The latest generation of Apple’s eternally popular AirPods Pro are back down to their all-time low price of $180 at Amazon. The deal takes $10 off the typical sale price of $190 and a solid $69 off the $249 MSRP. The last time we saw this price tag was during Amazon’s spring sale in March. Apple updated the charging case when the iPhone 15 came out last year to give both devices a more universal USB-C port (both can also charge wirelessly). If you have an iPhone, we think these are one of the better bits of audio gear you can stick in your ears.
Billy Steele for Engadget
This matches the all-time low price we saw for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale back in March.
The second-generation AirPods Pro (with the Lightning case) came out towards the end of 2022 — the case refresh didn’t alter the buds themselves too much, other than adding some improved dust resistance. That makes these a little older at this point, but new AirPods are not one of the things we’re expecting to see announced at Apple’s upcoming “Let Loose” event in May (we’re mostly anticipating iPad news). A more likely time for a new AirPods reveal is during the company’s annual iPhone event in September. But if you don’t want to wait around to see if such a debut materializes, this deal is a decent time to get your first pair. Or replace the pair you left on the train.
We gave the AirPods Pro a score of 88 when they came out. Engadget’s Billy Steele praised the effective active noise cancellation (ANC) and called the ambient sound mode one of the best on the market. Plus they work fairly seamlessly with all your Apple devices, offering quick pairing, fast device switching and hands-free Siri support. The audio itself is richer with more depth and clarity than with previous Pro generations.
All of that lead us to name them the best wireless earbuds for iPhones in our buying guide. Of course, they don’t work with non-Apple devices. Our current top pick from our guide for Android phones are the Google Pixel Buds Pro, which are currently down to $140 at Amazon after a 30 percent discount.
This weekend we’re tracking a pair of AirPods deals at Amazon, including savings on the AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro 2. The cheapest model starts at just $89.00 for the AirPods 2, down from their original price of $129.00.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Secondly, the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C are available for $189.99, down from $249.00. Although this is another second-best price on the earbuds, it’s one of the most consistent deals we’ve tracked in 2024 and just a $9 difference compared to that record low price.
Both of these earbuds have an estimated delivery date around May 3, and they represent solid second-best prices on each model. There are a few minor changes to the AirPods Pro 2 besides the addition of USB-C, including additional dust resistance and support for lossless audio with the Vision Pro headset.
Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we’ve been tracking over the past week.
Apple is set to unveil iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on June 10, so the software update is a little over six weeks away from being announced. Below, we recap rumored features and changes planned for the iPhone with iOS 18. iOS 18 will reportedly be the “biggest” update in the iPhone’s history, with new ChatGPT-inspired generative AI features, a more customizable Home Screen, and much more….
Apple today released several open source large language models (LLMs) that are designed to run on-device rather than through cloud servers. Called OpenELM (Open-source Efficient Language Models), the LLMs are available on the Hugging Face Hub, a community for sharing AI code. As outlined in a white paper [PDF], there are eight total OpenELM models, four of which were pre-trained using the…
Apple has announced it will be holding a special event on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time), with a live stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube as usual. The event invitation has a tagline of “Let Loose” and shows an artistic render of an Apple Pencil, suggesting that iPads will be a focus of the event. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more …
There are widespread reports of Apple users being locked out of their Apple ID overnight for no apparent reason, requiring a password reset before they can log in again. Users say the sudden inexplicable Apple ID sign-out is occurring across multiple devices. When they attempt to sign in again they are locked out of their account and asked to reset their password in order to regain access. …
Best Buy is discounting a collection of M3 MacBook Pro computers today, this time focusing on the 14-inch version of the laptop. Every deal in this sale requires you to have a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, although non-members can still get solid second-best prices on these MacBook Pro models. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a…
Apple used to regularly increase the base memory of its Macs up until 2011, the same year Tim Cook was appointed CEO, charts posted on Mastodon by David Schaub show. Earlier this year, Schaub generated two charts: One showing the base memory capacities of Apple’s all-in-one Macs from 1984 onwards, and a second depicting Apple’s consumer laptop base RAM from 1999 onwards. Both charts were…
Siri is a useful way to gain assistance from your phone throughout the day but sometimes, you want it disabled on your AirPods, either temporarily or permanently. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to do that and even better, the same steps apply across all the best AirPods.
