They've been usurped by newer models, but the Apple AirPods 2 brought wireless charging and hands-free Siri into the mix with longer call times and clearer audio.

If you haven’t yet jumped on the AirPods train and you know they’ll fit in your ears (if the wired EarPods that come with every iPhone fit you, the AirPods will, too), they are still among the best truly wireless headphones on the market, with great battery life, solid connectivity, great ease of use, and pretty good sound quality. They even work great for Android users, just like the first model. The new wireless charging convenience comes at an increased price, but for most people, the AirPods are still hard to beat.

Part of the reason why AirPods 2 don't seem like much of an upgrade is because Apple set the bar really high with AirPods 1, nailing size, battery life, and convenience. AirPods 1 were so ahead of the game no other wireless earbuds topped them.

New features like wireless charging and faster pairing are useful, but the Apple AirPods (2019) aren’t a significant improvement over their predecessors, with the same lackluster audio performance and design. The battery life leaves something to be desired, too. Still, you shouldn't write off the AirPods completely. Two years since their launch, and they (along with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max) are still the best true wireless earbuds for those that want excellent connectivity that works with the wider Apple ecosystem. Plus, their advancing age means that you can often find discounts on the wireless earbuds.

Their one-size-fits-all design is fairly comfortable, but it isn’t the most stable for everyone. How they fit greatly depends on the size and shape of your ear. Their open-back design is suitable for people who run or work out outside and want to be aware of their surroundings but won't help those who want to block out the noise of a crowded gym. Also, unfortunately, they don’t have a great control scheme, so it's not easy to adjust your playlist or volume when you're on the move.

If you're looking to just listen to music or a few podcasts, the AirPods (2nd generation) is a decent choice for iPhone owners, since the connection never drops and total battery life is pretty good. You won't get great sound out of these earphones, but that's not the point. If you're willing to sacrifice comfort for convenience, then the second-generation AirPods makes sense. Otherwise, we implore you to look at other options.

The second-generation Apple AirPods come with a wireless charging case, but do little to justify their higher price or improve upon the shortcomings of the original model.