Is it time for you to upgrade and buy the new AirPods 4? The fourth-generation AirPods boast advanced noise cancellation features previously only available on AirPods Pro 2. Meanwhile, the refreshed AirPods Max swap out the legacy Lightning port for USB-C and bring new color options.
Now that the new headphones are available to preorder, you might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade. That depends on what AirPods model you own. I put together a buying guide and a video to help you decide.
Should you buy AirPods 4 or AirPods Max?
Table of contents: Should you buy AirPods 4 or AirPods Max?
Should I buy the new AirPods 4?
Image: Apple
The fourth-generation AirPods actually come in two models. The $129 AirPods come with Spatial Audio, nod gestures to respond to Siri and a new USB-C charging case with 30 hours of battery life. Higher-end AirPods at $179 add wireless charging and active noise cancellation with Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.
If you want the latest features at a lower price than the AirPods Pro, the fourth-generation AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation are definitely a worthy upgrade — no matter which model you’re coming from.
If you don’t need the advanced features, and you’re only considering the entry-level AirPods, upgrade whenever the battery life begins to degrade.
Should I buy the new AirPods Max?
Photo: Apple
There’s really only one answer to the question, “Should I buy the new AirPods Max?” That answer is no.
While the “new” AirPods Max come in fresh colors and switch the Lightning port for USB-C, the pricey headphones still use Apple’s old H1 chip. That means they don’t get advanced new features present on the (less expensive) AirPods Pro 2, like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and more. It’s a perplexing update.
If your AirPods Max still work with sufficient battery life, keep that Lightning cable around. It probably doesn’t cause $550 worth of grief.
Get ready to upgrade
If you’re going to upgrade, here’s your to-do list:
