Best AirPods of 2024: AirPods Pros, AirPods Maxes and Beats tested by our experts

Along with all of our wireless headphones and earbuds, we test Apple AirPods based on six key criteria: design, Sound quality, Noise cancellation performance, Voice call performance and features and value.

design

We evaluate not only the fit of the AirPods (their ergonomics) but also their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. With wireless headphones and earbuds, we’ll see if they’re waterproof, but only a few full-size headphones have water and dust-resistant ratings, which is especially important. Exercise headphones You can go to the gym or run.

Sound quality

We evaluate sound quality by listening to a selected playlist of music tracks and comparing headphones to the best competing products in their price range. Audio attributes such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range, and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our evaluation.

Noise cancellation performance

If the AirPods we’re testing feature active noise cancellation, we evaluate ANC performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they muffle low frequencies. We then head out to the city streets to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how well they muffle not only street noise but people’s voices as well. Those that are able to reduce the greatest amount of ambient noise are noted and rated highly on this list.

Additional features

Some great-sounding AirPods don’t have features, but we take note of the extra features on board. This includes everything from quick double-tap access awareness to transparency modes (pauses the music and opens the headphones to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to private sound modes to ear detection sensors that automatically pause the music when you remove the headphones. Head by your ears. The latest models also include hearing health meters with hearing tests and a new hearing aid mode. We also take a look at the companion app for the AirPods if there is one, how easy it is to use, and the wireless charging capabilities.

Voice calling

When we test voice calling performance, we make phone calls on noisy city streets and evaluate how well the AirPods reduce background noise and how clearly callers hear our voices. Call quality is a key metric in today’s work-from-home world, so we’re sure to value this feature in many areas.

value

We determine value after considering how the AirPods stack up against all of these criteria and what they can offer compared to other models in their price category. Some models require additional purchases, such as a wireless charging case, to get the most out of their features, so we take those needs into account as well.