If you’re keen to stop having Siri from lending a hand all the time, we’re here to help. We’ve taken a look at all the best ways to turn off Siri on AirPods, including ways that disable the feature entirely or merely stop your AirPods working with Siri. Let’s take a look and enjoy the incoming freedom with the best noise cancelling earbuds around.
Steps for how to turn off Siri on AirPods
Open Settings > AirPods
Go to Press and Hold AirPods/Double-tap on AirPod > Siri
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app. It’s usually on the first page of your iOS home screen. When you’re in Settings, tap on the name of your AirPods at the top of the screen. If it’s not there, go to Bluetooth and tap the i next to the name of the AirPods.
In the AirPods options, look for Press and Hold AirPods or Double-Tap on AirPod (the names change depending on the type of AirPods you have). These options affect what each button does on your AirPods. Tap on the one that says Siri, then change it to anything but Siri, such as Noise Control. This will turn off Siri on your AirPods but you can still use it through your iPhone.
3. Turn off Siri in ‘Siri & Search’ settings (optional)
As an optional second option, you can also turn off Siri by going to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and scrolling down to Siri & Search. It’s usually about halfway down the long list of settings. In this section, you can change many things to do with Siri including how you interact with the voice assistant.
Now that you’re in the Siri & Search part of Settings, tap on Listen for and change it to Off, then toggle off Press Side Button for Siri and Allow Siri When Locked. Once you’ve done all this, Siri is deactivated and there’s no chance of it being accidentally activated. No matter how often you say Siri, it won’t be chip in with help, insight, or anything more annoying.
How to turn off Siri on AirPods FAQs
How to disable Siri entirely
Go to Settings > Siri & Search. Then, toggle off Listen for “Hey Siri”, Press Side Button for Siri and Allow Siri When Locked.
Can I disable Siri reading text messages?
If you just want Siri to stop reading out your messages, go to Settings > Notifications > Announce Notifications. From here, you can disable it for certain apps or tap the toggle to disable it entirely.
How do I turn Siri down on AirPods?
Just use the volume buttons while you’re interacting with Siri. Remember to talk to it first to activate it so you don’t only change the volume of your device.
How do I change Siri’s voice?
Change Siri’s voice by going to Settings > Siri & Search then scrolling down to Siri Voice and picking a new voice.
How to turn off Siri on AirPods: Final thoughts
(Image credit: Future)
Turning off Siri only takes a couple of moments whether you just want the voice assistant to stop reading your messages or working overall. While it’s a huge help with many things, it can be nice to be free from those ‘not now Siri’ moments when it accidentally activates. Anything to make the best wireless earbuds even better has to be worth your time, right? While you’re learning new ways to make them perfect, now might be the ideal time to make your AirPods louder too.
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Apple introduced the third-generation AirPods nearly three years ago and an all new model is now slated to launch later this year with a range of improvements and new features.
Many of the changes and improvements introduced with the third-generation AirPods originated on the first-generation AirPods Pro. As such, it seems likely that many of the upgrades coming to the fourth-generation AirPods will be shaped by the second-generation AirPods Pro. Our best indications so far about what to expect come from a report by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
Two Models
Apple is rumored to be working on two versions of the fourth generation AirPods targeting different price points. The company is apparently aiming to replace both the third-generation AirPods and the lower-priced second-generation AirPods that it continues to sell. Currently, there is little difference between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 beyond their designs.
The higher-end version of the AirPods will purportedly feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for easy location, which both have to date been limited to the AirPods Pro.
Design
The next-generation AirPods are rumored to feature an updated design, looking like a cross between the current AirPods and the AirPods Pro, with slightly shorter stems. Fit is expected to be improved, but it is as of yet unclear if Apple will add silicone ear tips.
H2 Chip
One of the key aspects the next-generation AirPods are likely to bring over from the second-generation AirPods Pro is the H2 chip. Both the second- and third-generation AirPods currently feature the H1 chip.
Apple says the H2 chip provides an “exceptional acoustic experience” when paired with a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier in the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro offer richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies partly due to the computational audio improvements facilitated by the H2 chip, so similar enhancements seem highly likely to come to the fourth-generation AirPods.
