Best AirPods 2022: top Apple and Beats headphones for you TechRadar Skip to main content TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. The best AirPods 2022 which Apple headphones are right for you By Matt Bolton last updated 22 September 2022 The best AirPods from Apple are getting better and better Included in this guide:1AppleAirPods Pro 2nd GenerationCheck Price (opens in new tab)2AppleAirPods ProCheck Price (opens in new tab)3AppleAirpods MaxCheck Price (opens in new tab)4AppleAirPods (3rd Generation)Check Price (opens in new tab)5AppleAirpods (2019)Check Price (opens in new tab)6BeatsStudio BudsCheck Price (opens in new tab)7BeatsFit ProCheck Price (opens in new tab)8BeatsStudio3 WirelessCheck Price (opens in new tab)9BeatsPowerbeatsCheck Price (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Future) The best AirPods and Apple headphones are top-quality in terms of sound, performance, and features. While these earbuds and headphones typically sit at a higher price range like most Apple products, they will give you your money's worth. Apple headphones used to be synonymous with the flimsy EarPods that came with every new iPhone. They did the job, but not well. Fast-forward to 2022, and Apple is a true contender in the audio tech space. In fact, offerings in its AirPods and Beats headphones lines are among the best wireless earbuds and best over-ear headphones on the market. (Apple acquired the Beats audio tech brand back in 2014, expanding its audio portfolio.) We've tested every single pair of AirPods and Apple headphones that have been released, including the AirPods Pro 2, which is our current top pick, and the AirPods Max, which is the best-sounding option if you have money to spare. So, we put together this list of you, noting their special features and specs to help you find the most ideal choice based on your needs, budget, and preferences. Whether you want a pair of running earbuds, on-ear headphones, or a wireless headphones option, you'll find something from Apple's roster to suit your audio needs. Take a look at our top picks below and their cheapest prices available right beside them. With Black Friday just around the corner, it won't be long until you start seeing excellent Black Friday Airpods deals and save money. We'll be listing the best deals here as they come so keep an eye out. The best Airpods 2022 (Image credit: Apple) 1 Apple AirPods Pro 2 The best AirPods overall SpecificationsWeight: 5.3gDrivers: Custom Apple designBattery life : 6 hours (earbuds) 30 hours (charging case)specificationsColourWhiteConditionNewToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Incredible active noise cancellation+Apple's best in-ear sound quality+New easier-to-find case Reasons to avoid-Some may not want in-ear fit-Apple's most expensive earbuds The highly-anticipated Apple AirPods Pro 2 entered our best AirPods guide in the top spot because they're a significant upgrade over the original AirPods Pro, offering fantastic audio performance and astounding ANC in a compact, wireless, and still very AirPods-esque, design. The Apple AirPods Pro made waves when they first launched, bringing ANC and better audio to the AirPods form factor. Now the Pro 2 offer much more, including fantastic audio performance thanks to new drivers and amplifiers. There's also better ANC on-board too which, during our testing, we found to be remarkably effective, blocking out almost all external sounds. Battery life has had a decent boost over the originals as well. It's good for all-day listening at 6 hours from the buds and 30 hours from the charging case. The case has been revamped too, with an IPX4 water resistance rating for light showers and sweat as well as a built-in speaker so you can find it if you lose it. If you already have a pair of AirPods Pro buds you might not be able to justify an upgrade, despite some of the changes. However, if you're looking for the best Apple has to offer, the AirPods Pro 2 are the top option, rivalling many of the top wireless earbuds from the likes of Bose, Sennheiser and Sony. Read our full review: Apple AirPods Pro 2 (Image credit: Apple) 2 Apple AirPods Pro Great-value AirPods… while stocks last SpecificationsWeight: 5.4gDrivers: DynamicBattery life : 24 hoursspecificationsColourWhiteConditionNewToday's Best DealsView at Staples (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Good noise cancellation+Better fit than AirPods (2019) Reasons to avoid-More expensive than better rivals-USB-C charging cable in box If you're an iPhone user looking for some well-fitting earbuds with strong sound quality and great noise cancellation, the original AirPods Pro are still a good option if you can find them for a low-price while stocks last. If you can find them for around $160/£160 or lower, we think they offer good value still. The in-ear design means they're far less likely to fall out than other AirPods styles. Meanwhile, 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 is a step above the AirPods 3rd Gen too. 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. Read our full review: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Max The best AirPods for sound quality SpecificationsWeight: 350gDrivers: 40mm dynamicBattery life: 24 hoursspecificationsColourBlue, Green, Grey, Pink, SilverConditionNew, RefurbishedToday's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Unbelievable audio performance+Fantastic user experience+Brilliant extra features for iOS+Great noise cancellation Reasons to avoid-Very expensive compared to rivals-No 3.5mm audio port-Limited features for Android-Ineffective carrying case The Apple AirPods Max were some of the most highly-anticipated headphones ever. Rumors and speculation about what they'd look like and sound like have been swirling for years. So do they live up to the hype now they're here? 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, and we can understand why many would prefer to shop for budget headphones instead. 