Beats Studio Pro vs. Apple AirPods Max: which cans are best for Apple fans?

AirPods are one of the most iconic Apple products, and they have consistently topped our best earbuds lists since their invention. The company's ability to iterate on the product is equally impressive, as they push the bounds of how feature-rich an earbud the size of your pinky finger can get. If you've been looking for a new pair of wireless earbuds and are new to AirPods, you might be wondering where to start.

The AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 (w/ANC) may be different in their fit -- one is a closed in-ear fit while the other is a semi-open style -- but with the latest version of the AirPods 4 now offering ANC as well as the latest Apple H2 audio chip, the choice might not be as clear as it once was. After all, in our hands-on reviews, we felt that both performed exceptionally well. With numerous similarities across features and hardware, as well as a substantial price difference, we've put together a handy guide to help decide which model might be better for you depending on your lifestyle, budget, and use patterns.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 4 ANC: specs

Wireless earbuds continue to improve each year. Two of the top options available right now are the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5. In our reviews of both models, we gave them each a 4.5-star rating. They both offer great sound and ANC features, comfortable fit, and an excellent user experience, so you really can't go wrong with either choice. However, is there a better option between them? Let's explore and find out.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: specs

Apple AirPods Pro 2
Sony WF-1000XM5

When it comes to wireless audio, some of the most popular items that get a ton of everyday use are headphones and earbuds. Over the last several years, noise-canceling technology has really taken off too, with brands like Sony, Bose, and Audio Technica putting ANC cans and buds on the map. 

Regarding the latter, we actually came across a great offer on Audio Technica earbuds while researching headphone deals: For a limited time, the Audio Technica ATH-TWX9 Wireless Earbuds are marked down to $233. The full MSRP on these in-ears is $300. This deal is available at Amazon, Best Buy, Crutchfield, and a few other retailers.