AirPods 3, Pro 2 or Max: Which Should You Get?

The AirPods Pro 2 came out last month and the choice is therefore difficult. Which one suits you best now? We put all three models next to each other, so that you can make the ideal choice. OMT editor Jeroen Kraak goes through the models step by step.

With the AirPods Pro 2 you can finally say that Apple’s renewed audio line-up is complete. The AirPods 3 were released in October 2021 and the Max on December 15, 2020. Because of this, there are three different devices and you may have some doubts.

Which AirPods do you need?

All three are also in different price ranges, so there is something for everyone. Which AirPods you should choose depends purely on your wishes.

AirPods 3

Let’s start with the cheapest option and the entry-level model: this is of course the AirPods 3. This is – how coincidental – the successor of the 2. The latter can still be obtained from Apple for an even sharper price (from 209 euros) .

Okay, back to the 3. What’s really new about this model is that it supports personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. This makes it seem like you are in the middle of the action.

The cheapest option

In addition, this version is also sweat and water resistant. Although the AirPods 2 could withstand this reasonably well (I have often exercised and walked in the rain myself), the 3 does this even better. In addition, with 6 hours, the earphones last an hour longer than the 2 per charge.

In addition, the AirPods have received a significant makeover in terms of appearance. This makes them even less noticeable and at the same time they feel even better. The EQ tunes the sound exactly to your ears. You can read more about it in our review.

So you have the AirPods 3 for 209 euros in the Apple Store. However, they are still cheaper to get. You can already score them at Belsimpel for 184.95 euros. The AirPods 2 can be found at various stores for around 140 euros.

AirPods Pro 2

If you ask more from your earphones, you will end up with the AirPods Pro 2. The earbuds have been available since last month and replace the regular Pro. They are a great improvement over the previous version in every way.

The biggest difference with the AirPods 3 is that these earphones have active noise cancellation. With this you completely isolate yourself from the environment. If you still want to hear people around you, but no loud noises, you can use the transparency mode.

Active noise cancellation to a new level

The AirPods Pro 2’s active noise cancellation is one of the best on the market. That’s a big step forward from the previous version. It also now fits better in multiple ear canals due to the different ear tips.

There is also now touch control instead of the pressure sensor that is on the AirPods Pro 3.

Another big difference with the AirPods 3 is the MagSafe charging case. This also has a speaker and is easy to find with the Search My app. This also applies to the ears themselves.

Even better sound

The sound quality is also slightly better. This is partly due to the new H2 chip that can be found on the inside. This way you hear crystal clear high tones and a deep bass sound.

For the AirPods Pro 2 you have to bring a little more money. The earphones cost 299 euros at Apple. Other stores are also around that price, because the gadget has just come out.

AirPods Max

Finally in this overview we arrive at the AirPods Max. That is the crème de la crème when it comes to audio from Apple. Instead of in-ear, it sits around your ears.

Just like the AirPods Pro 2, the Max also has active noise cancellation with a special transparency mode. This one is not sweat and water resistant because the model is mainly intended for indoor use.

Experience music like the best and never be disturbed again

The active noise suppression is also sublime. There are only 8! microphones on the inside to make it work optimally. Three microphones are specially designed to register your voice for good sound during calls.

Because it is a larger model, the battery lasts longer. You can listen up to 20 hours on a full charge. You can store it in the special Smart Case. In addition, the headphones immediately enter an ultra energy-efficient mode that saves the battery.

The pricey option

The sound of the AirPods Max is wonderful. This is partly due to the dynamic speaker driver from Apple that is in it. This makes high-fidelity audio possible. Of course, as with the other models, there is room for the personal spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.

For the AirPods Max you will have to bring a large bag of money. The headphones cost 629 euros at Apple. That might be a bit too much. Fortunately, the gadget can be found much cheaper at other stores. You can already score it via Bol.com for 497 euros.