noise coming from your side. It is possible to control the headphones with voice commands or with a steering wheel, in true Apple style. The autonomy of the headphones is 20 hours of use. With the purchase of the AirPods Max the case is also present (very particular). The list price is €579. but as usual it is possible to find offers (even on Amazon). Note that the AirPods Max model is available in 4 other different colors, in addition to the classic silver that you normally see around or in photos.

How to find my AirPods if I lose them?

Let's add a little note that will please most people: all AirPods models have a popular location feature combined with iCloud called "Where is“. To find your AirPods, open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Watch, Mac, or iCloud.com. Then select the model AirPods that you can't find and wait for them to come shown on the map.

If you're using AirPods Pro 2, you can see it on the map the location of each AirPods and charging case. For all other models, if the AirPods are in two different positions, one at a time will appear. Find the one shown on the map first, then insert it into the case and refresh the map to locate the location of the other earbud.

If your AirPods are paired but temporarily offline, you'll see the time and location they were last detected online.

Here are some tips for finding lost AirPods:

• Check your last known location in the Find My app;
• Use the appropriate function to make AirPods play;
• If you've turned on Lost Mode, you can lock your AirPods and see a contact message on the screens of nearby Apple devices.

Which AirPods to choose