For the most secure in-ear fit, especially during activity, the AirPods Pro 3 (with their new foam-silicone hybrid tips and deeper fit) generally win for most people, offering a snug, secure feel, but the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 3 (with their classic design and multiple tip sizes) might suit ears that prefer a shallower fit; ultimately, fit is personal, so using the Apple Fit Test and trying different tips is key.
Best Noise Cancellation and Sound
The terrific AirPods Pro 3 earphones deliver world-class active noise cancellation, thanks to their improved algorithms and redesigned silicone earbuds featuring a new layer of foam that forms a better seal in your ears.
“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 ...
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.
AirPods: Don't shove your AirPods deep into your ear as far as they can go, they're not designed to be worn like that. Press them in gently with the stem parallel to your face. Once they're pressed, rotate them until they feel secure and tight.
Because they fit securely, earbuds with ear hooks are also popular for workouts. One factor to look out for with ear hooks is interference with eyewear or bike helmets, which can make earbuds with wings a better option.
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 new-generation AirPods are also slightly smaller than the AirPods 3, but they both weigh about the same (i.e., 0.15 ounces). AirPods fit is subjective, but speaking anecdotally, the AirPods 4 fit very well — even better than the AirPods Pro that I own. No matter how much I shake my head, they don't fall out.
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.
For instance, models like the soundcore Sport X20 and soundcore C40i are noted for their stability-enhancing features such as flexible ear hooks or clip-on designs, which make them good earphones for running that don't fall out.
People are switching to wired earphones for better sound quality, lower cost, no charging hassles, zero audio latency (great for gaming/video), and health concerns about radiofrequency (RF) radiation from wireless devices, while also embracing them as a nostalgic, "do not disturb" aesthetic statement. They offer reliability, longer lifespans (no battery degradation), and are often preferred for specific uses like air travel, where they work with in-flight systems without needing power.
The "60/60 rule" for headphones is a hearing safety guideline: listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time, then take a break to let your ears rest and recover, helping prevent noise-induced hearing loss. This simple habit protects hearing by managing sound intensity and duration, with noise-cancelling headphones helping by reducing the need to turn up the volume in noisy environments.
Gen Z likes wired headphones for a mix of nostalgia, anti-corporate fashion statements (rejecting the "tech bro" vibe of AirPods), superior audio quality (no Bluetooth compression), affordability, reliability (no charging, fewer dropouts), and sustainability (longer lifespan, less e-waste). It's a deliberate choice that blends retro style with practical and ethical benefits, making them a "low-key flex" on platforms like TikTok.
What makes the AirPods 4 stand out is their incredibly lightweight design—they won't feel like you're carrying ear-weights on long runs. They also fit securely, and with the improved shape, they're less likely to pop out mid-run.
The AirPods 4 are better for an open, comfortable fit with good sound and features like Spatial Audio, while the AirPods Pro 2 offer superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), richer bass, louder volume, and volume control on the stem, making them better for immersive listening and noisy environments. Choose AirPods 4 for budget-friendly comfort and sound; choose AirPods Pro 2 for top-tier ANC, sound, and features, especially if you prefer an in-ear seal.
Check the fit and choose the best ear tip size
To check the ear tip fit, wear your AirPods for 10 to 15 minutes during normal activity, such as walking. Observe how they feel in your ears. AirPods ear tips that are too small feel loose or fall out when you move your head.
The AirPods 4 are better in terms of both sound quality and features. You get an upgraded H2 chip for cleaner sound, upgraded force touch controls, a new model with the best ANC on open earbuds, and features like Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, etc. The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3.
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.
Between the new shape and the foam-infused ear tips, AirPods Pro 3 are a lot easier for me to wear for longer periods of time. Apple says that these are the 'most secure and best-fitting AirPods ever', based on 100,000 hours of user research and 300 million ear fit datapoints. That certainly feels accurate.
How to Get AirPods to Stay in Your Ear. Wipe away any dirt or oil with a damp cloth, then insert the AirPods and twist them so the stem sticks out horizontally. If that doesn't work, attach waterproof tape to the AirPods to keep them from sliding, or use an AirPod cover with ear hooks to keep them in place.
They're not an option for every type of hearing loss.
Like all over-the-counter hearing aids, the AirPods are intended strictly for adults 18+ with mild to moderate hearing loss. People with more severe hearing loss should see an audiologist, Palmer says.
1) Protect Against Scratches
An AirPods case is the most effective way to keep your AirPods charging case from cosmetic damage. It is, however, particularly important to purchase a case which wraps snugly around the body of the AirPods charging case.