10 Best Airpods 2026 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a strong choice for anyone looking for high-quality wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation. They feature active noise cancellation that improves significantly over the previous model, making them great for blocking out distractions whether you're commuting or working. The sound quality shines with rich bass, clear vocals, and immersive spatial audio that creates a 3D listening experience. Battery life is also impressive, offering up to 8 hours with noise cancellation on, and even longer when using transparency modes.

Fit and comfort are improved thanks to five sizes of silicone ear tips, which help create a secure and personalized fit. This also enhances sound quality and noise isolation. The earbuds are water-resistant and sweatproof, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. The built-in heart rate sensor is a unique addition that adds fitness tracking capabilities, which could be beneficial if you want more health insights alongside your music.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth and quick switching between Apple devices, and controls include touch gestures and voice commands via Siri. Call quality benefits from clear microphones and noise control technologies, so voice calls come across clearly. The new USB-C charging case with a speaker and lanyard loop is convenient, though the charging cable is not included. Some advanced features like live translation and personalized hearing aids may require supporting Apple devices and software. These earbuds are optimized for Apple users, so some features might be limited on non-Apple devices. For top-tier noise cancellation, great sound, and useful extras like heart rate monitoring within a comfortable, sweat-resistant design, the AirPods Pro 3 stand out in the premium wireless earbud category.

The Apple AirPods 4 offer a comfortable fit with a redesigned shape that stays secure for long wear. They feature active noise cancellation (ANC) that effectively reduces background noise, while their Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings clearly when needed. Sound quality is enhanced by the H2 chip, personalized spatial audio, and adaptive EQ, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. Calls benefit from voice isolation technology that clarifies your voice even in noisy environments.

Battery life allows up to 5 hours of listening per charge with ANC on, and the charging case extends this to about 30 hours, which is typical for premium earbuds. The case is compact, supports USB-C and wireless charging, adding convenience. Bluetooth 5.3 offers a stable and easy connection, plus intuitive controls and hands-free Siri with smart head gestures improve usability. Water and sweat resistance (IP54 rating) means they can handle light rain and workouts but aren’t fully waterproof.

While the earbuds excel in sound and features, the battery life might be shorter compared to some competitors if ANC is always on. Additionally, the price may be higher than average earbuds due to AppleCare+ and brand premium. These AirPods suit users looking for a seamless Apple ecosystem experience with great sound, noise control, and smart features, especially for everyday use, calls, and entertainment.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones designed for users who value excellent sound quality and advanced features. They deliver high-fidelity audio thanks to Apple’s custom-designed drivers and the H1 chip, along with personalized spatial audio that adapts to your ear shape for an immersive experience. Active Noise Cancellation is top-tier, removing significantly more background noise than many competitors, while Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off.

Comfort is a priority here, with memory foam ear cushions and a breathable knit-mesh canopy that provide a snug fit for long listening sessions. Battery life stands at about 20 hours with noise cancellation active, which is solid but may require regular charging for heavy users. Connectivity is seamless with Apple devices, featuring easy pairing, automatic switching between devices, and Bluetooth 5.0. Controls are intuitive, including the Digital Crown for volume and playback, plus voice control via Siri.

The headphones are not water-resistant, so they’re not ideal for workouts or rainy conditions. They’re also on the heavier side compared to other models, which might affect comfort during extended wear for some people. The USB-C charging is convenient for users with Apple’s newer devices but differs from earlier AirPods models that used Lightning cables. These features make the AirPods Max well-suited for high-end audio and smart features mainly for home, office, or travel use rather than active sports or rugged environments.