Apple AirPods Review, Unveiling the Latest Features and Performance Standards

Wireless earbuds have swept away long cords and replaced them with convenient, seamlessly digital ones. Now we can wheel or walk as our buds stream. AirPods – Apple’s first Bluetooth earbuds, introduced in 2016 – have since become the de facto name for the category. But what exactly do Apple AirPods represent, and why? To answer, we need to return to the beginning of the company’s pursuit of the ~pod name shortly after Steve Jobs died in 2011.

In 2012, Apple patented the iPod nano armband, invoking powder-blue sports imagery in the days before coloured headphone cords dispensed with this pun. While we might associate the armband with the earliest shiny white first-generation iPod – the one that dominated music players until the first iPod nano arrived in 2005 – Apple, in its filing, described its design as ‘wrapped around a wrist, ankle or thigh’. Bluetooth buds, in other words, picked up where the music-playing crystalline doodad of the past wore into the 21st century.

For the sake of simplicity, when I refer to AirPods, your should take that as shorthand for wireless earbuds, regardless of the brand. In order to assess Apple AirPods, one needs to look at what is being resolved not only when they are connected to another device, but also across the Apple ecosystem of which they are inevitably part of, from their seamless pairing with iOS smartphones to the cross-feature sharing among other Apple products, as well as their advertised fast charging and the added features of automatic ear detection and access to Siri.

The AirPods case is an integrated portable charger that not only represents just another structural component, but also adds to the appeal of these cordless, highly mobile and technologically advanced personal accessories. Performance, comfort and brand reputation all play a key role in an Apple AirPods purchasing decision. Apple’s new AirPods have been meticulously reviewed by us, and we aim to help you understand if they are the right choice for your personal or professional life.

Top Apple AirPods Selection

We’ve rounded up the very best AirPods you can buy right now to help you find the most suitable wireless audio experience for your needs. From affordable wireless headphones with a practical design to the latest version of AirPods featuring the much-anticipated noise-cancelling feature, music lovers and casual users alike will find excellent options in our roundup.

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen

We’d like you to find the AirPods superior in ease of use and integration with Apple devices.

Pros

• Instant pairing and a stable connection
• Convenient voice-activated Siri access
• Comfortable fit for everyday use

Cons

• No noise-cancelling feature
• Limited controls without Siri
• Higher price point compared to alternatives

Slide the AirPods into your ears and they automatically pair with your handheld Apple device, which in our case was an iPhone. Because many of our daily requests involve a screen search, voice command was often quicker than finger commands. And, while running or using both hands, a hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ was helpful. Audio was clear – I could understand every word during chats and the bass of the music had some real tang to it (though they don’t have any kind of noise‑cancellation, so they don’t block out extraneous sound).

They fit well and sat comfortably in my ears – so much so that we often forget they were there, allowing us to enjoy listening to music for hours on end without discomfort. As to the downsides of AirPods, their lack of noise-cancellation was a big one – they admittedly sounded quite good even in louder surroundings, but sometimes I would have preferred to block out the sound of a swinging train altogether.

It also took getting used to the lack of on-device controls, because we didn’t want to spend all our time talking to Siri – this runs the risk of receiving odd looks in loud places or on crowded commuter trains (yes, I’ve looked a few times). Finally, they’re more expensive than some alternatives; but the build quality and the seamless way they work within the Apple ecosphere is something that, for the Mac user, would make the investment worthwhile.

AirPods 3rd Gen

(If you’re looking for one set of wireless earbuds that handles the seamless connectivity issue while offering the best sound quality, look no further.)

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality with spatial audio
• Comfortable, secure fit for everyday use
• Impressive battery life for longer listening sessions

Cons

• One-size-fits-all design may not suit everyone
• Lacks active noise cancellation
• Higher price point compared to alternatives

The first thing you notice about the AirPods 3rd Gen as soon as you unbox them is a new contoured design. The difference is subtle in pictures, but in person the pods look lower profile, featuring a new shape that settles nicely in your ear for a snug fit that – very important while running – doesn’t block your ears and hips from side to side during a jog.

At the same time, I never had to readjust them during runs. We tried these out on regular commutes and between sessions, and we loved them, especially their adaptive EQ, which made the buds feel like they were fine-tuned just for us. The sound was sparkly and balanced, and punchy bass permeated without overwhelming.

In short, AirPods 3rd Gen are an excellent buy. In view of the improvements we’ve detailed, we can readily give them a shout-out and recommend these buds for any Apple user, or someone new to the world of earphone hi-fi tech.

AirPods Pro 2

We think you should buy the AirPods Pro 2 for their setting-standard noise cancellation and continuation of the legacy of great sound that the second generation introduced, but only if you’re an Apple user already.

