Ranking every AirPods model: From wired to Max

We've got everything on the table today. From the tangled mess of the original wired EarPods all the way to the $500 AirPods Max. It's been almost 10 years since Apple introduced the first AirPods in 2016. That's a decade of changing how we listen to music.

I'm going to walk you through every generation. We'll look at the classics, the noise-canceling Pros, and the high-end Max headphones. I'll share the pros, the cons, and the weird history behind some of these designs

At the end, I'm ranking them all from worst to best. The winner might actually surprise you. It's not necessarily the most expensive one or the one with the newest features. Let's get into it.

The wired classics

Before wireless took over, this was the only way to listen. Believe it or not, I still love the wired EarPods. They are Apple's only wired solution, and they hold up better than you might think.

Why they're still around

No battery required. You never have to worry about charging a case or losing power mid-flight
Incredible microphone quality. It's arguably one of the best microphones across the entire lineup
You see them used in interviews and TV spots constantly because the audio is just that reliable

The downside is obvious. The cables are cumbersome, and they don't look as clean. But for specific use cases like long calls or backup audio, they are still a solid choice.

The standard lineup

The AirPods Gen 1 changed everything when they launched in 2016. People thought the "toothbrush design" looked weird at first. Now, it's the standard. You see these white stems everywhere you go.

We've also got the newer AirPods 3 and AirPods 4. These updated the design with shorter stems and rearranged microphones. The newest Gen 4 even adds Active Noise Cancellation options.

Who these are for

Great if you absolutely hate the in-ear silicone tips of the Pro models
The open design lets you hear your surroundings naturally without transparency mode
The newer models have shorter stems, making them a bit more subtle than the originals

Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the Gen 3 and 4 fit. But if the in-ear seal bothers you, this is essentially your only option in the Apple ecosystem.

AirPods Pro

This is where things get serious. The AirPods Pro introduced silicone tips, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Transparency mode. We're now on the latest generation, and honestly, they are hard to beat.

Why they stand out

Best-in-class ANC. It shuts out the world when you need to focus
Transparency mode is so natural you almost forget you're wearing headphones
Touch-sensitive stems allow you to adjust volume with a quick swipe
USB-C and MagSafe charging give you plenty of power options
Includes Live Translation features on the newer models

Pro tip: If you talk to people often while wearing headphones, use Transparency mode. It's incredibly realistic. You won't feel like you're shouting to hear your own voice.

AirPods Max

Finally, we have the over-ear solution: AirPods Max. These start at $500, which is a steep price tag. The design is undeniably premium, though. You feel the quality in the materials and the weight.

We recently got a refresh in 2024, but it was a bit disappointing. We hoped for major internal upgrades, but mostly got a USB-C port and some new colors. The noise cancellation is good, but the Pro models actually give it a run for its money.

My final ranking

After testing all of them, here is how I rank the entire lineup from worst to best. This comes down to value, impact, and how good they are to actually use.

5th Place: AirPods Gen 3 & 4. Great value, but the design isn't for me personally
4th Place: Wired EarPods. Amazing mic and no battery issues, but the cable is a hassle
3rd Place: AirPods Max. Beautiful design, but very expensive for what you get
2nd Place: AirPods Pro. The perfect daily driver. Amazing audio and features
1st Place: Original AirPods. The legend. These started it all and paved the way for everything else

That's my take on the Apple audio lineup. Whether you're rocking the wired vintage look or the latest Pros, there's something here for everyone. Let me know if you agree with the top spot.