It was with the AirPods headphones that the fashion for TWS began. Now such a form factor has become familiar to almost everyone, and every self-respecting company has one or even several models to choose from. So Apple did not stand aside and has long been releasing not one classic AirPods, but several models at once. You can choose between AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 2, and even opt for the full-size AirPods Max. As you can see, there are really a lot of options, but what is better? Let’s figure it out together.
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AirPods 4 Wireless Headphones
Along with the iPhone 16, Apple introduced the new 4th-generation AirPods. Moreover, the headphones received two versions at once, which are quite seriously different from each other. The cheapest AirPods 4 are just in-ear headphones, which are practically no different from the AirPods 3. They have a more modern H2 chip installed in them, IP54 protection has been added, the case has been equipped with a USB-C connector, and the headphones themselves have received voice isolation during conversations and personalized volume.
In general, nothing outstanding. Nevertheless, Apple considered that such headphones would be popular, and sells them for 129$. There are no duties on regular AirPods 4, so the price will remain exactly the same. If you are looking for regular headphones without any interesting noise-canceling features and with a frankly average sound, then you can take a closer look at the AirPods 4, but I would recommend paying attention to something else for this money.
AirPods 4 Noise Canceling Headphones
Remember, I said that the AirPods 4 has two models. We’ve already covered the first one, so now let’s take a look at the second one. It will seem much more interesting to you due to the fact that it is equipped with an active noise reduction system. Naturally, due to the fact that AirPods 4 are not equipped with silicone in-channel nozzles, they will not be able to provide perfect noise reduction. Some of the sounds will still reach you.
But the transparency mode in AirPods 4 will definitely please you. It will feel as if you don’t have any headphones in your ears. AirPods 4 with ANC Cupertinos sell for 179$. In general, the option is not bad and offers all the necessary functions. If you decide to opt for this particular model, then do not forget about mediocre noise reduction, so as not to be disappointed immediately after the purchase.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C Connector
Among the TWS-headphones Apple has the most stuffed in terms of features and capabilities model-AirPods Pro 2. As a first-generation AirPods Pro user, this is what I advise you to buy, because only with these headphones will you get the best experience, not only when listening to music, but also when watching videos and various commercials and movies. Thanks to the silicone in-ear earbuds and the H2 chip, you get gorgeous noise reduction, which even in the rumbling subway will allow you to drive in comfortable conditions and not be distracted by anything, and the transparency in the AirPods Pro 2 is generally somewhere in space.
Even the first generation allowed you to calmly talk to the interlocutor even in a whisper, and in the second one everything was even more steeply tweaked and tuned. The most important thing about AirPods Pro 2 is their price. With a difference of 3 thousand with AirPods 4 with ANC, you will get a completely different experience, and this is why AirPods Pro 2 is the best choice among all Apple TWS headphones right now.
Should I buy old AirPods
By the way, you can still find third-generation AirPods on sale. However, I do not advise you to buy them. The fact is that they use an older chip, which means that they have fewer features. In addition, the cost of these Apple headphones is no different from the AirPods 4 in the basic configuration without ANC.
So what’s the point of taking a discontinued device if there is a more advanced version with a modern chip and some features that AirPods 3 never became available? That’s why I recommend avoiding the AirPods 3 and other older models of Apple headphones. There is a lot to choose from on the market right now.
AirPods Max Headphones with USB-C
Separately, I want to focus on AirPods Max. I don’t see the point in comparing them to the TWS versions of the AirPods, as these are full-size wireless headphones that will offer you a completely different experience. Not everyone will be comfortable with this form factor. That’s why I recommend that you think carefully about what scenarios you plan to use the AirPods Max before buying them.
Just keep in mind that the ears in such a device will sweat, and for sports or walks in the heat, they will fit much worse than the AirPods Pro plugs. But when traveling and flying, AirPods Max will be the best choice for you. You will be able to disconnect from the surrounding bustle and immerse yourself in the world of your favorite music. In any case, before buying, think carefully about whether you need full-size wireless headphones, albeit with noise cancellation, or it is better to stop at some TWS option.