AirPods with noise cancelling: the models that have it
Active noise cancelling is built into three AirPods models: AirPods Pro (both the original and the newer second generation), and AirPods Max. The standard AirPods and AirPods Pro Lite do not have this feature. If noise cancelling matters to you, you need one of those three specific models — there is no way to add it to the others later.
Active noise cancelling works by listening to the sound around you and playing an opposite sound wave through the earbuds to cancel it out. It works best on steady, low sounds like airplane engines or traffic. It does not eliminate sudden noises or voices as effectively. All three models that have it also let you turn it off and switch to Transparency mode, which lets outside sound in so you can hear what is happening around you.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods Pro (first and second generation) and AirPods Max all have active noise cancelling; standard AirPods do not.
- AirPods Pro are earbuds; AirPods Max are over-the-ear headphones, so the choice depends on what form factor you prefer.
- Noise cancelling works best on constant background sounds like engine noise and less well on voices or sudden sounds.
- All three models with noise cancelling also have Transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
AirPods Pro: the earbud option with noise cancelling
AirPods Pro come in two versions: the original AirPods Pro and the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Both have active noise cancelling, but the second generation is newer and has a stronger chip inside. The second generation also has a feature called Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts how much outside sound you hear based on your movement — if you start walking, it gradually lets more sound in so you can hear traffic.
Both versions are earbuds that sit inside your ear canal with a silicone tip. They come with three sizes of tips so you can find the fit that works for your ears. The battery lasts about six hours on a single charge with noise cancelling on, and the charging case holds enough power for multiple charges throughout the day. Both connect to Apple devices using Bluetooth and work with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.
The main difference between the original and second generation is that the newer version has better noise cancelling, longer battery life, and the Adaptive Audio feature. If you are buying new, the second generation is the current model. The original version may still be available used or discounted, but Apple no longer sells it directly.
AirPods Max: the over-the-ear headphones option
AirPods Max are full-size headphones that sit over your ears rather than inside them. They have active noise cancelling built in, along with Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio like the second-generation AirPods Pro. Because they are larger and heavier than earbuds, they are better for sitting at a desk or using at home than for exercise or travel.
The battery lasts about 20 hours with noise cancelling on, which is much longer than AirPods Pro. They also have a digital crown on the side — a rotating dial similar to the one on Apple Watches — that you use to control volume and switch between modes. The sound quality is generally considered better than AirPods Pro because the larger drivers can produce deeper bass and more detailed audio.
AirPods Max are significantly more expensive than AirPods Pro and take up more space in a bag. They are the right choice if you want over-the-ear headphones and do not mind the size and cost. If you need something portable for commuting or the gym, AirPods Pro are the better fit.
Standard AirPods and AirPods Pro Lite: no noise cancelling
The standard AirPods (sometimes called AirPods 3rd generation) do not have active noise cancelling. They are the least expensive AirPods option and work well for calls and general listening, but they do not block outside sound. They are open-fit earbuds, meaning they do not seal in your ear canal the way AirPods Pro do, so some sound naturally leaks in and out.
Apple also sells AirPods Pro Lite, which are a lower-cost version of AirPods Pro. They have the same design and fit as AirPods Pro but without active noise cancelling or Transparency mode. They are cheaper than full AirPods Pro but more expensive than standard AirPods. If you want the earbud form factor and the secure fit of AirPods Pro but do not need noise cancelling, AirPods Pro Lite are worth considering.
How to tell which AirPods you have
If you already own AirPods and are not sure which model they are, open the charging case and look at the status light on the front. Then open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, go to Bluetooth, and tap the information icon next to your AirPods. The model name will appear there — it will say "AirPods Pro," "AirPods Max," or just "AirPods."
You can also check the bottom of the charging case. AirPods Pro cases have a small indent on the bottom; standard AirPods cases do not. AirPods Max do not have a traditional charging case — they come with a soft fabric case instead. If you are still unsure, the Settings method is the most reliable way to confirm which model you own.
Noise cancelling performance across the three models
All three models with noise cancelling use the same basic technology, but the strength varies. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Max have stronger noise cancelling than the original AirPods Pro because they have more powerful processors. In real-world use, the difference is most noticeable on airplane flights and in loud offices — the newer models block more of the constant background sound.
AirPods Max generally perform better than AirPods Pro at noise cancelling because they are larger and can seal around your entire ear rather than just inside the ear canal. However, the difference is not dramatic — both work well for most situations. If you are choosing between them based purely on noise cancelling strength, the size and price difference usually matters more than the performance gap.
All three models let you adjust how much noise cancelling you want. You can turn it off completely, use Transparency mode to hear everything, or use Adaptive Audio to let the system decide based on what you are doing. This flexibility means you can use the same headphones in different situations without needing to switch devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do AirPods Pro work with Android phones?
Yes, AirPods Pro connect to Android phones via Bluetooth just like any other wireless earbuds. However, some Apple-specific features like Adaptive Audio and automatic switching between devices work only on Apple products. On Android, you get basic noise cancelling, Transparency mode, and standard Bluetooth connectivity.
Can I use noise cancelling on both earbuds at the same time?
Yes. Noise cancelling works on both earbuds simultaneously. You can also use one earbud and put the other in the case, and the remaining earbud will still have noise cancelling. The battery drains faster when using only one earbud because it has to work harder to maintain the connection.
Does noise cancelling work if I am on a phone call?
Noise cancelling reduces background sound while you are listening to music or audio, but during a phone call it switches to a different mode that prioritizes the other person's voice. You will still hear less background noise than without the feature, but it is not the same level of cancellation as when you are listening to music.
How long does the noise cancelling battery last?
AirPods Pro last about six hours with noise cancelling on, or eight hours with it off. AirPods Max last about 20 hours with noise cancelling on. Both come with charging cases that hold multiple additional charges. The exact battery life depends on volume level and how much you use Transparency mode.
Is the noise cancelling worth the extra cost?
That depends on your situation. If you spend time in loud environments like airplanes, trains, or open offices, noise cancelling makes a real difference in comfort and focus. If you mostly listen to music at home or in quiet places, you may not notice much benefit. Try them in a store or borrow a pair to test before deciding whether the extra cost is worth it for your daily life.