Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Which AirPods
for your iPhone?
AirPods are one of the most popular Black Friday and Cyber Monday buys, and Apple's lineup changed this year: AirPods 5 took over from AirPods 4 in September, and AirPods Max 2 arrived in the spring. Every model works with any iPhone on the latest iOS, but some features only work with certain iPhones. Pick yours and we'll show which AirPods make sense for it.
Updated 12 November 2026 ยท from Apple's product pages, US list prices
How this page makes money. Some links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links never change a verdict, nothing here is a paid placement, and we don't list Amazon prices because they change by the hour. Repair prices and trade-in values are Apple's own.
Pick your iPhone.
Prices below are Apple's own US prices. Amazon's price is often lower around Black Friday and Cyber Monday; each button shows today's price.
Pick your iPhone above
Apple AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation
The new default AirPods
Apple's newest open-fit AirPods, with noise cancelling now standard. Apple says they block up to 50% more noise than AirPods 4 with noise cancelling, and last up to 5 hours per charge with it on. The case charges over USB-C. Apple's price: $129.
Best for: Most people. You get noise cancelling without silicone tips in your ears.
Skip it if: You want the strongest noise cancelling or a snug, sealed fit. That's the Pro 3.
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Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Same AirPods, more convenient case
The same AirPods 5, plus a case that also charges on a Qi or Apple Watch charger, has a speaker for Find My, and supports swiping the stem for volume. Apple's price: $149.
Best for: Anyone with a wireless charger or MagSafe stand already on the nightstand.
Skip it if: You always charge with a cable anyway. The $129 version has the same earbuds.
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Apple AirPods Pro 3
The best noise cancelling, plus fitness and hearing features
Apple says noise cancelling is up to twice as effective as AirPods Pro 2. They also track heart rate during workouts, include a hearing test, Hearing Protection and a hearing aid feature, and last about 8 hours per charge. The case charges by USB-C, MagSafe, Qi or an Apple Watch charger. Apple's price: $249.
Best for: Commuters, flyers and gym-goers, and anyone who wants Apple's hearing health features.
Skip it if: Silicone ear tips bother you. Go for AirPods 5.
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Apple AirPods Max 2
Over-ear headphones for long listening
Apple's over-ear headphones, updated in 2026 with the H2 chip. Apple says noise cancelling is 1.5 times more effective than before, with up to 20 hours of listening with it on. Apple's price: $549.
Best for: Long flights, work at a desk, and anyone who prefers over-ear headphones.
Skip it if: You want something pocketable or for the gym. They're big and heavy compared with earbuds.
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Apple EarPods with USB-C plug
The cheap wired backup
Apple's wired earbuds with a USB-C plug and an in-line remote. No battery to charge and nothing to pair.
Best for: USB-C iPhones (iPhone 15 and newer), a spare pair for the bag, or a stocking stuffer.
Skip it if: Your iPhone uses Lightning. The USB-C plug won't fit it; you'd need the Lightning version.
See today's price on AmazonThe one feature that depends on your iPhone
Live Translation and the new Siri AI (in beta) need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence: the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, and every iPhone 16 or newer, including the 16e. On older iPhones, AirPods still do everything else, including noise cancelling, Find My and hands-free Siri.
| AirPods 5 | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Max 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple's price | $129 / $149 | $249 | $549 |
| Fit | Open, no tips | Sealed, silicone tips | Over-ear |
| Noise cancelling | Yes | Strongest | Yes |
| Battery, noise cancelling on | Up to 5 hrs | About 8 hrs | Up to 20 hrs |
| Heart rate and hearing features | No | Yes | No |
| Live Translation | With an Apple Intelligence iPhone | ||
From Apple's announcements and product pages. Battery life varies with use.
Source: Apple AirPods, checked 11 November 2026
New AirPods? Audiobooks are a good first test of the fit and battery. See Amazon's Audible Standard free trial (affiliate link: we may earn a referral fee if you sign up).
Already have AirPods?
Check what you have before you buy. Software updates added features to older models: with iOS 26, AirPods Pro 2 got Live Translation too. If yours hold a charge and fit well, the upgrade may be smaller than it looks.
Buying on Amazon? Prime members get free, fast delivery on millions of items, handy for holiday gifts. Not a member? See Amazon's current Prime offer (affiliate link: we may earn a referral fee if you join). Student or 18 to 24? Prime for Young Adults costs less.
How we chose
We matched Apple's own feature requirements to each iPhone. We haven't tested these ourselves, so we don't rank them; we tell you who each is for and when to skip it. Nothing here is paid for by Apple.
Keeping your iPhone another year? See what a repair costs compared with upgrading.
Check my iPhoneQuestions
Do AirPods 5 work with older iPhones?
Yes. AirPods 5 work with iPhones on the latest iOS, which includes the iPhone 11 and newer. Live Translation and Siri AI need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
Which iPhones support Live Translation with AirPods?
iPhones that support Apple Intelligence: the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, and every iPhone 16 or newer, including the 16e. Apple Intelligence must be turned on and the AirPods need the latest firmware.
What's the difference between the two AirPods 5 models?
The earbuds are the same. The $149 version's case also charges on Qi and Apple Watch chargers, has a speaker for Find My, and supports swiping the stem for volume.
Are AirPods Pro 3 worth it over AirPods 5?
If you want the strongest noise cancelling, a sealed fit, heart rate tracking during workouts or Apple's hearing health features, yes. If you prefer an open fit without ear tips, AirPods 5 are the better buy.