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 our full review Apple AirPods Max (Image credit: Apple) 4 Apple AirPods 3rd generation A huge improvement on the AirPods 2 SpecificationsWeight: 4.28gDrivers: N/ABattery life: 6 hours (earbuds) 24 hours (charging case)specificationsColourWhiteConditionRefurbishedToday's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Crutchfield (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Impressive spatial audio+Easy to use Reasons to avoid-No active noise cancellation-No interchangeable eartips 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. The AirPods 3 are unsurprisingly optimized for use within the wider Apple ecosystem, so Android users miss out on a lot of the extra features that set them apart from other true wireless earbuds on the market. Plus, the lack of noise cancellation means they aren't the most high-spec earbuds at this price. Read our full review: Apple AirPods (3rd generation) (Image credit: Apple) 5 Apple AirPods 2019 The most popular AirPods are still worth considering SpecificationsWeight: 4g (38g with case)Drivers: DynamicBattery life: 24 hoursspecificationsColourWhiteConditionNewToday's Best DealsView at Crutchfield (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Faster pairing+Wireless charging Reasons to avoid-Wireless charging case costs extra-Audio hasn't improved since originals The second generation Apple AirPods may have been usurped by the AirPods 3, but they still sport some cool features that may make them worth buying if you're an iPhone user in particular. They've also been given a permanent price cut, making them the cheapest AirPods you can buy. A lively soundstage and the inclusion of Apple's H1 headphone chip means that the AirPods 2 work really well as a pair of earbuds for casual music listening or making phone calls - just don't expect audiophile sound. The AirPods (2019) also come with an optional wireless charging case means you can use a Qi-compatible charging mat to power the case, rather than sticking a cable into the Lightning charging port in the bottom of the case. Read our full review: Apple AirPods (2019) The best Beats headphones Apple headphones aren't just limited to AirPods. The best Beats headphones are worth checking out, as well. They might not have Apple written on them, but Apple owns the Beats audio tech brand. These days, there are lots of different Beats headphones to choose from, including in-ear headphones for sports, true wireless earbuds that give the AirPods Pro a run for their money, and comfortable pairs of on-ear headphones that make your music shine. (Image credit: Beats) 1 Beats Studio Buds The best Beats buds for most people SpecificationsWeight: 5gDrivers: N/ABattery life : 24 hoursToday's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Great sound quality+Comfortable to wear+Very good price Reasons to avoid-ANC could be stronger-Lackluster call quality The Beats Studio Buds are rock-solid true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation and support for Apple's Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos format. They sound great, with a lively sound quality that elevates the highs and lows of your music, and feel supremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They're not without some drawbacks, though. Chief among them is their lackluster call quality and lack of an H1 Wireless Chip. Battery life with either ANC or Transparency mode turned on is a little short at only five hours (15 hours with the case), and their noise cancellation isn't exactly class-leading, either. Saying that, they're a very low price compared to AirPods Pro, while still bringing almost all of the same features. That makes them a more budget-friendly option if you want to buy a pair of Beats earbuds. Read our full Beats Studio Buds review (Image credit: 9to5Mac / Apple) 2 Beats Fit Pro The best Beats equivalent to the AirPods Pro, but geared for fitness SpecificationsAcoustic design: ClosedDrivers: N/ABattery life (on-board): 6 hoursspecificationsColourBlack, Purple, WhiteConditionNewToday's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Active noise cancellation+Spatial audio on Apple Music+H1 chip for hands-free Siri Reasons to avoid-More expensive than studio buds-Android users don't get all features The Beats Fit Pro are essentially AirPods Pro in disguise: they have the same H1 chip as Apple's earbuds, and that means the same hands-free access to Siri and Spatial Audio in Apple Music. But they're slightly cheaper, and their IPX4 rating means they should be sweat-proof for workouts and running. We do have a few criticisms. They're not as loud as some rivals, and they seal so tightly that they can start to get uncomfortable after long periods. And while Android users can use these headphones quite happily, they don't get the Apple-specific features of the H1. If you don't do workouts or other intensive fitness activities these probably aren't the Beats for you. But if you do, these are superb in-ears that stay put and deliver excellent audio and call clarity. Read our full Beats Fit Pro review 3 Beats Studio3 Wireless The best Beats headphones for noise-cancelling SpecificationsWeight: 260gDrivers: 40mmBattery life : 40 hoursspecificationsColourBlack, WhiteConditionNew, RefurbishedToday's Best DealsView at BHPhoto (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Staples (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Excellent noise-cancelling+40-hour battery life Reasons to avoid-Soggy mids-Weak sub bass With an over-ear, closed back design, the Studio 3 are among the best noise-cancelling headphones Beats has ever made. The battery has massively improved since previous models too, so you can enjoy music for up to 22 hours, or 40 with the active noise cancellation turned off – just like the Beats Solo Pro. However, there are sound issues you just don't hear in other good headphones at the price. We found that these do not have a boomy bass, more like a tire of blubber sitting between the bass and mids that makes the Beats Studio 3 Wireless less articulate and open-sounding than most alternatives. Read our full Beats Studio 