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Different Types of AirPods – Comparison

Though there are various types of AirPods available in the market, here we are discussing and comparing 4 different types of AirPods that help you choose the best option suitable for your requirement. Here are the 4 different AirPods types…

AirPods Comparison Table:

AirPods Model 2nd Generation 3rd Generation Pro (2nd Generation) Max
Design Same as 1st Gen Shorter Stem In-Ear with Silicone Tips Over-Ear
Release Year 2019 2021 2019 2020
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) No No Yes Yes
Battery Life (Earbuds) 5 hours 6 hours (5 hours with spatial audio) 5 – 6 hours 20 hours
Battery Life

 

(With Case)

24 hours 30 hours 24 hours 20 hours
Wireless Charging Case Optional Standard Standard Standard
Water & Sweat Resistant No Yes, IPX4 Yes, IPX4 No
Price Range $119 – $199 $179 – $199 $249 – $279 $499 (or above)
Transparency Mode No Yes Yes Yes
Colors Available White White/Black White, Black, Green, Blue Space Gray, Silver, Pink, Green, Sky Blue

AirPods (2nd Generation):

AirPods 2nd generation is redesigned with a new H1 chip that allows quick connection times, hands-free access to Siri, and enhanced battery life. While its charging case supports wireless charging through an included Qi standard charger.

Main Features:

  • It has an improved design with a lightweight and streamlined charging case and dual beam-forming microphones (for more clarity).
  • The newly designed H1 chip in this type of AirPods allows for hands-free “Hey Siri” activation and quick switching between devices.
  • They are employed with advanced Bluetooth (V5.0) technology that offers up to 2X the connection range of its precursors and a 50% decrease in latency.
  • AirPods offer a better battery life of up to 24 hours (with a case) and 5 hours of listening time (with earbuds) with a single charge. Also, get another hour upon 15 minutes of charging.
  • A single charge offers 3 hours of talk time and 4 hours of phone call duration with multiple devices that are concurrently connected using Bluetooth.
  • The smooth customizable silicone-made outer surface molds perfectly to each ear that offers a secure and perfect fit.
  • AirPods turn off automatically after placing inside the case or while not using. This means they are ready to use at any time.
  • The advanced dual optical sensors in these AirPods can easily detect whether they are placed inside or outside of the ear and thereby adjust the volume levels consequently.
  • They offer a great user experience by instantly connecting and transitioning between all Apple devices like Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
  • The independent control over the volume settings on each set of headphones allows you to easily share the audio experience, making both the user/listeners enjoy the audio with their personalized sound level.

AirPods (3rd Generation):

This AirPods 3rd generation is the new and most advanced version of Apple wireless earbuds. With its wide range of improved features and enduring performance, this version became popular and the most preferred option by numerous people for their daily use.

These are designed with an ergonomic shape that offers a secure and comfortable fit, even for extended use. Thus, they ensure an enhanced and comfortable listening experience, irrespective of how long you are using them.

Main Features:

  • The latest Apple H1 chip in this 3rd generation allows for quick connections, hands-free access to Hey Siri, auto switching between devices, and better sound quality.
  • Its charging case supports both Apple’s MagSafe charging case and a lightning Qi-standard wireless charging case for easy charging.
  • It has advanced Bluetooth (V5.0) technology and an IPX4 sweat and water-resistant rating that makes it a perfect option to use for active lifestyles.
  • The case can offer up to 30 hours of battery life and 6 hours of listening time (5 hours of spatial audio listening time) upon a single charge.
  • They have the adaptive EQ to generate a precise sound profile and personalized engraving with emoji, initials, and more that make it a perfect gift option.
  • The dynamic head tracking of these AirPods 3rd generation allows its users to experience personalized spatial audio adjusted to their movement in real-time, and also the sounds it places around you will offer better immersion.
  • A better seal is created in the ear with its silicon tips that let you enjoy the rich sound quality and low-level discharge of external noise.
  • The personalized spatial audio allows you to experience the music and other audio content in a new way, as it creates a 3D, realistic experience that surrounds the user from all directions, just like staying at the center of a concert or theatrical event.
  • The integrated microphone is shielded in a special acoustic netting that is embedded inside each earbud that will block out the wind or external noises while you are on the call. Thus, it ensures an audible and distinct voice.
  • These AirPods feature a custom amplifier, dynamic drivers, and expertly detailed sound to revel in an audio experience. Also, enjoy exceptional sound quality with balanced tones from rich bass to crisp highs.

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation):

The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation is a bit advanced wireless earbud system featuring a comfortable design, improved sound quality, and various cutting-edge features like active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and an enhanced charging case with wireless charging abilities. With all these features, this pro is an ideal audio solution for those seeking an immersive listening experience, irrespective of any environment.

Main Features:

