Come December, Apple’s AirPods will turn eight years old, and they’re still the go-to Bluetooth earbuds for iPhone users and anyone deep in the Apple ecosystem. The first version – simply called AirPods, a playful nod to the wired EarPods – came in that now-iconic glossy white, with a sleek, almost candy-like design and seamless ease of use.

While the look hasn’t changed much, the performance and functionality have evolved big time. These days, you’ve got a few options: the AirPods 4, available with or without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC); the AirPods Pro 2, which also feature ANC; and the AirPods Max, Apple’s over-ear headphones that wrap around your ears.

AirPods were a game-changer in making true wireless stereo mainstream – no wires, not even between the earbuds themselves. Before their arrival, you’d see the classic EarPods on public transport or spot partially wireless models at the park. But in 2017, everything changed.

Between 2017 and 2019, AirPods became Apple’s best-selling accessory – and also one of its most mocked. Watching people bob their heads with tiny white sticks poking out of their ears or having conversations with seemingly no one took some getting used to. Like many Apple products, AirPods sparked split opinions.

Apple got a few things right from the start. First, the sound quality was pretty solid – maybe not audiophile-level, but for most people, it was a noticeable upgrade from standard earbuds. Then, the sensors let you control the AirPods by tapping or squeezing the stems (instead of using buttons), which felt intuitive and easy. These smart design choices helped AirPods take off. Still, by 2019, with the release of the second generation, there was definitely room for improvement.

That’s the thing about innovation – there’s always a trade-off. But with AirPods, those compromises are getting smaller and smaller. While other options might excel at certain things like sound quality, noise cancellation, or automation, AirPods win hands down when it comes to integration with Apple’s ecosystem. The instant pairing when you pop the earbuds out of the case, for example, is a convenience everyone appreciates.

The same goes for the seamless device-switching: jump from your iPhone to your MacBook just by bringing them close together. And don’t forget about tracking – whether it’s finding a misplaced earbud or locating the case, the Find My feature is a lifesaver. Where other brands compete on tech specs, AirPods just feel like they belong – they’re built for the Apple world.

The new AirPods 4 were revealed at the iPhone 16 launch event. They’re a technical evolution of the 2021 AirPods 3, but with the new H2 chip, they offer better voice isolation during calls, HD quality in FaceTime, and support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. Not to mention, they come with IP54 certification, which makes them resistant to dust, sweat, and splashes. You can choose between the standard model or the version with active noise cancellation (ANC).

The basic model offers solid audio quality and up to 5 hours of battery life, which extends to 30 hours with charges from the USB-C case. The main downside? You can only adjust the volume through your device or Siri. As for the noise-cancelling model, it does a great job at reducing background noise, but its Transparency Mode – which allows outside sounds in when you’re talking to someone – is where it really shines. Battery life is a bit shorter compared to the standard model, but both versions include wireless charging (Qi-compatible) and location tracking with Find My.

The AirPods Pro 2 are Apple’s top-tier earbuds. Compared to the regular AirPods, they deliver better sound quality, especially when it comes to bass, and boast a 200% improvement in noise cancellation – even on planes. They’re also more comfortable, thanks to four sizes of silicone tips. Interacting with the AirPods Pro 2 is easy, as they use touch controls instead of the physical buttons found on the AirPods 4. A particularly useful feature is the ability to adjust the volume by sliding your finger along the earbud stem.

Battery life is around 6 hours, or up to 30 hours with the charging case. The case supports MagSafe wireless charging, and yes, you can use Siri hands-free by simply nodding or shaking your head to give it a command. The Conversation Boost feature is great for reducing background noise during conversations, while Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the music volume when you start speaking and brings it back up when you’re done.

The AirPods Max recently got a refresh with new colors – midnight, galaxy blue, orange, and purple – and an important upgrade: the switch to a USB-C charging port, replacing the outdated Lightning connector. The fit is comfortable, although at 386 grams, they’re on the heavier side. One drawback is that they still lack any official sweat or water resistance.

When it comes to audio quality and noise cancellation, the AirPods Max are among the best in their class, thanks to their over-ear design and premium materials. Battery life reaches up to 20 hours with ANC enabled. For controls, you can use Siri, the software interface, or a physical button and a finely tuned aluminum dial.