Beats and Apple each released flagship earbuds in 2025 with one standout feature: in-ear heart rate monitoring. Since Apple owns both companies, both earbuds offer native compatibility with iOS devices and provide iOS users with Apple-exclusive features.

Improved noise cancellation, longer battery life, but instances of a chirping sound mean improvements in some areas but foibles in others

Not sure which AirPods to buy? We compare AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max to help you choose.

AirPods Max 2 rumors revealed! Learn about the anticipated upgrades, pricing, and why Apple is taking its time with this release.

For years, the biggest feature separating Apple’s entry-level AirPods from the AirPods Pro has been active noise cancellation, also known as ANC. When I learned that Apple might outfit a version of its new AirPods 4 earbuds with ANC, I was skeptical.

Apple rarely discounts the AirPods Max on its own website and prefers to maintain premium pricing while quietly letting Amazon handle promotional pricing during major sales events. Black Friday brings the AirPods Max down to $479 from the usual $549, and undercuts some competitors and matching this headphone’s all-time low.