I initially felt a bit confused when it came to purchasing Apple AirPods wireless earphones. There are three models on the market with similar names and nearly identical looks, but each has different features.
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Airpods
- PIONEERING HEARING — AirPods Pro 2 unlock the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience: a scientifically validated Hearing Test,* clinical-grade and active Hearing Protection.*
- INTELLIGENT NOISE CONTROL — Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 2x more background noise.* Transparency mode lets you hear the world around you, and Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode for the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods (3rd generation) deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you. You can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos.
- SWEAT AND WATER PROTECTION — AirPods and the Lightning Charging Case is rated IPX4 sweat and water resistant, so they’ll withstand anything from heavy workouts to rain.
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
- Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
- Active noise cancellation for immersive sound
- Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you
- PIONEERING HEARING — AirPods Pro 2 unlock the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience: a scientifically validated Hearing Test,* clinical-grade and active Hearing Protection.*
- INTELLIGENT NOISE CONTROL — Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 2x more background noise.* Transparency mode lets you hear the world around you, and Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode for the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- [Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling] With a maximum noise reduction depth of 45dB, Immerse yourself in your music without any distractions from the outside world and focus on what matters most - your music.
- [6 Microphone Call & ENC Ambient Noise Reduction] Enjoy crystal-clear call quality even in noisy environments, as the earphones actively filter out background sounds. Stay connected and enjoy seamless communication wherever you go.
- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
- Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
- Powerful Bass: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds have oversized 10mm drivers that deliver powerful sound with boosted bass so you can lose yourself in your favorite songs.
- Personalized Listening Experience: Use the soundcore app to customize the controls and choose from 22 EQ presets. With "Find My Earbuds", a lost earbud can emit noise to help you locate it.
- 【Sports Comfort & IPX7 Waterproof】- BX17 wireless headphones Designed with elastic and soft ear hooks, these Bluetooth sports earbuds stay securely in place and provide ultimate comfort even during extended workout sessions. The earphones come with three different sizes of ear tips, ensuring a perfect fit for various ear sizes. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, they effectively resist water splashes and sweat, making them ideal for sports, fitness, workouts, and running.
- 【Fast Pairing & Wide Compatibility】- BX17 wireless earbuds Built in hall switch, headphones wireless bluetooth will auto power on and connect with your last device once you open the charging case after first connection, which is faster and more convenient.
- Hi-Fi Sound Quality and Clear Call Performance: The in-ear wireless earbuds feature a 13.2mm speaker, delivering an immersive sound experience. The Bluetooth earbuds produce deep bass, clear vocals, and bright treble, achieving full low-frequency rebound and pure mid-to-high frequency clarity. They recreate the live concert atmosphere, bringing every note and detail to life. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, you can enjoy a rich musical experience or clear, uninterrupted calls
- T18 Wireless Earbuds - 48 Hours Battery Life for Uninterrupted Listening: Extend your listening time with the T18 wireless earbuds, which offer up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge. When paired with the LED display charging case, you can enjoy up to 48 hours of battery life. Additionally, the dual LED digital power display shows the remaining battery life of the case and the charging status of the earbuds, allowing you to monitor the power levels in real time and efficiently plan your usage of the wireless Bluetooth earbuds. You'll never have to worry about running out of power
Not to mention the fourth model, which is completely different from the other three with its over-ear design—it’s the AirPods Max. Among so many choices, how was I supposed to decide? Fortunately, I found some guidance that helped me clarify my thoughts
Overview of the AirPods Lineup
- AirPods (Standard model)
- AirPods Pro (Upgraded model with Active Noise Cancellation)
- AirPods (3rd generation, with added Spatial Audio)
- AirPods Max (Over-ear design, premium sound quality)
The Everyday Convenience and Surprises of AirPods
After making my decision, I began to experience the many conveniences that Apple AirPods bring. These earphones are not only stylish but also packed with features, completely transforming my listening experience on the go. The built-in Siri allows me to control things with my voice at any time—whether it’s checking the weather or setting reminders, I only need to say a word. Their seamless connection to my phone, TV, and tablet is particularly impressive, especially within the Apple ecosystem where they really shine.
What surprised me the most was the snug fit of the AirPods. Whether I’m walking briskly or jogging, they don’t easily fall out. Even more thoughtfully, when I take them out of my ears, the video I’m watching automatically pauses—showing the attention to detail in their human-centric design.
AirPods’ Sound Quality and Compatibility
When it comes to sound quality, Apple AirPods didn’t disappoint me. Since their release in 2016, they quickly became an essential part of my gear. Pairing with my iPhone is a breeze, and every listening session is a delight. The sound is clear, whether I’m listening to pop music or classical compositions. And with their widespread adoption, I can enjoy this convenience on almost any Apple device.
In the end, when I was ready to dive deep into the charm of AirPods, I found a great opportunity. By purchasing the latest AirPods models, I was able to save a significant amount of money on each one. This undoubtedly added even more joy to my perfect shopping experience. Now, whenever I put on my AirPods—whether during my commute or in my leisure time—I can feel the refinement and innovation that Apple brings.