Apple’s AirPods are a popular choice for wireless earbuds, offering convenience, portability, and excellent sound quality. Over the years, Apple has released several iterations of the AirPods, each with its own unique features and price points. Here’s a breakdown of each model and what they have to offer.
All Apple AirPods: Features, Pricing and availability
1. AirPods (1st and 2nd generation)
The first-generation AirPods were released in 2016, and the second-generation AirPods followed in 2019. Both models feature a similar design, with a white stem and earpiece that sits comfortably in the ear. Here are the features and pricing for each model:
Features of (1st and 2nd generation)
- Up to 5 hours of listening time and 3 hours of talk time on a single charge
- Automatic on and off when they’re placed in or removed from your ears
- Easy setup with all your Apple devices
- Seamless switching between devices
- Support for “Hey Siri” voice commands
- Charging case provides multiple charges and holds additional charges for more than 24 hours of listening time
Pricing of AirPods (1st and 2nd generation)
- AirPods with standard charging case: $129 (1st gen) or $159 (2nd gen)
- AirPods with wireless charging case: $169 (2nd gen only)
2. AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
The AirPods Pro (1st generation) were released in 2019, while the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) came in September of 2022. Both are a more premium version of the AirPods (1st and 2nd generation). They feature a more customizable fit, active noise cancellation, and sweat and water resistance.
Note that the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation offers almost twice better specs than it 1st generation counterpart. Here are their key features and pricing:
Features of AirPods Pro
- Active noise cancellation for immersive sound
- Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
- Sweat and water resistance (IPX4 rating)
- Touch control (2nd Gen only)
- Adaptive EQ that automatically tunes music to your ears
- Up to 4.5 hours of listening time and 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge
- Charging case provides multiple charges and holds additional charges for more than 24 hours of listening time
Pricing of AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
- Both the 1st and 2nd Generation of AirPods Pro costs $249.
3. AirPods Max
The AirPods Max were released in 2020 and are Apple’s first over-ear headphones. They feature high-fidelity audio, active noise cancellation, and a comfortable, premium design. Here are the features and pricing for the AirPods Max:
Features of AirPods Max
- High-fidelity audio with Apple-designed dynamic driver
- Active noise cancellation for immersive sound
- Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you
- Adaptive EQ that automatically tunes music to your ears
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a theater-like experience
- Up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge with active noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled
- Soft, breathable knit mesh canopy headband and ear cushions distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on your head
Pricing of AirPods Max
- AirPods Max: $549
AirPods (3rd generation)
The latest version of the standard AirPods were released in 2021 and feature a new, more ergonomic design, improved sound quality, and spatial audio support. Here are the features and pricing for the AirPods (3rd generation):
Features of AirPods (3rd generation)
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a theater-like experience
- Adaptive EQ that automatically tunes music to your ears
- Up to 6 hours of listening time and 4 hours of talk time on a single charge
- MagSafe charging case provides multiple charges and holds additional charges for more than 30 hours of listening
Pricing of AirPods (3rd generation)
- AirPods (3rd generation) with standard charging case: $179
- AirPods (3rd generation) with wireless charging case: $199
Conclusion and final key points
Apple AirPods are an excellent choice for anyone looking for wireless earbuds or over-ear headphones. Each model offers unique features and benefits, and the pricing reflects those differences.
- The AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) are great for anyone looking for a standard, reliable set of wireless earbuds.
- The AirPods Pro are an excellent choice for anyone looking for more premium features like active noise cancellation and sweat and water resistance.
- The AirPods Max are the best choice for anyone looking for high-fidelity over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation and spatial audio. F
- inally, the AirPods (3rd generation) are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a new and improved design with spatial audio support, making them a great all-around option for most users.
Whatever your needs and budget, there’s an Apple AirPods model that’s perfect for you. This article will be update as more future generation of AirPods are introduced.