There could also be improvements to Personalized Spatial Audio, faster pairing and device switching, and persistent battery information thanks to the H2 chip.
Bluetooth 5.3
In the AirPods Pro, the H2 chip is accompanied by Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Many of Apple’s products now feature Bluetooth 5.3, so the fourth-generation AirPods are highly likely to receive this upgrade. Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster and more reliable connectivity with Bluetooth accessories, as well as improved power efficiency, which can contribute to longer battery life.
Longer Battery Life
The H2 chip is more power efficient than the H1 chip in the second- and third-generation AirPods. In the AirPods Pro, the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 provide an additional hour and a half of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled compared to the previous generation. Applied to the standard AirPods, this could translate to a battery life increase from five hours to around six and a half hours.
Volume Controls
It is also possible that the AirPods could gain touch-based volume controls like the AirPods Pro. To turn the volume up or down, users simply place their thumb on the stem of either AirPod and use their index finger to swipe up or down on the small touch control area.
That being said, Apple could regard on-device volume controls as a high-end feature reserved for the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, meaning that the fourth-generation AirPods could still miss out on this feature.
Find My Improvements
The MagSafe Charging Case is also likely to get several improvements to integrate more deeply with Find My. The second-generation AirPods Pro introduced two key features in this area: The U1 chip for Precision Tracking and a built-in speaker.
Currently, your iPhone or iPad can help guide you to their location in the Find My app, but this is a limited experience on the current model, simply indicating whether or not they are nearby. The U1 chip would allow your iPhone to show an arrow pointing in the specific direction of your AirPods, an approximate distance telling you how far away they are, and even a message saying if they are located on a different floor.
Similarly, you can currently play a sound on your AirPods to help you find them, but this is played through the earbuds. If the earbuds are inside the charging case, it is likely the sound will be quite muffled. With the latest AirPods Pro, Apple added a speaker to the charging case itself, allowing users to more clearly hear a location alert from their AirPods, and even locate the case when it is separate from the earbuds. An identical speaker is expected come to the high-end version of the standard AirPods in their next iteration.
It is also worth noting that the lanyard loop on the AirPods Pro doubles as an antenna for the U1 chip, so this small feature could also be coming to the next-generation AirPods if they do offer Precision Tracking.
Apple Watch Charger Compatibility
The third-generation AirPods can charge via MagSafe, a Qi wireless charger, or a Lightning cable. With its latest AirPods Pro model, Apple added the ability to use an Apple Watch charger as an additional charging method.
Apple does not seem to regard charging technologies as “Pro”-exclusive features, so, as a basic utility, it seems likely that this added charging method will come to the fourth-generation AirPods to provide even more versatility.
Hearing Aid Functionality
In a software update coming later next year, Apple will apparently add hearing aid functionality, allowing AirPods to serve as an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing alternative to traditional hearing aids. The FDA in 2022 approved OTC hearing aid options, paving the way for Apple to market the AirPods for hearing loss. Apple also allegedly plans to offer hearing tests that would tell AirPods users if they are experiencing hearing loss.
USB-C Port
Like the most recent iPhone models and the USB-C AirPods Pro, the fourth-generation AirPods are expected to include a USB-C port for charging.
If you’ve ever wished you could safely stick some bees, strawberries or trees in your ears, UK headphone manufacturer VQ has just the thing for you. The new VQ Skylark true wireless earbuds come in a choice of three patterns from English fashion designer Cath Kidston. These are called ‘Bees’, the more floral ‘Story Tree’ and a lovely blue ‘Strawberry Garden’ – you can see all three designs in the carousel below.
There’s no doubt that these buds look very different from your average in-ear audio kit that you may have come to expect from the likes of the best wireless earbuds, but VQ promises that it’s not just a case of designer style over audio substance. While these earbuds are “a fashion statement”, they are also “a piece of art in your ears”. VQ claims they sound pretty good too.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
VQ Skylark true wireless earbuds with Cath Kidston designs: key features, price and availability
With a relatively low price tag of £59.99 (roughly $74 / AU$114) these earbuds have an impressive specification for the cash. There’s enhanced noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.3 with a 10m connection range, and up to 10 hours of playback (although confusingly, it’s listed as up to six hours of music and four hours of talk time) that rises to a total 45 hours of use via the charging case. Standby time is a whopping 200 hours, which is the kind of standby figure I haven’t seen since my Nokia 3310 days.