3 review (Image credit: Apple / WinFuture) 3 Beats PowerBeats 4 A cheap alternative to the Powerbeats Pro SpecificationsWeight: 26.3gDrivers: 12mmBattery life: 15 hoursToday's Best DealsCheck Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+Improved sound quality+Hands-free Siri+15-hour battery life Reasons to avoid-Difficult fit-The wire isn't ideal-No noise reduction The latest Beats Powerbeats (the PowerBeats 4) are a significant upgrade on the company's wireless workout earbuds, offering a sound quality that's just as good as the Beats Powerbeats Pro. They also boast an IPX4 rating and Apple's H1 Wireless Chip, which can summon Siri with the sound of your voice. They're supposed to last 15 hours per charge – six hours more than the Powerbeats Pro and three more than their predecessors, the Powerbeats 3. And, they can be paired to multiple devices and share songs wirelessly with another pair of Beats headphones. We didn't find these to be quite as good as the Apple AirPods Pro – especially in terms of the way they fit and sit in your ears. However, they have a lot of the same technology and specs to make them a decent cheaper alternative. Read our full Beats PowerBeats 4 review How much do Apple AirPods cost The Apple AirPods 2019 cost $129 / £119 / AU$219, while the AirPods 3 cost $179 / £169 / AU$279. The AirPods Pro are more expensive at $249 / £249 / AU$399, and the AirPods Max are the most expensive at $549 / £549 / AU$89. All models are regularly discounted (though not by much) - read our guide to the best AirPods deals for the latest price cuts. Are Apple headphones worth buying It depends on what you're looking for – if you want easy pairing with your iPhone, you can't go wrong with Apple or Beats headphones. But if you're looking for pure audio fidelity, you're better off looking at competitors like Sony and Bose, though the AirPods Max sound very good indeed. Because all of the Apple AirPods are more expensive than a lot of their competitors, budget is a big consideration here too. Although we do think most of the AirPods are great value for money, you will find similar audio quality, designs and comfort in headphones that are significantly cheaper. If you know you want to buy Apple AirPods but you're struggling to decide between AirPods models, our Apple AirPods vs AirPods Pro guide should help. Can I work out with Apple headphones Yes. The best Apple headphones for working out are the Powerbeats Pro, thanks to their earhook design and sweatproof IPX4 rating. Other models, like the AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating, but their design means they're more liable to fall out during vigorous exercise. Can AirPods connect to Android phones Yes, they can. You might find they're marginally slower to pair than they would be with an iPhone, but the difference is negligible. However, if you are using AirPods with an Android, you'll miss out on features like auto-pause or the ability to customize noise cancellation. That's worth considering if you have an Android phone and you're about to pay quite a hefty price for a pair of AirPods. For more information about how AirPods work with Android phones and step-by-step instructions, read our what non-iPhone users need to know about Apple earbuds guide. Apple headphones what s coming next Now that the Apple AirPods 3 have been announced, what's next in the world of Apple headphones? Well, we're hoping to see the AirPods Pro 2 this year. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has speculated that a new AirPods Pro model will arrive in 2022 – a claim that's been backed up by multiple sources. They will reportedly be an entry-level version of the noise-cancelling AirPods Pro, which suggest the rumored wireless earbuds might be cheaper than the most expensive Apple earbuds currently on the market. We would also love to see the AirPods Max 2, an updated version of Apple's long-awaited over-ear headphones. But, at least at the time of writing, we've got no solid confirmation they're on the way anytime soon. If new AirPods models are going to be announced soon, we could see them at a rumored Apple event, which could be taking place on March 8, 2022. This is where the iPhone SE 3 and iPad Air 5 are also tipped to be making an appearance Apple headphones dealsWant to sell your Apple headphones? Here's how to reset AirPodsRound up of today's best deals (opens in new tab)Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$239 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Apple AirPods Pro (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$249.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Apple Airpods Max (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$549 (opens in new tab)$449.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$179 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Apple Airpods (2019) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$79 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Beats Studio Buds (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$149.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Beats Fit Pro (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$199.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Beats Studio3 Wireless (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$349.95 (opens in new tab)$249.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by Matt BoltonSenior Editor, TV & AudioMatt is TechRadar's Senior Editor for TV and Audio, meaning he's in charge of persuading our team of reviewers to watch gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It's a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he's also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He's always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he's explaining the offside rule. See more Audio news TechRadar Newsletter Sign up to get breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more, plus the hottest tech deals! Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. 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