Which AirPods should I choose? A detailed guide for students and schoolchildren

As it happens, AirPods are by far the best headphones for iPhone, iPad and even Mac owners. They understand Apple technology perfectly, sound good and last a long time without recharging. They fit comfortably in your ears, slide nicely into the case and are just as easy to remove. Their combination of strengths puts them ahead of any other brand.

Here’s which AirPods to choose as a student.

Which ones sound better?

The sound quality in AirPods is influenced by both design and technology. In general, all headphones are aimed at the mainstream listener: to make as much different music sound as good as possible. So your favourite tracks from Apple Music, Spotify and Yandex. The music won’t disappoint.

The 2nd generation AirPods is more resonant but less bassy. It has no noise isolation, so listening to music in the underground or on the plane can be problematic, and much less talking while having it on. Still, these are basic headphones for most scenarios.

AirPods Pro sounds slightly deeper, but with more depth. Thanks to an amplified driver and vacuum cushions, the device fits tighter and delivers better bass. It’s easy to focus in any noisy environment: university corridor, transport, cafes.

AirPods 3 also has a perfectly tuned driver and top-notch bass for portable headphones. They have built-in dual voice microphones, so you won’t have to repeat yourself three times to be heard during online classes. And the 3rd generation features Adaptive EQ and support for spatial audio. The AirPods 2 doesn’t have that.

AirPods Max is less comfortable for use outdoors: they don’t have waterproofing, after all. But they are ideal for working at the computer in a chair, making home calls or watching movies on the train. The headphones use advanced H1 digital signal processing. And they feature up to nine built-in microphones, motion and location sensors in relation to other gadgets. AirPods Max delivers truly balanced audio and an immersive experience.

Which ones fit more comfortably in my ears?

AirPods 2 is standard drop earbuds. Each earpiece weighs only 4 grams, so they do not feel in your ears. But because everyone’s earbuds are different and the AirPods 2 is one size, for some people AirPods 2 may fall out of their ears, especially while running or dancing.

AirPods Pro is in-canal headphones. It comes in three sizes of earbuds, so you can “fit” them more carefully to your ear. These headphones fit snugly in your ears and won’t fall out even if you shake your head vigorously. And while AirPods Pro is vacuum-pressed earplugs, it won’t give you headaches even with extended use. That’s because the ear molds have special holes that equalize the pressure inside and outside your ear canal.

The 3rd generation AirPods looks similar to the AirPods Pro, but without the silicone ear cushions. Therefore, it will surely be appreciated by those who were not suited to the Pro’s design. AirPods 3 has a thicker case that is wider and taller in the speaker area. This shape fits most users and is made specifically to keep the earbuds firmly in the ear. 

AirPods Max weighs almost 400 grams. But thanks to the soft headband and memory foam ear cushions, they feel very lightweight. It is as if you are wearing a light, warm and weightless cloud on your head. The telescopic ear pads extend and lock into position for the wearer. And the cups swivel independently of each other. So that AirPods Max can comfortably fit any head shape.   

Comfort is different for everyone, so it is best to come to any iSpace shop and personally try on all the models one by one. The method is 100% working and free.

Which ones last longer?

All AirPods are designed to last all day. The only prerequisite is periodic charging in case. But that’s not a burden – it’s more of a technical nuisance. After all, you’re unlikely to listen to music or study for 24 hours without a break for business or sleep. 

But if you do, go for the full-size AirPods Max. You can play tracks, watch movies and talk for up to 20 hours straight. And that’s with noise cancellation on! A five minute charge adds another 1.5 hours of talk time. 

Another record holder is the AirPods 3. It lasts up to 6 hours of listening time and 4 hours of talk time. Occasional recharging in the case extends the runtime to 30 hours of playback and 20 hours of talk time.

AirPods Pro gives you up to 4.5 hours of music listening and 3.5 hours of headset use. With a charging case, you can listen to music for up to 24 hours and talk for up to 18 hours.

AirPods 2 will last about the same, with up to 5 hours of continuous listening and 3 hours of talk time. With recharging in the case, this increases to 24 hours of playback and 18 hours of talk time.

Which are better at isolating background noise?

Students and silence are opposing concepts. Lectures, crowded classrooms, dorms, transportation and the street – sometimes you want a break from the noise. Active Noise Cancellation on AirPods Pro and  AirPods Max can help keep you focused.

With built-in microphones, these headphones pick up and suppress outside noise before you can hear it. As a result, you can listen to music and podcasts on the underground without cranking up the volume.

You don’t need to take your headphones out to hear your surroundings; there’s a transparency mode for that. With the microphones, ambient sound is amplified to the point where it’s as if nothing is in your ears. All it takes is a tap, and you can hear the announcements on public transport, and be comfortable talking to the cashier in a shop.

Which ones are best for sports activities?

If you go to the gym, run or do any kind of sport, it’s best to choose headphones with moisture protection. Then you don’t have to worry that sweat will cause a short circuit and ruin your expensive device.

Among all of Apple’s headphones, AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 are waterproof. Both models are IPX4 rated, so they are not afraid of splashing water from all directions, profuse sweat and even a downpour. However, they should not be used for swimming or be washed in the washing machine.

The AirPods 3 are also the only headphones from the brand to feature a waterproof case.

Which is the best?

The AirPods are all recognisable, beautiful and clever. And that’s why other manufacturers are trying to copy them.

• The headphones have infra-red sensors built-in – playback pauses if you take one AirPods out of your ear.
• The device is stored in a tiny charging case – and so the devices charge by default while in storage.
• The controls are touch-sensitive: you don’t need to reach for your iPhone to switch a song, take a call or toggle the noise cancellation mode.
• The battery status is shown on the iPhone – just open the case and hold it up to your smartphone.
• AirPods automatically switch between your Apple gadgets. If you’re watching a movie on your Mac and get a call on your iPhone, you don’t have to take it out of your ears to answer.
• AirPods underscore status. The white headphones are even visible under your hair, hinting to those around you that the wearer knows a thing or two about quality technology.

Which is the best deal?

You can buy any AirPods model with a pre-fit at iSpace. 

We will be glad to see you in iSpace!