According to VQ, these earbuds may well be the loudest true wireless earbuds on the market right now with “deep, rich bass, defined mid-range, and crystal-clear high end”. However, it’s worth considering their claimed sound quality in the context of the price tag here.
While I’ve not tested these particular buds myself, I’ve read multiple reviews of the firms’s similarly affordable Wren buds that say the firms’ budget buds sound ‘OK’ rather than ‘OMG’. As we point out in our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds, you’re not going to get high-end audio performance at rock bottom prices – but today’s budget buds are surprisingly good for the money.
The Skylark true wireless earbuds are available now from VQ, from Amazon and from B&Q.
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If you want new wireless earbuds for your iPhone, the second-generation AirPods Pro are likely your top choice. But Apple offers another pair of earbuds you might consider: Beats Fit Pro. In this Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2 buying guide, we’ll compare the features of these two premium noise-canceling earbuds from Apple.
Do these earbuds provide the same features and sound quality as Apple’s flagship earbuds? Find out in this comparison.
Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
While second-gen AirPods Pro (aka AirPods Pro 2) is our go-to recommendation for best earbuds for Apple fans, one size does not fit all. AirPods Pro might not suit your needs or fit comfortably in your ears.
Table of contents: Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
Design and comfort
The AirPods Pro 2 don’t look as sleek as their Beats competitor. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
There is a big difference in the designs of the Beats Fit Pro and the AirPods Pro. The latter’s stemlike design has seen few changes since its introduction in 2019. And while the AirPods Pro fits snugly in my ears, there’s room for improvement.
During my HIIT workout or running sessions, I feel like the AirPods Pro 2 could fall out of my ears. The AirPods are not as sleek as Sony, Samsung and Bose earbuds — or the Beats Fit Pro.
You can get the Beats Fit Pro in an array of colors, including Volt. Photo: Beats
As you can see from the photo above, the Beats Fit Pro offers a sleeker design than AirPods Pro. The Beats earbuds come with integrated wing tips that allow them to sit comfortably in your ears.
This makes the earbuds ideal for running and gym sessions, as their more secure placement ensures they won’t easily fall out. For an even more secure fit, make sure to twist the earbud back and tuck the wingtip into your upper ear.
AirPods Pro are slightly lighter though. Each earbud of the AirPods Pro 2 weighs 5.3 grams, while the Beats Fit Pro weighs 5.6 grams.
Colors and customization options
Apple offers the AirPods Pro 2 in only one color: white. The problem is that this color can easily show scratches and dirt. It won’t look good after a few months of heavy use.
In comparison, the Beats Fit Pro comes in five colors: black, white, gray, purple, volt and a special-edition reflective black. (Beats discontinued blue, pink and colors.) You can get free engraving on either of the earbuds as long as you order them directly from Apple.
Apple bundles four silicone ear tips with AirPods Pro 2, while Beats Fit Pro ships with three pairs of ear tips. Irrespective of which earbuds you get, make sure to use the Ear Tip Fit Test on your iPhone to get a comfortable fit and the best possible audio.
Water- and sweat-resistance: Which earbuds can handle your workouts?
Between the AirPods Pro 2 and the Beats Fit Pro, I prefer the latter’s design and fit, especially when working out. Both earbuds are IPX4-certified and protect against splashes of water, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. The AirPods’ charging case also comes with an IPX4 rating, which the Beats Fit Pro’s case lacks.
Charging cases
That’s not the only difference in the two charging cases. AirPods Pro 2 comes with a rectangular carrying case that weighs 50.8 grams and looks like a dental floss container. It comes with a U1 chip and a built-in speaker. Thanks to Find My integration, you can track the AirPods Pro and the charging case separately, with the speaker capable of playing a loud sound so you can easily find it.
The Beats Fit Pro come in a bigger rectangular charging case, which is also slightly heavier at 55.1 grams. In daily use, I have not had problems carrying the AirPods or the Beats charging cases in my jeans pocket. But I find the AirPods’ case to be better built than the Beats — the latter feels a bit flimsy.
