Which AirPods to choose in 2026?

AirPods (5^th Generation)

Announced: September 2026

AirPods 5 are Apple's latest open-ear AirPods and bring Active Noise Cancellation to the standard AirPods range. Apple says the new generation removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, while retaining the comfortable open-ear design without silicone ear tips.

Sound quality has also been redesigned. A new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ provide richer and more detailed audio across a wider range of ear shapes. AirPods 5 also support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive listening experience.

Noise-control features include Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Adaptive Audio automatically balances noise cancellation and environmental sound, while Conversation Awareness lowers your media volume when you begin speaking to someone.

AirPods 5 also support Siri Interactions using head gestures and Live Translation with compatible Apple devices. Some Apple Intelligence and translation features depend on the device, language and region. In Finland, availability of the newest Siri and Apple Intelligence features may therefore differ from some other markets.

There are two versions of AirPods 5. The standard model comes with a USB-C charging case. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add wireless charging using compatible Qi and Apple Watch chargers, longer battery life and volume adjustment directly from the AirPods stem. The Wireless Charging Case version provides up to 5 hours of listening with ANC on one charge and up to 22 hours with the charging case when ANC is enabled.

Key Features: Open-ear Active Noise Cancellation, up to 50% better noise reduction than AirPods 4 with ANC, Adaptive Audio, improved Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio, next-generation Adaptive EQ and Live Translation.

Considerations: The open-ear design does not create the same physical seal as AirPods Pro 3. Some Apple Intelligence, Siri and Live Translation features depend on language, device and regional availability.

AirPods Pro (3^rd Generation)

Released: September 2025

AirPods Pro 3 are the best choice if you prefer an in-ear fit and want Apple's strongest combination of noise cancellation, sound quality and health features. Their sealed design with silicone ear tips provides stronger passive isolation than open-ear AirPods and helps make Active Noise Cancellation especially effective.

AirPods Pro 3 include heart rate sensing for workouts and integrate with the Fitness app on iPhone. They also support Apple's hearing health features, including Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection functionality where available.

The multiport acoustic architecture delivers deep bass, detailed vocals and a wide soundstage. Battery life reaches up to 8 hours with Active Noise Cancellation, making AirPods Pro 3 particularly suitable for commuting, travel, exercise and long listening sessions.

Key Features: Powerful ANC, heart rate sensing, hearing health features, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio, IP57 resistance and up to 8 hours of listening with ANC.

Considerations: The silicone in-ear design provides excellent isolation but may not be as comfortable as open-ear AirPods for users who dislike ear tips. Some intelligent and translation features vary by language and region.

Price: 249 €

AirPods Max (2^nd Generation)

Released: March 2026

AirPods Max 2 are Apple's flagship over-ear headphones. Powered by the H2 chip, they combine premium sound with powerful Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.

The over-ear design is ideal for long listening sessions, working, travelling and enjoying music or movies at home. AirPods Max 2 also support Lossless audio through USB-C and provide up to 20 hours of battery life.

Key Features: H2 chip, powerful ANC, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio, Live Translation and USB-C Lossless audio support.

Considerations: Apple's most expensive AirPods model. Their larger size and weight make them less suitable for sports or carrying in a pocket than AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3.

Price: 579 €

AirPods (4^th Generation)

Released: September 2024

AirPods 4 feature Apple's H2 chip, USB-C charging and a comfortable open-ear design. They offer good everyday sound quality and seamless integration with Apple devices, making them an attractive choice if you want straightforward AirPods at a more affordable price.

Key Features: H2 chip, USB-C charging, Personalized Spatial Audio and compact charging case.

Considerations: No Active Noise Cancellation. AirPods 5 provide a considerably more advanced noise-control experience.

AirPods (4^th Generation) with ANC

Released: September 2024

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation brought ANC, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness to Apple's open-ear headphones. They remain a strong option if available at a lower price than AirPods 5.

AirPods 5 build on the same open-ear concept, with Apple claiming up to 50% more external noise reduction along with improved sound and newer features.

Key Features: H2 chip, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness and wireless charging.

Considerations: AirPods 5 offer more effective ANC and newer audio technology.

AirPods Pro (2^nd Generation)

AirPods Pro 2 introduced many of the features that define today's Pro lineup, including excellent Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and hearing health functionality.

Considerations: AirPods Pro 3 improve noise cancellation, battery life and fit while adding heart rate sensing.

AirPods Max (1^st Generation)

The original AirPods Max remain capable premium over-ear headphones with strong sound quality, Spatial Audio and Active Noise Cancellation. The later USB-C version also introduced USB-C connectivity and additional colour options.

Considerations: AirPods Max 2 use the newer H2 chip and add more advanced noise-control and intelligent features.

AirPods (2^nd Generation)

Discontinued September 2024

The classic AirPods design with the H1 processor. Reliable for basic listening, but without features such as Active Noise Cancellation, water resistance or newer computational audio capabilities.

AirPods (3^rd Generation)

Discontinued September 2024

AirPods 3 introduced Spatial Audio to the standard AirPods range. They were succeeded by AirPods 4 and, later, AirPods 5.