  • With its active noise cancellation and adaptive transparency features, this AirPods Pro 2nd generation will block out unwanted background noise and allow users to enjoy the audio/music without any distortion.
  • The upgraded driver in this AirPods Pro 2 offers crisp highs and powerful bass that allow its users to enjoy excellent sound/music like never before.
  • It provides a longer battery life of up to 6 hours of wireless audio playback with a single charge, and up to 30 hours of total battery life with the included charging case.
  • It has an IPX4 sweat and water-resistant construction that makes it use widely in more strenuous activities. Also, this IPX4 rating makes it ideal for wearing during extensive work out in the gym or running, as they won’t damage due to water or sweat.
  • The Apple U1 chip in the MagSafe Charging Case will help you to locate your AirPods Pro easily and quickly with Find My whenever it is missed or misplaced.
  • Equipped with the “Hey Siri” feature that let the user have quick access to their personal assistant.
  • The advanced Apple H2 chip will allow for quick and efficient connection to all your Apple devices.
  • The Personalized Spatial Audio technology in these Pro 2 AirPods will adjust the sound levels vigorously as per the user’s head movement.
  • Its innovative Adaptive EQ technology will adjust the sound automatically based on the ear shape of the user to enjoy the optimal sound quality.
  • The MagSafe Charging Case has a built-in speaker and lanyard loop that will aid in easy portability.
  • They offer personalized engraving options, including emojis, initials, and others.
  • After enabling the transparency mode, the users can hear their surrounding sounds even while enjoying their audio (podcast or music). Thus, it is ideal to use in loud environments like crowded restaurants and live concerts.
  • Since its charging case is redesigned with wireless charging capabilities, the charging can be quite easier and faster, keeping the AirPods charged when on the go.

AirPods Max:

The AirPods Max is an advanced, and luxurious version of the Apple. These compact, and over-ear design AirPods deliver superior sound quality, and numerous innovative features, including active noise cancellation, adaptive EQ, and transparency mode. Its powerful H1 chip allows these headphones to provide excellent power management for longish listening and spatial audio support with dynamic head tracking that places you in the middle of the theatre experience.

Main Features:

  • The adaptive EQ will tube the mid and low of songs automatically to ensure that they sound perfect, irrespective of the volume level (loud or soft) they are playing.
  • The dynamic head tracking and the sophisticated spatial audio of these AirPods will produce an immersive surround sound experience.  
  • With its transparency mode, the listener can switch to hearing the external world immediately without taking off the headphones.
  • The ANC of these AirPods Max will cancel the background noise to make the music or other audio sounds to be heard crystal-clear.
  • With the integrated advanced H1 chip, the Max model has increased power efficiency and super-fast wireless connectivity that lets you use it for up to 20 hours of listening up on a single charge.
  • Since “Hey Siri” is always activated, the users can easily access the personal assistant without taking the earbuds or pressing any buttons.
  • It is equipped with a hard-shell smart case that offers both convenience and protection, which, in turn, protect the AirPods Max from accidental damages or scratches and also put them into low-power mode automatically while not using.
  • The personalized engraving of emojis, initials, or other designs will allow its users to personalize the earbuds much further.

How to Choose the Right Apple AirPods:

Here is the ultimate guide that helps you to choose the correct Apple AirPods that suit your lifestyle from various popular wireless earbuds from Apple in the market. If you are a big fan of Apple devices (or) one seeking a reliable pair of earbuds, then here we differentiated various AirPods range and explained which AirPods suits you the best.  

AirPods (2nd Generation)

It is an entry-level Apple AirPods that comes with two pieces (one for the right and one for the left ear). Compared to its predecessors, this type delivers enhanced sound quality and better battery life (of up to 5 hours per charge). Also, it has a carrying case that doubles the charging as a charging station.

AirPods (3rd Generation)

With its improved design, these AirPods look attractive and more stylish. They have longer battery life and an upgraded H1 chip that offer quick pairing and even better sound quality. Also, it features hands-free access to Siri and has three sizes of silicone tips to enhance the ultimate comfort. Compared to its previous AirPods 2nd Generation, this 3rd generation AirPods has some advanced features.

AirPods Pro

The most advanced wireless earbuds of this AirPods Pro have active noise cancellation technology and come with 4 sizes of silicone tips featuring customizable fit settings that offer better noise isolation to fit perfectly on the ears. The Adaptive EQ tunes the music as per your listening requirement. Also, they offer up to 4.5 hours of listening time per charge.

AirPods Max

The new and latest Apple AirPods model, this pair has an over-ear design for extra comfort and excellent audio quality. These ear cups get adjusted automatically based on your wearing style, whereas its stainless steel headband makes it remain stable and secure while exercising or moving. Furthermore, it has active noise cancelling technology, spatial audio support, built-in sensors (to detect worn-out headphones), and up to 20 hours of battery life per charge.

Different Types of AirPods – FAQ’s

1. Which AirPods do I need to choose?

Ans: It depends completely on your budget and requirement. For instance, prefer to choose AirPods (2nd generation) when looking for a convenient and easy-to-use option. Go with either AirPods (3rd generation) or AirPods Pro (2nd generation) when you seek the latest features (like water resistance and ANC). If looking for high-quality over-ear headphones, then the AirPods Max will be your great option.

2. Shall we use different AirPods models with the same audio device?

Ans: Yes, you can connect different AirPods models to the same device. But the difference is that you may or may not enjoy some features like active noise cancellation, and transparency mode while using certain AirPods models.

3. Can I connect AirPods Max to non-Apple devices?

Ans: Yes, AirPods Max is compatible with non-Apple devices by using Bluetooth. Yet some features like Siri and spatial audio won’t be available.

4. What’s the difference between the 2nd generation AirPods – AirPods Vs AirPods Pro?

Ans: The main difference between these two types is their design, features, and price. AirPods (2nd generation) come with a traditional earbud design and won’t have ANC or water resistance, and are less expensive. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) comes with an in-ear design along with various advanced features like active noise cancellation, water resistance, transparency mode, and an expensive price tag.

Conclusion

There are Apple’s AirPods that range from basic daily listening requirements to high-end audio experiences at different budgets and styles. All you need is to choose one that suits your listening requirement and budget range. We hope this guide will help you to make an informed buying decision to find a perfect pair for your audio sources. Feel free to share your queries or thoughts with us in the comments section below. We will respond promptly to resolve your queries. 

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