With Apple's fall hardware event now behind us, The Verge has updated its comprehensive AirPods buying guide to reflect the current lineup and pricing. The guide covers all four AirPods models currently available, providing consumers with updated recommendations as we head into the holiday shopping season.
The Verge has refreshed its popular AirPods buying guide, providing consumers with updated recommendations and pricing for Apple's current audio lineup just as holiday shopping season kicks into gear. The comprehensive guide comes at a strategic time, with Apple's fall hardware event now complete and the AirPods lineup appearing settled for the foreseeable future. The updated guide maintains The Verge's recommendation of the AirPods Pro 3 as the best overall choice, earning a 9/10 score for its improved noise cancellation and innovative health features. At $249, the third-generation Pro models deliver significant upgrades over their predecessors, including a more angular design with expanded ear tip sizes ranging from XXS to L. The standout feature remains the foam-infused tips that combine silicone and foam materials for better comfort and seal. Beyond fit improvements, the AirPods Pro 3 introduces health tracking capabilities through an integrated heart rate sensor, allowing users to monitor workouts directly from their ears. The earbuds can also function as clinical-grade hearing aids, a feature that positions Apple's audio products in the healthcare space. With IP57 water resistance and 8-hour battery life with active noise cancellation enabled, they represent Apple's most advanced wireless earbuds. For users who find ear tips uncomfortable, the guide recommends the AirPods 4, now available from $115 with updated pricing. The open-ear design means users aren't completely isolated from their environment, which some prefer over the sealed feel of the Pro models. Apple offers two versions of the AirPods 4, with the higher-priced model including active noise cancellation and wireless charging capabilities. Surprisingly, the noise cancellation works reasonably well despite the unsealed design, though it can't match the performance of properly sealed earbuds. The AirPods Max remains the sole over-ear option in Apple's lineup, now discounted to around $480 from its original $549 price point. While the headphones deliver impressive sound quality and noise cancellation, they're notably heavier than competitors and use Apple's older H1 chip rather than the newer processors found in the Pro and standard AirPods lines. This chipset limitation means missing out on features like conversation awareness and adaptive audio that have become standard on Apple's newer audio products. However, Apple did add lossless audio support over USB-C earlier this year, making the Max the highest-fidelity option in the company's audio lineup. The timing of this guide update reflects Apple's current product strategy. Unlike iPhones or iPads, the company doesn't refresh its AirPods lineup annually, meaning the current models should remain relevant through the next buying cycle. The recently launched AirPods Pro 3 represents the latest evolution of Apple's flagship earbuds, while the AirPods Max has seen minimal changes since its 2020 debut beyond the USB-C upgrade and new color options. Industry observers note that Apple's audio ecosystem continues to strengthen its appeal among iPhone users through features like automatic device switching, audio sharing, and seamless integration with Apple TV and other company products. These conveniences often outweigh pure audio quality considerations for consumers already invested in Apple's ecosystem. The updated pricing reflects broader market trends, with the standard AirPods 4 seeing discounts that make them more competitive with third-party alternatives. Meanwhile, the Pro 3 maintains its premium positioning despite offering more features than previous generations at the same price point. Looking ahead, the guide suggests Apple's audio roadmap may include camera-equipped AirPods with Apple Intelligence integration, though such features aren't expected in the near term. For now, consumers have a clear three-tier choice: the Pro 3 for premium features and health tracking, the AirPods 4 for basic functionality with optional noise cancellation, and the Max for over-ear preferences despite its aging internals.
