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HomePod Mini vs. HomePod Buyer’s Guide
Apple recently reintroduced the full-size HomePod, meaning that there are once again two HomePods to choose from. At three times the price of HomePod mini, should you buy the full-size HomePod, or choose its junior sibling? Our guide outlines the differences between the two HomePods and helps to answer the question of how to decide which may be best for you.
Similarities
- Design with acoustically transparent mesh fabric and backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge
- Siri and voice recognition
- U1 ultra wideband chip and audio handoff
- Temperature and humidity sensor
- Multiroom audio
- Stereo pair capable
- Smart home hub
- Thread support
- Intercom, Find My, Siri Shortcuts, Ambient sounds, Music alarms, Sound Recognition, Home Theater with Apple TV 4K, and Lossless audio
Differences
HomePod mini
- Compact, spherical design
- 3.3 inches tall
- S5 chip from 2019’s Apple Watch Series 5
- Full‑range driver
- Dual force-cancelling passive radiators
- Three-microphone array
- Available in White, Space Gray, Orange, Yellow, and Blue
- $99
HomePod
- Large, capsule design
- 6.6 inches tall
- S7 chip from 2021’s Apple Watch Series 7
- High-excursion woofer
- Five horn-loaded beamforming tweeter array
- Four far-field beamforming microphones
- Room-sensing
- Support for Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos
- Available in White and Midnight
- $299
Design
At just 3.3-inches tall, the HomePod mini is much smaller than the full-size HomePod, which is just under seven inches tall. The HomePod mini also has a compact spherical design, while the original HomePod has a bulkier, capsule-like design. The HomePod is larger than the HomePod mini to accommodate additional audio hardware for a fuller sound.
Both devices are covered in Apple’s audio-conductive mesh material and have a backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge. The HomePod and HomePod mini share the Siri waveform that appears on the top display to indicate when Siri is engaged, and integrated touch controls for volume. Both HomePods are also dependent on a wired power cable, meaning that neither is portable.
The HomePod mini’s compact spherical design is more discreet than its larger sibling, and will be the preferred device for tables and surfaces where you have limited space or don’t want it to stand out. Likewise, the larger HomePod will be more appropriate on TV units and areas with more space.
The larger HomePod is only available in White and Midnight, while the HomePod mini is available in White, Space Gray, Orange, Yellow, and Blue – which might be an important consideration when buying to go with your interior decor.
Audio Hardware
Audio hardware is the most important area of difference between the two HomePods. HomePod mini offers a single full-range driver, powered by a neodymium magnet and a pair of force-canceling passive radiators, which enables deep bass and crisp high frequencies.
On the other hand, HomePod features a large, Apple-designed woofer for deep, clean bass, and a custom array of five beam-forming tweeters that provide pure high-frequency acoustics, each with its own amplifier and with directional control.
Both devices use an Apple-designed acoustic waveguide to direct the flow of sound down and out toward the bottom of the speaker for an immersive 360-degree audio experience. This allows users to place HomePod almost anywhere in a room and hear consistent sound.
The HomePod’s larger size allows it to achieve a wider, deeper, and more spacious soundstage. It delivers richer, fuller, and louder sound compared to the HomePod mini. The HomePod mini still delivers clean, functional, and surprisingly good sound, but there is no doubt that the added size and audio components in the larger HomePod overshadows it significantly.
Microphones
HomePod mini uses a three-microphone array to listen for “Hey Siri,” and a fourth inward-facing microphone helps isolate sound coming from the speaker to improve voice detection when music is playing. The larger HomePod uses an array of four microphones for the same reason.
These microphones help to cancel echo and enable Siri to understand people whether they are near the device or standing across the room, even while loud music is playing. It is unclear if the added microphones on the HomePod are to counteract its louder, larger sound profile, while the HomePod mini simply doesn’t need a four-microphone array due to its smaller size, or if it is a point of material difference between the two models when it comes to sound isolation.
Processor and Software
The HomePod uses the S7 chip from the Apple Watch Series 7, while the HomePod mini uses the S5 chip from the Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE. The HomePod’s processor allows it to use advanced software for real-time acoustic modeling, audio beam-forming, and echo cancelation.
HomePod mini uses its processor to maximize the performance of its less capable audio hardware. In an attempt to achieve big sound out of a compact design, the Apple S5 chip in HomePod mini works with advanced software to analyze the unique characteristics of the music and apply complex tuning models to optimize loudness, adjust the dynamic range, and control the movement of the driver and passive radiators in real-time.
The S7 chip in the larger HomePod likewise performs some unique functions, such as bass management through real-time software modeling that ensures the speaker delivers the deepest and cleanest bass possible, with low distortion.