Connectivity and compatibility: H2 vs. H1
The AirPods Pro 2 launched a year later than the Beats Fit Pro, and it’s apparent from the former’s connectivity support. While the AirPods Pro 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, the Beats Fit Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0. Both earbuds support the SBC and AAC codecs.
AirPods Pro 2 earbuds come with Apple’s H2 chip, while the Beats Fit Pro comes with the H1 chip. Both of these system-in-package chips boost the earbuds’ capabilities, enabling faster pairing, more-reliable connectivity and audio sharing. The H2 chip delivers up to two times better active noise cancellation, increased batter life and a adaptive Transparency mode.
Pairing with devices and Apple ecosystem integration
You can use both earphones with an iPhone or an Android device. Pairing with an iPhone or any other Apple device is easy. Just bring the earbuds next to the device you want to pair, and a pop-up will appear on it automatically.
With a non-Apple device, though, the Beats Fit Pro provides a better experience. You can use the Beats app to control many of the functions of the earbuds, update its firmware, switch between various listening modes, etc. The only feature you miss out on is Spatial Audio. When using AirPods Pro 2 with an Android device, you don’t have any options. Apple does not offer an Android app to manage the AirPods. You will find some third-party apps on the Play Store, but the user experience may prove cumbersome.
If you are heavily into Apple’s ecosystem, both earbuds will provide a great experience. Thanks to the H1 and H2 chips, the Beats Fit Pro and the AirPods Pro can seamlessly switch between your iPhone, Mac and iPad. I found the switching experience better on the AirPods Pro, though, likely due to the newer H2 chip.
Controlling the earbuds
AirPods Pro with their charging case. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
The AirPods Pro’s stem has a force touch sensor, which you use to control music playback and adjust the volume level. A single press can play/pause music or answer a call. Two presses will switch to the next track, while three taps will go back to the previous track. You can press and hold the stem to switch between active noise cancellation and Adaptive Transparency mode. To control the volume, swipe up/down on the stem.
There’s also “Hey Siri” support, so you can ask the voice assistant to make a call, change the music track, adjust the volume and more.
Beats smartly integrated a button into its logo on the Fit Pro on both earbuds. You can press the logo once to play/pause audio, while a double-press will skip to the next track. Using a long-press action, you can toggle between modes, increase/decrease the volume, or reject an incoming call.
Since both earbuds feature a skin-detecting sensor, they automatically pause music playback when you take them off.
Sound quality showdown: AirPods Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro
Each bud of the AirPods Pro 2 packs an 11mm driver with redesigned amplifiers, while the Beats Fit Pro comes with a 9.5mm driver. Thanks to the larger driver and the superior H2 chip (which Apple also uses in its high-end over-ear headphones, AirPods Max), the AirPods Pro offers better sound quality than Beats Fit Pro. The sound is much more clear: I can hear and distinguish between the lows and highs better with AirPods Pro, and the instrument separation is notably superior.
Bass and treble reproduction on the AirPods Pro is also great. The bass packs a punch without becoming overbearing or boomy, and the treble won’t hurt your ears. You get dynamic head tracking and Spatial Audio on both earbuds for an immersive surround sound experience.
On ther other hand, Beats earphones are known for their bass, and the Beats Fit Pro is no exception. If you are a bass head, you will like the Fit Pro’s sound signature. Sadly, you cannot use an equalizer to tweak the sound output from either set of earbuds.
None of this means the Beats Fit Pro’s sound quality is bad. It’s good. But if sound quality is your top priority, the AirPods Pro 2 is the winner. I like the bass output of the Beats earbuds, but overall, music sounds better on the AirPods Pro.
Active noise cancellation and Transparency mode
The Beats Fit Pro deliver impressive sound quality and ANC despite their sleek design. Photo: Beats
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation, aka ANC. This helps them block out surrounding noise, letting you listen to your music or podcast in peace. Thanks to their design, the earbuds also block a lot of noise passively. I was happy with the ANC on both the AirPods Pro and the Beats Fit Pro. They cancel out all ambient noise with ease. But in daily use, I found the AirPods Pro better at blocking high-pitched noise. This would likely be due to the H2 chip, which powers ANC on the earphones.
