Editors' note: The AirPods reviewed here are the original model released in late 2016. As of late March 2019, they have been replaced with a second-generation version. Read the new AirPods review.

Look past their offbeat design and you'll find that Apple AirPods' compact size and high convenience factor are a winning combination.

The ultra-lightweight Apple AirPods are fully wireless headphones that offer a reliable wireless connection, effortless pairing with Apple devices, decent sonics and good call quality; The included compact charging case quickly charges the buds; You can now control playback of your music with a double tap.

Will fit more securely in some ears than others; Their open design allows for a lot of ambient noise to leak in; Similarly priced wireless models deliver better sound; And yes, they still look kinda dorky.

Apple seems to be doing this a lot lately: Taking an already excellent, hugely successful product like the iPhone ($899 at Amazon) -- or in this the case, the AirPods ($160 at Walmart) -- and offering little in the way of external alterations but updating its internals, enhancing the device but not fundamentally changing it.

The new AirPods are an incremental upgrade to an already excellent, fully wireless headphone, but sound quality, design and fit are basically the same.

The second-generation AirPods add a couple of small but key improvements to the original, including always-on voice recognition and a wireless charging case option. They're a top-notch headset for making calls, indoors and out. Apple's new H1 chip also allows for faster connections with all of your Apple devices, rock solid wireless connectivity, and an hour more talk time.

No design changes to help them fit more ears securely; their sound hasn't improved, and their open design allows for a lot of ambient noise to leak in.

More like an iPhone 13S. The generational upgrades for the iPhone 14 are limited to a few subtle changes. At the same time, however, the base price climbs to 800 USD, while the only true innovation happens inside the iPhone 14 Pro series.

excellent OLED display, dust- and waterproof, fast Wi-Fi, wide range of supported frequencies, great camera, very fast performance, good battery life

display limited to 60 Hz, charging rate limited to 20 watts, no macro lens, wide notch

Simple to use; great quality and battery life is amazing! Lasts forever

No bad points at all

The AirPods look just like Apple's regular headphones but without any cables – not even a cable joining the two earpieces. And they come in a magnetic case that not only stores them but keeps them charged. You can hear your music, talk to Siri and also make and receive calls on the move.

Great design; excellent sound quality; charging case; decent battery life

Maximum volume and bass level might not be high enough for some

When it comes down to it, there's not a big difference between the first and second generation AirPods. Talk time, improved connection speed, and Hey Siri are the headlining features, and to some, they won't mean all that much.

Battery life, Long range, quick pairing, Wireless charging optional

Wireless charging is going to cost you

Clumsy cables are just not in fashion when it comes to earbuds. Apple’s ‘fully wireless’ AirPods were launched over 2 years ago, and its trademark white ‘ear-pegs’ are now often seen sticking out of many a commuter or gym-goer’s ears.

A wireless change option for those that want it, Rock solid wireless connectivity, Very easy to set up and use with Apple devices

Still on the pricy side

These Apple AirPods "just work" as stated by many, many others. The BT connection to iPhone is quick & seamless. The connectivity across other Apple devices is equally seamless. I have an Apple Watch 1, an iPad Air, a MAC Mini and a MacBook Air...these AirPods sound exquisite on every device.

Wireless; connects across all devices

Play/Pause double tap choice

Hands down the easiest, most convenient, great sounding headset I've ever used. I have recently been using the BOSE BT2 which is a very high quality piece, I never thought that I'd find a device to replace it.

Adorama offered the product when many others didn't, and beat their proposed deadline for shipment by nearly three weeks. Shipping was fast and accurate. Highly recommend.