Ultimately, the HomePod’s processor is not a very important consideration when it comes to choosing between the two models. The S5 is an older chip, but the S7 is only marginally more powerful. The S7 is functionally the same as the S6 chip, meaning that it is only one generation newer than the S5 chip in practice. Both S-series chips run the same operating system and deliver computational audio with a comparable level of performance.
Many of the HomePod’s operations are not processed locally, so a newer chip does not necessarily guarantee better real-world performance. Nevertheless, for locally processed tasks, the full-size HomePod is likely to perform marginally better, but not to the extent that it is worth choosing one over the other.
Spatial Awareness
The larger HomePod uses spatial awareness to sense its location in the room. This allows it to automatically adjust and optimize the audio based on its location in the room for improved sound quality. The HomePod can detect walls and corners, and uses this information with its directional tweeters to deliver sound evenly across the room, while reducing distortion and echo. Only the original HomePod has spatial awareness, and the HomePod mini does not have this feature.
Stereo Sound
Adding a second HomePod to your setup enables stereo sound to create a wider soundstage for richer, more enveloping sound. Each HomePod is able to play its own channel of either left or right sound, while separating out both the ambient and direct energy. Both devices can perform automatic detection and balance of two speakers using both direct and reflected audio. Even though the two speakers act as one, each HomePod communicates with each other to ensure that only one speaker responds to Siri requests.
While both HomePod and HomePod mini support this stereo pair capability, you cannot pair a HomePod mini and a full-size HomePod together. Instead, you can only pair two HomePods or two HomePod minis as stereo speakers. Both HomePods support multiroom audio and can be mixed together using that functionality, but not to achieve stereo sound.
The soundstage of the HomePod is much more impressive in stereo owing to its larger size, so while the HomePod mini is competent for stereo audio, the experience is undoubtedly much better with the full-size model.
Spatial Audio
Only the full-size HomePod supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, a feature that was added via the iOS 15.1 software update in 2021. If you plan to listen to a lot of Dolby Atmos audio, such as via Apple Music or in a home theatre setup, the full-size HomePod is your only option.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it is clear that the HomePod and HomePod mini are products that have different purposes. The HomePod is a more full-featured, high-end speaker focused on outstanding sound quality, while the HomePod mini is intended to be more accessible and versatile.
This is reflected in the HomePod mini’s more affordable price. The HomePod mini may be better suited to areas such as hallways or kitchens, while the original HomePod seems to be better suited to larger rooms where audio content is consumed more regularly, such as living rooms.
The main reason to buy the larger HomePod is its better audio fidelity. If you want to use your HomePods to enjoy Spatial Audio, the larger HomePod is the only option, but the stereo experience and home theatre is also much better than with the HomePod mini. With its directional audio and spatial awareness, on top of its added audio hardware, the full-size HomePod is the device for when immersive sound is important and worth an additional $200.
In locations where the device may be used for Siri commands or podcasts more than music or TV audio, HomePod mini seems to be the better option. The HomePod mini is better when something more discreet is needed or in areas where it is used in passing. The HomePod mini still performs well in multiroom audio mode and its more affordable price tag allows users to acquire more of them for use around the home.
This article, “HomePod Mini vs. HomePod Buyer’s Guide” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Mac Mini vs. Mac Studio Buyer’s Guide
The Mac Studio starts at $1,999, dwarfing the $599 starting price of the M2 Mac mini and even the $1,299 starting price of the M2 Pro Mac mini, so do you need the highest-end Apple silicon Mac, or is the humble Mac mini sufficient for your needs? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these two desktop Macs is best for you.
Comparing the Mac Mini and the Mac Studio
The Mac mini and the Mac Studio share some fundamental features, including a familiar, boxy silver aluminum design, Apple silicon chipsets, and two USB-A ports. That being said, the two machines have much more in contrast than they do in common, including different chip options, memory capacities, ports, and external display support capabilities.
Key Differences
Mac mini
- Height of 1.41 inches (3.58 cm)
- M2 chip or M2 Pro chip
- Up to 12-core CPU
- Up to 19-core GPU
- Media engine with video decode engine, video encode engines, and ProRes encode and decode engine
- Up to 200GB/s memory bandwidth
- Up to 32GB unified memory
- Support for up to two displays (M2) or three displays (M2 Pro)
- HDMI 2.1 port
- Up to four Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet or 10Gb Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Starts at $699 for M2 model or $1,299 for M2 Pro model
Mac Studio
- Height of 3.7 inches (9.5 cm)
- M1 Max chip or M1 Ultra chip
- Up to 20-core CPU
- Up to 64-core GPU
- Media engine with two video decode engines, up to four video encode engines, and up to four ProRes encode and decode engines
- Up to 800GB/s memory bandwidth
- Up to 128GB unified memory
- Support for up to four Pro Display XDRs and one 4K display
- HDMI 2.0 port
- Six Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
- SDXC card slot (UHS-II)
- 10Gb Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Starts at $1,999 for M1 Max model or $3,999 for M1 Ultra model
Desktop Apple Silicon Chips Compared
In single-core tasks, the M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini models perform distinctly better than either of the Mac Studio configurations. In multi-core, the picture is less clear-cut. The M2 Mac mini is less powerful than either of the Mac Studio models, but the M2 Pro Mac mini is more powerful than the M1 Max Mac Studio. The M1 Ultra Mac Studio remains the most powerful in multi-core tasks. In GPU tasks, the chips scale as one would expect, with progressively better performance through the M2, M2 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra. As such, users who need maximum GPU power should still buy the Mac Studio over the Mac mini.
