The fit is subjective, but the standard AirPods 2 (and 1) offer a "one-size-fits-most," shallow, hard plastic design that many find comfortable for all-day wear. The standard AirPods 3 have a slightly different contour, potentially feeling more secure for some but less comfortable for others, while the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen & newer) use soft silicone tips for a deeper, sealed fit, which provides better noise isolation but can feel intrusive for those who prefer the original's open design.
Fit, Comfort, and Build Quality
Comfort is subjective, but there was a clear preference for the AirPods Pro 3 in a blind test during our review period. The Pro 3 feel more comfortable and secure, unless your ears are sensitive to deeper-fitting in-ear designs compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
Depending on your ear size, this can be less comfortable than the smaller earbuds of the 2nd gen. Personally, I prefer the larger AirPods 3rd gen due to a more secure fit in my ears, but I can see why it would be more uncomfortable for smaller ears.
Start with the medium, they should fit comfortably in your ears. If they're too loose, move to the larger pair. If they're uncomfortable, move to the smaller. They should be comfortable and secure, then from their you can run the Ear Tip Fit Test to ensure you're getting a good seal.
All that stuff is great as far as upgrades go. My ears, however, want to lodge a formal complaint. The new AirPods Pro 3 just don't fit my wee little ear-holes as well as the last ones did. The small tips fall out, the mediums feel too firm, and the whole “perfect seal” thing is suddenly a lot less comfortable.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the best iPhone-compatible earbuds for small ears we've tested. These high-end earbuds are the next generation of the Apple AirPods Pro 2. They come with five sets of hybrid foam and silicone ear tips, and we found they've also sized down relative to the corresponding ear tips on the Pro 2.
For most people, the best Apple AirPods are the AirPods Pro 3. As Apple's latest flagship earbuds, they deliver powerful active noise cancellation, a comfortable and secure in-ear fit, and even a heart rate tracking feature designed for workouts. If you're looking to spend less, the AirPods 4 are our top budget pick.
Place AirPods in your ears
Rotate the stem toward your face. Press gently to secure the fit, adjusting the rotation and angle of each of your AirPods.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR AIRPODS FROM FALLING OUT
Try inserting the AirPods with the medium-sized ear tips in your ears so that the AirPods are seated comfortably and securely. If you can't get a good seal, try adjusting the AirPod or switch to a larger ear tip. If the ear tip feels too large in your ear or is uncomfortable, try a smaller ear tip.
You should buy the AirPods Pro 2 for value and proven performance, or the AirPods Pro 3 for the latest tech like improved ANC, better battery (8hrs vs 6hrs), IP57 water resistance, and new features like heart rate tracking, if you prioritize cutting-edge features and the price difference isn't a major concern, though some prefer the older fit or sound. The Pro 3 offers a more refined audio experience and stronger durability, but the Pro 2 remains excellent and a more budget-friendly option with still strong features.
Reasons to buy
As I said, these buds are significantly improved in the four most important areas: fit, sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life. The result is that you don't feel like you're making any compromises when buying the AirPods Pro 3 if you're an Apple user.
The "best" AirPod depends on your needs, but the AirPods Pro 3 are generally considered the top overall for features like superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), fitness tracking (heart rate), and sound, while the AirPods 4 (ANC version) offer great value and improved sound for those who prefer the open-ear design. For premium sound and design, the AirPods Max are the best over-ear choice, but the Pro 3 earbuds offer the best balance of features, performance, and fit for most users.
AirPods Pro 3 deliver unbelievable sound quality, the world's best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation, an exceptional fit and stability, heart rate sensing during workouts, and extended battery life.
The new AirPods Pro 3 just don't fit my wee little ear-holes as well as the last ones did. The small tips fall out, the mediums feel too firm, and the whole “perfect seal” thing is suddenly a lot less comfortable.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3, the third generation of its high-end in-canal noise-cancelling earphones, surpass the AirPods Pro 2 in every way. Apple has dialed in a fresh sound that improves the audio, redesigned the buds to fit more securely in your ear, and added foam to the eartips to create a better in-ear seal.
Try inserting the AirPods with the medium-sized ear tips in your ears so that the AirPods are seated comfortably and securely. If you can't get a good seal, try adjusting the AirPod or switch to a larger ear tip. If the ear tip feels too large in your ear or is uncomfortable, try a smaller ear tip.
“This generation has a different shape than the older one which doesn't quite fit my ear perfectly and makes them far more apt to fall out of my ears while in use.” If you want the most secure fit, our pros suggest spending more on the AirPods Pro 3, which feature five silicone tips in addition to active noise ...
The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3, offering superior sound with better bass, the H2 chip for advanced features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, and USB-C charging (with MagSafe on the ANC model), making them a significant upgrade for most users seeking improved audio and modern tech in an open-ear design, though the AirPods Pro 3 offers superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) if a sealed fit and top-tier noise blocking are priorities.
The AirPods 3 offer a refreshed design with Spatial Audio and longer battery life over the AirPods 2, but the AirPods 2 remain a strong value with the core Apple ecosystem experience, making the choice depend on prioritizing premium features (AirPods 3) or budget (AirPods 2). Key upgrades in the 3rd Gen include Adaptive EQ for personalized sound, force sensor controls, IPX4 sweat resistance, and MagSafe charging, while the 2nd Gen provides a simpler, reliable experience at a lower cost, with the newer models generally providing better audio detail and features like Find My Case.
Our Top Picks for Earbuds That Stay Put
JBL Endurance Peak 3: This is the ultimate training partner. With a bendable Powerhook™ design that adjusts to your ear shape and a rugged IP68 dustproof and waterproof rating, these earbuds that don't fall out are built to endure anything.
Gen Z likes wired headphones for a mix of nostalgia, anti-mainstream style (rejecting AirPods' "tech bro" vibe), and practical benefits like better sound quality, no charging, lower cost, and greater sustainability/longevity, tapping into retro aesthetics and a desire for simpler, more reliable tech, influenced by celebrities like Bella Hadid.
All you need to do is slide the stem of the AirPods into the hollow stem of the AirPod Grips. Then, just wrap the hook around your ear, and you're good to go. The grips keep your AirPods securely in your ear while still offering a comfortable fit.