Staying aware: How Transparency mode stacks up on Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 2 and Beats Fit Pro provide three listening modes: ANC, Transparency mode and Off. With Transparency mode, the earbuds use the microphones to let external sound in, so you are aware of your surroundings. This is a useful feature when you want to talk to someone, as you can do so without removing the earbuds.
While the Transparency mode on both earbuds works well, the AirPods Pro has an advantage. They offer Adaptive Audio, which uses a mix of ANC and Transparency modes based on your environment. There’s also Conversation Awareness, where the earbuds will automatically lower the media volume and boost the voice of the person speaking in front of you. And as soon as the conversation ends, your audio volume will gradually go back to its previous level.
Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio set the AirPods Pro 2 apart from Beats Fit Pro, as these extra features prove useful in daily use.
Microphone quality
The Beats Fit Pro packs six microphones, five of which are used during calls. These are used alongside a voice accelerometer to better isolate your voice. In comparison, the AirPods Pro packs four microphones, with two of them facing inward. But the earbuds’ stemlike design ensures the microphones are closer to your mouth for better performance.
Most parties could hear my voice better when I used the AirPods Pro 2. The Beats Fit Pro did a decent job, but the clarity could not match Apple’s flagship earbuds.
Battery life and charging
AirPods Pro 2 can last longer than Beats Pro Fit. Photo: Apple
Apple says AirPods Pro can provide up to six hours of music playback with ANC enabled. In my testing, I came close to Apple’s numbers, with the earbuds lasting around 5.5 or 6 hours in most cases. With the Beats Fit Pro, the claimed runtime is seven hours with ANC. On average, I got around 6.5 hours of playback time.
Once you add in the charging case, though, the AirPods Pro becomes the winner. Despite the Beats Fit Pro’s bigger charging case, it can extend the runtime of the earphones by only 18 hours. The AirPods Pro’s case can boost its battery life by 24 hours.
Charging solutions: USB-C, wireless and fast charging
Charging the AirPods Pro is more convenient than charging Beats Fit Pro. The former’s charging case supports wired and wireless charging, thanks to MagSafe support and either a Lightning or a USB-C port. (Apple updated the AirPods Pro charging case to USB-C in late 2023.) You also can charge the AirPods Pro using an Apple Watch charger.
With the Beats Fit Pro, your only way to top-up the battery is through the case’s USB-C port. There’s fast charging support, and a 5-minute top-up will provide an additional hour of playback. With the AirPods Pro 2, Apple says 15 minutes of charging will get you three hours of music playback.
Price comparison: Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
The more-affordable Beats Fit Pro offers as much value for money as the AirPods Pro. Photo: Beats
The AirPods Pro 2 retails for $249, while the Beats Fit Pro costs $199. The $50 lower price tag of the Beats earbuds helps justify many of their missing features compared to the AirPods. However, Apple’s flagship earphones are frequently discounted to about $199, making them an even better deal.
The Beats Fit Pro is regularly available for as low as $150 on Amazon and other retailers. Pick the earbuds you want depending on your budget. But remember not to pay full price for them, as they are frequently on sale.
Making the decision: Which offers more for your money?
The AirPods Pro 2 is undeniably the better pick between the two. With better sound quality, controls and charging options, it wins on features. But the Beats Fit Pro fits better in your ears with its compact wing tip design. That’s an important factor to consider if you plan on buying new earbuds for your gym or workout sessions. The Beats are also better if you plan to use the earbuds with a non-Apple device.
Final verdict: Beats Fit Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2
If I had to choose between the AirPods Pro and the Beats Fit Pro, I would go for the former. I love the sound quality of the AirPods, and its combination of ANC and Adaptive Transparency mode is hard to beat. Admittedly, I am not a fan of their fit, which is a concern while working out. But for traveling and for hours of daily use, the AirPods prove better overall.
Just about to jump in the shower and take your AirPods with you? Don’t! We’ll cut to the chase – AirPods offer varying levels of water resistance but taking them in the shower is a big no-no. It’s a surefire way of breaking even the best AirPods or at the very least, invalidating your warranty.
If you need a pair of earbuds that you can take to the pool or shower, then look at our guide to the best waterproof headphones. Such cans and earbuds will happily work whether you’re taking a quick shower or diving in the pool. Don’t risk your AirPods for these tasks. They’re not made for the job.
However, AirPods offer some water resistance and we’re here to delve a little further into what you need to know about using AirPods in the shower.