See the approximate Geekbench 5 scores for each Mac mini and Mac Studio below, including the scores for the now-discontinued M1 Mac mini for reference:
Single-Core Scores
- M1: ~1,700
- M2: ~2,000
- M2 Pro: ~2,000
- M1 Max: ~1,750
- M1 Ultra: ~1,750
Metal GPU Scores
- M1: ~22,500
- M2: ~30,500
- M2 Pro: ~52,700
- M1 Max: ~64,700
- M1 Ultra: ~94,500
Multi-Core Scores
- M1: ~7,500
- M2: ~9,000
- M2 Pro: ~15,000
- M1 Max: ~12,350
- M1 Ultra: ~23,350
Unless you plan on buying the M1 Ultra Mac Studio with a focus on multi-core and GPU performance, the M2 Pro Mac mini should be the best all-round choice in terms of performance for most users.
Memory
If you need more than 32GB of memory, the Mac Studio can provide greater quantities up to 128GB. Likewise, the Mac mini’s memory bandwidth maxes out at 200GB/s memory bandwidth. The Mac Studio, on the other hand, offers up to 400GB/s or 800GB/s memory bandwidth. As such, if you need extreme quantities of memory and a large amount of memory bandwidth for professional tasks, only the Mac Studio can meet these requirements. It is still worth noting that the M2 Pro Mac mini’s 32GB memory option, along with 200GB/s memory bandwidth, should be more than enough for most users.
Ports and External Display Support
The Mac Studio offers a more versatile selection of ports, with two extra Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a SDXC card slot compared to the M2 Pro Mac mini, which could be an important consideration for users with a lot of peripherals.
The Mac mini has an HDMI 2.1 port, meaning that it will be better for a small number of users who work with 8K and high refresh-rate external displays, but otherwise the Mac Studio offers better external display support.
Final Thoughts
To some extent, purchasing decisions should be driven by budget, but it is worth bearing in mind that any savings on the desktop computer itself can be put toward a good external display such as Apple’s Studio Display, which starts from $1,599. For example, an M2 Pro Mac mini paired with a Studio Display comes to $2,898, which is just $899 more than a lone base model Mac Studio and $1,101 less than the M1 Ultra Mac Studio with no display.
Buy Mac Mini if…
- You need a high-level of performance and versatility at a comparatively low price
- You need maximum single-core CPU performance
- You need maximum multi-core CPU performance and cannot afford the M1 Ultra Mac Studio
- You need HDMI 2.1 and support for 8K external displays
- You need Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) or Bluetooth 5.3
Buy Mac Studio if…
- You need maximum multi-core CPU performance and can afford the M1 Ultra model
- You need maximum GPU performance
- You need amounts of memory over 32GB and high memory bandwidth
- You need more than four Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
- You need support for more than three external displays
- You need a built-in SDXC card slot (UHS-II)
You should only consider the Mac Studio if you have a professional workflow that can leverage the extreme power of M1 Ultra, as well as its additional ports and memory options. If you need the Mac Studio, you will likely know that you are looking for a highly powerful machine that is capable of supporting specific intense workflows. Most customers should choose the M2 Pro Mac mini over the M1 Max Mac Studio, saving $700 when looking at the base models. There will likely still be substantial savings when it comes to custom configurations.
This article, “Mac Mini vs. Mac Studio Buyer’s Guide” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Old vs. New HomePod Buyer’s Guide
The new HomePod is priced at $299. The original model debuted at a $349 price point, before being dropped to $299 in 2019. Following a period of appreciation last year, prices for the original HomePod on sites like eBay are now falling and it may still be possible to pick up a unit at a price well below $299.
First-time HomePod customers, those considering upgrading from the original, or anyone considering adding another HomePod to their setup to create a stereo pair may be wondering whether it is worth buying an original model or the new one, so it is important to weigh up exactly what was added with the reintroduced HomePod.