Pros

• Markedly improved active noise cancellation
• Customisable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
• Seamless integration with Apple devices

Cons

• Premium price point may deter some
• Limited customisation options for non-Apple users
• Potential for a snug fit to be uncomfortable for some ears

Courtesy AppleThe second-, third- and fourth-generation AirPods are helpful if you want to boost the sound quality and acting like a form of hearing aid to help you hear people on public transport or in noisy social spaces. But if you want to blot out the world you need the real ANC power of the latest AirPods Pro 2.

Our ambient noise really dropped when we wore them. Their noise cancellation is definitely not just hype. A low‑distortion driver and amp set provided great listening, with crisp high notes and full bass lines that we were happy to linger on. While the AirPods Pro 2 are not inexpensive (and are at the premium end of the market), the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ applies here.

In our opinion, they were definitely worth it – the sound was richer, and everything just worked so much better! For the rest of us who aren’t totally married to the Apple life, there’s still a thin veil of tastelessness. Yes, things beyond the Apple garden aren’t quite as polished, but Bluetooth tech means these earbuds still play well with others.

 

Btootos A90 Pro Earbuds

Overall, they’re an excellent pair of earbuds with advanced features at an affordable price point. They’re good for daily wear.

Pros

• Impressive noise-cancelling capabilities
• Convenient and informative LED power display
• Comfortable, ergonomic design with IP7 waterproof rating

Cons

• Bass might lack depth compared to premium models
• Touch controls can be overly sensitive
• Battery life may fall short for heavy users

Spending some time with the Btootos A90 Pro Earbuds, we really like how they sound. The noise-cancellation works well, too, entirely shutting out the abundant noise of the daily commute. It’s a feature you find on more expensive models, so its inclusion here represents terrific value. As for ease of use, the LED power display wins; you always know exactly how much charge is left, and there’s none of that ‘Is it five minutes or 10?’ stuff you get with battery indicators.

We found this level of public transparency really helpful when it comes to outside listening, removing any anxiety about battery life. But this is strictly for bass-heads who might be disappointed by the low-end performance compared with the overall sound quality for the price.

Overall, the quality is more than adequate for the price but cannot compare with high-end earbuds. Finally, although battery you are someone who wears earbuds all day long, you’re going to be reaching for that charger a lot more than you’d like. Overall: For the money, we really can't fault the Btootos A90 Pro Earbuds. They offer a great middle ground between cost and functionality, giving you a lot of what you might expect from more expensive earbuds.

Pearl White Earbuds

We think these ear buds are a smart buy because of their constant connectivity and premium sound quality for their value.

Pros

• Robust connection with Bluetooth 5.3
• Effective ENC noise cancellation
• Impressive 40-hour battery life with the case

Cons

• The high bass might not suit all genres
• Capacitive touch controls can be overly sensitive
• Limited delivery options outside mainland UK

As soon as you unwrap it, the impressive design of these Pearl White Earbuds with Microphone becomes evident. Incredibly light in its weight, the item allows forgetting about it on your body. The compact and ergonomic design of this ‚Äòheadset‚Äù allows it to fit comfortably in your ears with comfortable wear for a day. Paired with our devices, the Bluetooth 5.3 never dropped a beat – there’s nothing worse than loss of connection halfway through a song, and the Sony’s buds were solid all day paired right out of the case.

One quirky but standout feature was the battery life. We went several work days on a single charge with these earbuds. When we did need to recharge, fast USB-C charging meant they were good to go again after a short charge. In summary, we feel the Pearl White Earbuds are an entry-level product worth investing in. If you’re looking for an earbud you can use for work and play, look no further. This product has the features that normally come with a higher price tag.

Buying Guide

Below is an instruction that describes a task, paired with an input that provides further context. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. Paraphrase the input into human-sounding text while retaining citations and quotes: When buying a wireless earpiece, there are several considerations to make in order to find the one that best meets your needs.

Comfort and Design

Getting the right design and fit is really important – comfort is of the essence, and what’s comfortable for one differs between all of us. What you’re really looking for are options that have…

• Multiple ear tip sizes
• Ergonomic shape
• Lightweight build

Sound Quality

High-quality sound is paramount. We advise looking for these audio features:

• Clear, crisp audio output
• Balanced bass and treble
• Noise cancellation capabilities

Battery Life

The duration of use on a single charge matters for convenience. Check for:

• Long battery life of earbuds
• Additional charges from the case
• Fast charging support

Compatibility and Connectivity

Tune in to how well the earbuds work with your devices. Pay particular attention to these factors:

• Bluetooth version and range
• Compatibility with different operating systems
• Ease of pairing

Durability and Water Resistance

For longevity and versatility, take into account:

• Build quality and materials
• IP rating for water and sweat resistance

Extra Features

Extra features can enhance the user experience. Potential extras might be:

• Touch controls
• Voice assistant support
• Customisation via an app

Price

Decide what you can spend and then see what features are offered in your budget.

Here is a table format to keep these points in mind:

With these in mind, then, we can decide what matters most to us and what our budget will allow.