Do you want or plan to get a pair of Apple headphones? Before any acquisition, there are still several elements to take into consideration, in order to help you choose between the different models, “old” and new.
The different models of AirPods
Apple currently offers three models of its wireless headphones, each with its own features and price:
- 2nd Generation AirPods, with Wired Lightning Charging Case
- AirPods 3rd generation, with wireless (MagSafe) or wired (Lightning) charging case
- AirPods Pro 2nd generation (MagSafe) or wired (Lightning)
- AirPods Max
In September 2022, the Cupertino company launched the 2nd generation of AirPods Pro, alongside the iPhone 14 range and three Apple Watch (Series 8, SE 2nd gen and Ultra). So, to make the right choice and find the pair of 100% wireless or headphones that suits you best, it would be a good idea to take a look at the features that each AirPod offers. Thus, you may find what you are looking for in a slightly older model and certainly less expensive than the new generation that Apple has unveiled.
2nd and 3rd generation AirPods
Apple presented its first AirPods in September 2016, three years later in 2019 the firm launched an update with the H1 chip and a Lightning charging case. Then, in October 2021, Apple released a 3rd generation with a new design, Spatial Audio technology for the 1st time, a waterproof rating, and an optional MagSafe wireless charging case.
Thanks to their universal fit, AirPods 3 are suitable for most users, although some still struggle to keep them in place.
Unless you find them on sale or refurbished, Apple offers the AirPods 2 at a price of €159 and its third generation from €209. They are also available from retailers such as Boulanger, Fnac, Cdiscount, Rakuten or even Amazon.
Our opinion
If you’re looking for effective and affordable headphones, then why not look to the AirPods 3 with a revamped design but also advanced features, rather than their predecessors which may soon be outdated and outdated. However, they remain efficient, competitive and their price will continue to drop. Also, it’s also going to be a while before you get fourth-generation AirPods, so your third-generation AirPods won’t be obsolete anytime soon.
AirPods Pro 2
In October 2019, Apple presented its first AirPods Pro, they had met with some success with the public. They introduced active noise reduction, automated adjustment of frequency profiles, haptic feedback on the stems, an IPX4 waterproof rating, a case equipped with wireless charging and interchangeable rubber tips. Finally, in 2021 when the AirPods 3 were released, Apple launched a MagSafe charging case for its Pro model.
It took 3 years, September 2022, before they were renewed with technical characteristics, the addition of volume controls and improved functionalities:
- Touch control
- H2 chip
- Active noise reduction
- Transparency mode
- Audio spatial
- Bluetooth 5.3
- IPX4 water and sweat resistance
- Wireless charging case with speaker and notch
- 6 hours of playback from one charge (up to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking enabled)
- 4.5 hours talk time on one charge
- 30 hours of reading
- 5 minutes of charge in the case for approximately 1 hour of autonomy
Apple charges €299 for the AirPods Pro 2, you will find them at the same price at Amazon, Cdiscount, Fnac, Rakuten or Boulanger for example.
Our opinion
If you’ve been eagerly waiting (or not) for a new generation of AirPods Pro to come out, then your wait deserves to be rewarded. Apple has improved them a lot by giving them two state-of-the-art chips (H2 and U1), a speaker in the case, better battery life and advanced audio capabilities and functions.
So, don’t hesitate any longer and take the plunge, we recommend the AirPods Pro 2022 without any problem.
AirPods Max
Introduced in December 2020, the AirPods Max are already two years old and there is no successor on the horizon at the moment. This over-ear headphones offer the following features:
- Active noise reduction
- Transparency mode
- Spatial audio with dynamic tracking
- Microphones
- H1 chip
- Crown digital controls
- Up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge
Apple’s high-end headset sports a great design, has good audio quality, and feels nice to the touch, but its $629 price tag seems unreasonable.
It is possible to find good deals on this helmet, but it remains expensive. And, on the market, cheaper and very good helmets are available, judge for yourself thanks to this comparison.
Our opinion
If you’re looking for Apple Bluetooth headphones, we recommend the AirPods Pro over the AirPods Max. Admittedly, these are not the same type of headphones, but they are much less expensive, are recent and just as efficient.
So you can save the difference and, maybe, invest it in an Apple Watch 2022 for example.