Are AirPods waterproof?
(Image credit: Future)
If you’re wondering: are Apple AirPods waterproof? Then, no. No AirPods are waterproof. Some models offer water resistance and can handle sweat or rain, but a constant stream of water like the jet of water you’ll experience while showering is a whole different story.
The same goes for immersing yourself in water so swimming in the pool with AirPods is a bad move too. As Apple explains, AirPods “aren’t designed for use in water sports, such as swimming, or for showering”. They can cope with a tough and sweaty workout though. Just remember to take them out before you take that well-earned shower. You can catch up on a podcast later.
How water-resistant are AirPods?
(Image credit: TechRadar)
There are currently four models of AirPods available right now and only two of them are water-resistant. Like many of the best wireless earbuds, that means they’re lightly sweat-resistant and can handle a rainstorm, but they won’t like you going near the shower. The water-resistant models are the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2. If you can get hold of the older AirPods Pro, these are water-resistant too.
All three of these models are IPX4-rated. That means they can handle omnidirectional splashes such as a bit of sweat or some rain. They can’t cope with water jets though or any water submersion.
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The older AirPods and the Apple AirPods Max unfortunately have no IP rating. Don’t work out with either of these and avoid the rain.
Can you shower with AirPods?
(Image credit: TechRadar)
You really can’t. You may have come across many Reddit posts and users saying it was safe for them to do so, and you might get away with it a couple of times but it’s really not advised. Trying it will void your warranty and waste your precious earbuds for no good reason.
If you absolutely, positively have to do it (don’t, please), at least wear a shower cap to cover your ears and AirPods. It’s still not guaranteed to keep your AirPods safe as the humidity might cause issues but it’s worth a go. Alternatively, avoid showering your face and head, or simply take a bath.
The best solution? Don’t use your AirPods in the shower. Buy one of the best Bluetooth speakers instead or one of the best waterproof speakers if you’re likely to throw water at it. Many models come with a handle so you can hook it inside your shower if you want to.
If you just happen to pop in the shower briefly while wearing your AirPods or get caught in a horrific storm, you might be okay. Remember the Reddit posts? Try your best to not be that person though. As soon as possible, use a microfibre cloth to thoroughly dry your AirPods before putting them back in their case, then hope for the best.
If you’re looking to shop for some weekend tech bargains, you’ve come to the right place. Best Buy just launched a huge sale with deals on best-selling TVs, laptops, headphones, and tablets from brands like Apple, LG, Samsung, Sony, and HP.
I’ve gone through today’s sale and hand-picked the 15 best deals, which include record-low prices and outstanding value on everything from premium OLED displays to cheap laptops and our best-rated headphones.
Some of today’s Best Buy deals require a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total membership, which I’ve noted below. The good news is that you can sign up for a membership that starts at $49.99 and enjoy the perks of a My Best Buy membership, such as free two-day shipping, 24/7 tech support, and AppleCare Plus protection plans with the purchase of an Apple device.
Whether you’re a Best Buy member looking for exclusive savings or just browsing for tech bargains, Best Buy’s weekend sale (which ends Sunday at midnight) offers plenty of fantastic deals for everyone.
Amazon and Best Buy today are discounting a variety of audio devices, including products from Apple, JBL, Samsung, Beats, Sony, Google, and more. The headliner of the sale is Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $189.00 at Amazon, down from $249.00.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
In addition to the AirPods Pro deal, we’ve collected a few notable deals on other headphones and earbuds at Best Buy. Another highlight is the Beats Studio Pro headphones for $199.99, down from $349.99, as well as Sony’s WH1000XM4 Over-the-Ear headphones for $279.99, down from $349.99.
All of the deals shared below do not require a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, and are available to all shoppers. For a wider look at Best Buy’s current deals, be sure to check out our post from over the weekend, which includes all-time low prices on iPads and MacBooks.
Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
iOS 18 is expected to be the “biggest” update in the iPhone’s history. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more…
A week after Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to permit retro game console emulators, a Game Boy emulator for the iPhone called iGBA has appeared in the App Store worldwide. The emulator is already one of the top free apps on the App Store charts. It was not entirely clear if Apple would allow emulators to work with all and any games, but iGBA is able to load any Game Boy ROMs that…
Apple today said it removed Game Boy emulator iGBA from the App Store for violating the company’s App Review Guidelines related to spam (section 4.3) and copyright (section 5.2), but it did not provide any specific details. iGBA was a copycat version of developer Riley Testut’s open-source GBA4iOS app. The emulator rose to the top of the App Store charts following its release this weekend,…
The first approved Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator for the iPhone and iPad was made available on the App Store today following Apple’s rule change. The emulator is called Bimmy, and it was developed by Tom Salvo. On the App Store, Bimmy is described as a tool for testing and playing public domain/”homebrew” games created for the NES, but the app allows you to load ROMs for any…
Apple’s first set of new AI features planned for iOS 18 will not rely on cloud servers at all, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. “As the world awaits Apple’s big AI unveiling on June 10, it looks like the initial wave of features will work entirely on device,” said Gurman, in the Q&A section of his Power On newsletter today. “That means there’s no cloud processing component to the…
Best Buy this weekend has a big sale on Apple MacBooks and iPads, including new all-time low prices on the M3 MacBook Air, alongside the best prices we’ve ever seen on MacBook Pro, iPad, and more. Some of these deals require a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total membership, which start at $49.99/year. In addition to exclusive access to select discounts, you’ll get free 2-day shipping, an…
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that the first Macs with M4 series chips will be released later this year, with more models to follow next year. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman shared a more specific roadmap for these Macs. Here is the order in which Gurman expects the Macs to launch:1. A low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4, coming around the end of 2024. 2. A 24-inch …
Apple’s hardware roadmap was in the news this week, with things hopefully firming up for a launch of updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models next month while we look ahead to the other iPad models and a full lineup of M4-based Macs arriving starting later this year. We also heard some fresh rumors about iOS 18, due to be unveiled at WWDC in a couple of months, while we took a look at how things …
This week’s best deals can all be found on Amazon, which is hosting steep discounts on the AirPods Pro 2, Apple Watch Series 9, and the M3 iMac.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
AirPods Pro 2
What’s the deal? Get $60 off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
Moving on to the Apple Watch, Amazon introduced a new all-time low price on the 41mm GPS Series 9 model this week. You can get the (PRODUCT)RED model for $295.20 in the M/L Sport Band size.
Note: You won’t see the deal price until checkout.
Capping off the week, Amazon introduced new record low prices across the M3 iMac lineup, providing $149 off nearly every model. You’ll need to clip an on-page coupon in order to see all of these deals at the checkout screen.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
It has been nearly a year and a half since the current Apple TV was released, so the device is becoming due for a hardware upgrade. Below, we recap rumors about the next Apple TV, including potential features and launch timing. The current model is the third-generation Apple TV 4K, announced in October 2022. Key new features compared to the previous model from 2021 include a faster A15…
Apple’s iPhone 16 Plus may come in seven colors that either build upon the existing five colors in the standard iPhone 15 lineup or recast them in a new finish, based on a new rumor out of China. According to the Weibo-based leaker Fixed focus digital, Apple’s upcoming larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus model will come in the following colors, compared to the colors currently available for the…
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 lineup will feature bigger battery capacities compared to previous-generation models with the exception of the iPhone 16 Plus, which will have a smaller battery than its predecessor. That’s according to the Chinese Weibo-based leaker OvO Baby Sauce OvO, a relatively new source of supply chain leaks with an as-yet unproven track record for accuracy. The iPhone 16 …
Apple will begin updating its Mac lineup with M4 chips in late 2024, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The M4 chip will be focused on improving performance for artificial intelligence capabilities. Last year, Apple introduced the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips all at once in October, so it’s possible we could see the M4 lineup come during the same time frame. Gurman says that the entire…
Apple is “unlikely” to hold an event to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, according to sources cited by Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman already said Apple was not planning to hold an event for the new iPads, but he made this claim back in early March, before it was reported that the devices were postponed due to manufacturing delays. With the…
iOS 18 will apparently feature a new Safari browsing assistant, according to backend code on Apple’s servers discovered by Nicolás Álvarez. MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris confirmed that the code exists, but not many details are known at this time. Álvarez said it seems like the browsing assistant will use iCloud Private Relay’s infrastructure to send relevant data to Apple in a…
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
