Apple's new AirPods continues to set the benchmark for wire free earphones that offer all round performance, convenience and play time. If you own an iPhone, they are a must have accessory.

Improved sound and volume; Wireless charging case; Fast connection with new H1 chip; Handsfree control with Hey Siri

Audio drowns out in noisy areas

There's no denying the popularity of the Apple AirPods, or their impact on the truly wireless earphones segment. This now-ubiquitous fit style was popularised by the original Apple AirPods, which were launched in late 2016, and they are a useful accessory for anyone who owns an Apple iPhone.

Light; familiar fit; Pleasing audio quality; Useful gestures; Siri voice activation; Very good battery life

Somewhat weak bass; No passive isolation; Not a big update over first-gen AirPods

Mocked upon release, AirPods have since become one of Apple's most recognisable products. With the AirPods 2 (or AirPods 2019), the Cupertino brand isn't straying too far from a formula that it feels clearly works.

Great battery life and charging case; Wireless charging a nice addition; Fantastic connection

Doesn't address problems with the first-gen product; Wireless charging case costs extra; Fit might be dodgy for some

The second-generation AirPods are simple yet great wireless earphones that are a pleasure to use

Great battery life and charging case; Wireless charging a nice addition; Fantastic connection;

Doesn’t address problems with the first-gen product; Wireless charging case costs extra; Fit might be dodgy for some;

My son really wanted airpods but his parents thought that they were a waste of money so I bought them for him behind their back and he loves them!! He has wanted them for a while now and these are really good quality!! Real things!! He wore them all day long!! Glad he's thankful!!

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

I'll get this out of the way first: Apple's 2nd-generation AirPods are nearly identical to their predecessors.

Extremely convenient; Qi wireless charging is great; Bluetooth connection remains almost flawless

They're still expensive; There are better sounding wireless earbuds out there now; Not enough of an upgrade if you own the first-gen AirPods

H1 chip is super speedy; Hands-free Siri works well; Wireless charging; Very few performance issues ;

Still no noise isolation ; Expensive ; Unspectacular audio; Don’t fit all ears ;

H1 chip is super speedy; Hands-free Siri works well; Wireless charging; Very few performance issues ;

Still no noise isolation ; Expensive ; Unspectacular audio; Don’t fit all ears ;

The AirPods are still arguably among the best all-round true wireless earbuds, especially if you’re a happy resident in Apple’s ecosystem. They’re so fast and reliable that it’s still hard to imagine anyone not being converted. However, if you're not of the iPhone persuasion you might want to look at something like the excellent Samsung Galaxy buds, which do offer noise isolation. The AirPods are now more enticing than ever, but those still rocking the first model might find it hard to justify the upgrade, especially as the wireless charging case is compatible with both generations. While the improved battery life and hands-free Siri experience afforded by the H1 chip are handy enhancements, £160 (or £200 if you want wireless) is a lot of money just to save you a double tap. Although they fall some way short of being the perfect evolution, the 2019 AirPods are better than ever. Who’s laughing now?

H1 chip is super speedy; Hands-free Siri works well; Wireless charging; Very few performance issues ;

Still no noise isolation ; Expensive ; Unspectacular audio; Don’t fit all ears ;