Compare AirPods: Which version can you best buy (not)?

Are you going to buy new AirPods? Nice! You are faced with a spicy choice, because there are several types of the Apple earplugs available. In this article we therefore compare all recent AirPods with each other. This way you know which AirPods you can buy best.

Compare airpods: these are the differences

The first AirPods came on the market in 2017 and now we have arrived at the fourth generation. On the moment of writing, Apple is still selling four models itself: AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with noise reduction, AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max.

Appearance: the eye also wants something

In addition to earbuds, Apple also makes headphones. Or rather: headphones. So far there is only one AirPods Max. The first big difference between all types of headsets is therefore the form factor. Do you choose earplugs, or would you prefer headphones?

All AirPods earplugs are about the same size. Also in terms of weight, they do not avoid each other. In addition, all recent AirPods have an IPX4 certificate and therefore do not be shocked by a (sweat) drop here and there. That way you can wear them during exercise.

Note: the AirPods Max are not sweat. It is also important to know it is water -resistant not The same is as waterproof. So don’t take a shower or swim with it.

Read more: Explanation: are AirPods waterproof or not?

All AirPods are controlled by an H2 chip. Because of this, for example, they listen to the “hey Siri” command and you can call someone by using pure and only your voice. The AirPods Max still have an H1 chip, but on each side he has one.

The AirPods Pro 2 come with interchangeable silicone caps. That’s nice, because this allows you to try which size best fits in your ears. And they are also often very comfortable in your ears. Because the AirPods 4 (with and without noise canceling) are available in one size, you run the risk that they are less in your ears.

With the AirPods Max you don’t have these problems, because you can make the headband shorter or larger to your preference. In addition, the AirPods Max is often just a bit more comfortable. But you notice that in the price.

Also interesting: AirPods 3 VS AirPods 2: these are the biggest improvements

Difference in sound

All AirPods sound good, but certainly not the same. With regard to sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max are a bit better than the AirPods 4. And of course the AirPods Max sounds best.

All models have spatial audio (spatial audio) on board. This is a sort of surround sound that makes it seem to move sound around you. For example, when a bullet is shot from the left in a movie, you can hear it flying along your ears from that side.

Furthermore, all newer AirPods have adaptive EQ, an audio technique that adjusts the pitch of sound to the shape of your ear. Do you also want to be able to enjoy active noise reduction, so that background noise is filtered and you can therefore fully concentrate? Then you are in the right place with all these AirPods.

The transparency mode, with which you can hear the traffic noise around you while you have your AirPods, is only present at the AirPods 4 with noise reduction, the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max.

Comparing sound is very difficult, but the AirPods Max sounds the best. That is also logical, because the larger earcups ensure that you are very easily included in the music. Also headphones simply have more space to place all kinds of audio parts, such as drivers. The AirPods Pro 2 sounds best of the earbuds.

Calling and battery life

Do you use your earbuds regularly to call? Then you’re probably better for the AirPods Pro 2 or the AirPods 4 with noise reduction. You then have less problems with the ambient noise during calling.

When it comes to battery life, the AirPods Max pulls the longest end. The Apple headphones last no less than 20 hours on a battery charge. The number two will take a long time, because the AirPods Pro 2 will ‘only’ last 6 hours. But you should not forget that you also get a charging box with the AirPods. You can then get listening time up to 30 hours by charging your AirPods in between.

Conclusion: Compare AirPods

So, which AirPods do you have to buy now? The answer to that question mainly depends on your expectations, budget and preferences. The objective best sounding AirPods, the AirPods Max, do not necessarily have to be the best choice for you. That is why we outline per model if we would or would not recommend them.

We recommend the AirPods Max for people who give a lot to give sound quality and are not afraid to pull the wallet. Despite its weight, the headphones are very comfortable and you can easily wear it for several consecutive hours. Thanks to audio functions such as noise reduction, it is therefore ideal for working from home.

If you prefer to go for in-ear earplugs and want noise suppression, you have the choice between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 (with noise reduction). The Pro 2 then has our preference, because these earbuds sound just a bit better. Do you not want silicone caps and yet noise reduction? Then you have to be with noise reduction at the AirPods 4.

Don’t you need noise reduction? And do you just want the cheapest AirPods that are for sale at Apple? Then you choose the AirPods 4. You miss a few functions, but you will also notice that in the price tag.

Continue to compare with AirPods?

Do you want to know more about the different AirPods? Then read our reviews. In this we consider much more extensively with the advantages and disadvantages. After this extensive report you really know which AirPods you should buy.

• AirPods Pro 2 Review
• Airpods Max Review
• AirPods 4 Review