After the introduction of the first gen AirPods back in 2016, Apple has expanded its portfolio of AirPods by a lot. From one pair of TWS earbuds, they now have three different variations of the AirPods – AirPods Pro, AirPods, and AirPods Max. While the AirPods and AirPods Pro have an in-ear design, the AirPods Max are the brand’s over-the-ear offering. To no one’s surprise, these products are immensely popular amongst the fans of the brand and everyone who is a part of the ‘ecosystem’ as Apple calls it. And, for good reason for the most part Over the years, Apple has grown to be one of the best in the business and has set some benchmarks in the audio industry for other brands to match up to as well. Right now, in India, Apple officially sells the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), AirPods (2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), and the AirPods Max. But you can still get your hands on older-gen AirPods easily on third-party e-commerce websites. So, to make sure that you get the best for the price that you are paying for Apple’s AirPods, here’s a list of the best AirPods that are available in India right now
- 1.
The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones designed for Apple enthusiasts. They feature excellent active noise cancelling (ANC) and a transparency mode for ambient awareness. The build is robust with a stainless steel headband and aluminium ear cups, though they are quite heavy at 385 grams. The headphones lack a 3.5mm jack, requiring a Lightning-to-3.5mm cable for wired use. Sound quality is excellent, with a clear and pleasing profile, strong bass, and well-balanced mids and highs. The adaptive EQ adjusts sound based on ear shape, enhancing the listening experience.
- 2.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are premium true wireless earphones designed for Apple users, featuring exceptional noise cancellation and excellent sound quality. The updated model includes a USB-C charging case, enhancing convenience with compatibility across recent Apple devices. Internally, the H2 chip improves power efficiency and ANC performance, while 11mm dynamic drivers deliver robust audio. Despite lacking lossless audio support, the AirPods Pro provide a rich, crisp sound with a balanced mix of lows, mids, and highs. The adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment, ensuring an immersive listening experience, making them a top choice for seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
- 3.
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are true wireless earbuds designed primarily for iPhone and iPad users1. They feature a more ergonomic fit, water-resistant build, and a MagSafe charging case. With Spatial Audio and head tracking, they offer an immersive audio experience, especially for movies and FaceTime calls2. However, the unsealed design means they lack noise isolation, which can affect sound quality in noisy environments. The Adaptive EQ helps optimise audio performance, but the bass response is limited due to the open fit. Overall, they provide a decent sound experience, best suited for casual listening.
- 4.
The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are wireless earbuds designed for iPhone users, offering seamless connectivity and convenience. They feature a lightweight plastic build with a magnetic charging case, providing up to 4 hours of playback on a single charge. The earbuds include the H1 chip for hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality and quick device switching within the Apple ecosystem. However, the open-fit design results in poor noise isolation and a lack of bass, leading to a sound profile that emphasises mids and highs but struggles with low frequencies. Ideal for casual listening, they fall short for audiophiles seeking rich sound quality.
- 5.
The Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) has a solid design, good active noise cancelling (ANC), and a snug fit. These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.0, SBC and AAC codecs, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating. The MagSafe-compatible charging case provides up to 24 hours of total listening time. With adaptive EQ and spatial audio, the sound quality is impressive, delivering clear mids, crisp highs, and a balanced bass. The pressure-sensitive stems allow easy control, and the transparency mode ensures you stay aware of your surroundings. Ideal for iPhone users, these earbuds seamlessly integrate with iOS devices.
