From the AirPods Pro to the Beats Studio Buds, these are the Apple headphones you should buy in 2021.
Thinking of buying some AirPods, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Once synonymous with the flimsy EarPods you got in the box with an iPhone, Apple has become a true contender in the audio tech space with its AirPods range of true wireless earbuds and over-ear headphones. But which Apple headphones are right for you? That’s why we’ve created this guide, to tell you more about Apple’s AirPods, the different models on offer and how they stack up against the competition. There are actually only fourAirPods models to choose from: the 2019 AirPods, AirPods (3rd generation), the AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Max. That doesn’t leave you with much choice, so you’ll find some Beats headphones that we rate in this guide as well – that’s because Apple acquired Beats back in 2014, expanding its audio portfolio to include running earbuds and on-ear headphones. Not sure about Apple headphones at all? We’ve also included a few AirPods-alternatives to consider at the end of this page. The AirPods Pro are the best AirPods you can buy in 2021 bringing active noise cancellation, a snug fit, and an improved design to the company’s previous true wireless earbuds. They’re not quite the best true wireless earbuds out there (that honor goes to the Sony WF-1000XM4), and at $249 / £249 / AU$399 they aren’t cheap, either. That said, if you’re an iPhone user looking for some well-fitting earbuds with strong sound quality, you could do a lot worse than the latest AirPods – the redesign means they’re far less likely to fall out, and the additional microphones provide strong noise-cancelling (particularly when commuting), as well as a useful Transparency mode, which really does let the outside world in. The sound quality of the AirPods Pro has certainly improved since the previous iteration – there’s a notable emphasis on vocals and bass, meaning these earbuds are better for pop fans than those who enjoy a more natural presentation that lends itself to classical music or more orchestral sounds. Apparently, there’s a new AirPods model on the horizon to join the original buds and the newer Pros. The AirPods Pro 2 are rumored to be a new, cheaper variant of the company’s popular true wireless earbuds, and they could be released this year. Read more: Apple AirPods Pro review The Apple AirPods Max were some of the most highly-anticipated headphones ever. Rumors and speculation about what they’ll look like and sound like have been swirling for years. So do they live up to the hype? Well, yes and no. When we finally got our hands on the AirPod Max we found that, as you might expect, the audio quality was nothing short of extraordinary. The design and build was also solid and unmistakably Apple and they were comfortable too. We also appreciate the use of physical controls as opposed to the voguish swipe controls that most wireless headphones seem to favor these days. We particularly liked the reprisal of the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown, which allows you to precisely adjust the volume and easily control your music playback. What’s more, they have brilliant quality of life features for those already devoted to the Apple ecosystem. But it isn’t all good news. The most obvious drawback is the price. Apple has always created luxury tech with a higher-than-average price tag, but these are $549 / £549 / AU$899. In our review, we didn’t think the performance (although great) matched the sky-high price. They also come with a case that preserves the battery while the headphones are in use. This sounds good, in theory. But it doesn’t offer any protection. Instead, the Smart Case leaves the headband of the AirPods Max totally exposed. Read more: Apple AirPods Max review The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) represent a big step up from their predecessors in terms of audio performance, connectivity, and design. Features like Spatial Audio support and Adaptive EQ set these buds apart from the competition, while a new, more subtle design brings force capacitive sensors to the true wireless earbuds.