See the detailed breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with the new HomePod compared to the original model:
New HomePod
- Refined design with acoustically transparent mesh fabric
- Larger backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge, matching HomePod mini
- S7 chip from 2021’s Apple Watch Series 7
- U1 ultra wideband chip
- Five horn-loaded tweeters
- Four far-field beamforming microphones
- 6.6 inches tall
- Weighs 5.16 pounds
- Removable power cable
- Wi-Fi 4 connectivity (802.11n)
- Thread support
- Temperature and humidity sensor
- Available in White and Midnight
Original HomePod
- Design with acoustically transparent mesh fabric
- Backlit touch surface
- A8 chip from 2013’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- Seven horn-loaded tweeters
- Six far-field beamforming microphones
- 6.8 inches tall
- Weighs 5.5 pounds
- Wi-Fi 5 connectivity (802.11ac)
- Fixed power cable
- Available in White and Space Gray
Final Thoughts
If you already have an original HomePod, most users will not gain much by replacing it with a new model. In fact, in some senses, the new HomePod is a step back from the original, with fewer tweeters, microphones, and downgraded support for Wi-Fi 4. The original HomePod still receives software updates with new features and improvements, and the new model is unlikely to sound better owing to its scaled down audio hardware, so you may be better off waiting for your current HomePod to reach the end of its usable life before upgrading to a future HomePod model that has more to offer.
A minority of users who specifically want a better handoff experience with the U1 chip, the temperature and humidity sensor for smart home automations, Thread support, and perhaps even the new Midnight color option and tweaked aesthetic may have justifiable reasons to upgrade – but this certainly won’t be the case for most existing HomePod owners.
- Original HomePod user: Don’t upgrade to new HomePod unless you want specific new features
- Original HomePod user looking to create stereo pair: Get discounted original model or buy two new models
- Prospective HomePod customer: Buy new HomePod, don’t buy discounted original model
The new HomePod cannot be stereo-paired with the original model, so if your intention in buying another HomePod is to create one, you will need to track down another original model. If you can afford it, it may be easier to simply replace your original HomePod with a new one and create a whole new stereo pair with two of the reintroduced models.
If you are simply looking to add a HomePod to your smart home and audio setup, it will be much better to get the new model over the original. The new model offers improved performance, a significantly better handoff experience, a more modern design, is unlikely to sound much different from the original model, and should have much better longevity.
This article, “Old vs. New HomePod Buyer’s Guide” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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2020 vs. 2023 Mac Mini Buyer’s Guide
The current Mac mini with the M2 chip starts at $599 and model with the M2 Pro chip starts at $1,299. Upon the launch of the latest models, the M1 and Intel-based Mac minis were discontinued and are no longer available from Apple’s main storefront. Units of these slightly older machines are likely to still be available via Apple’s refurbished store and third-party retailers for reduced prices in the coming months. Buying an older model second-hand is also an option.
First-time Mac mini customers or those upgrading from a much older, Intel-based device may be wondering whether it is worth buying a previous-generation Mac mini, so it will be important to weigh up exactly what was added with the latest models. Likewise, existing users of the M1 Mac mini may be wondering if it is worth upgrading to the latest model or sticking with their current device.
See the detailed breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with each Apple silicon Mac mini compared to its direct predecessor:
2023: M2 and M2 Pro Mac Mini
- M2 or M2 Pro chip
- Eight-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficiency cores with M2 or up to 12-core CPU with eight performance cores and four efficiency cores with M2 Pro
- 10-core GPU with M2 or up to 19-core GPU with M2 Pro
- Media engine with video decode engine, video encode engine, and ProRes encode and decode engine for hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes and ProRes RAW
- 100GB/s memory bandwidth with M2 or 200GB/s memory bandwidth with M2 Pro
- 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB unified memory with M2 or 16GB or 32GB unified memory with M2 Pro
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD storage with M2 or 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD storage with M2 Pro
- Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports with M2 or four Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports with M2 Pro
- HDMI 2.1 port
- 3.5mm headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones
- With M2 models, support for one display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and one display with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt or 4K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI with M2. With M2 Pro models, support for two displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI, one display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 144Hz via HDMI, or one display with up to 8K resolution at 60Hz or 4K resolution at 240Hz via HDMI.
2020: M1 Mac Mini
- M1 chip
- Eight-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficiency cores
- Eight-core GPU
- Media engine with video decode engine and video encode engine for hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC
- 66.67GB/s memory bandwidth
- 8GB or 16GB unified memory
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB SSD storage with M1
- 802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
- HDMI 2.0 port
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Support for one display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt and one display with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz via Thunderbolt or 4K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI
Final Thoughts
If you can get an M1 Mac mini for a sufficiently low price compared to the M2 model, it may still be worth buying, but given Apple’s price drop for the new M2 version to just $599, significantly better prices may be difficult to find. In most cases, it will be better to get the M2 Mac mini over the M1 one, especially if you want a future-proof device to keep for the long term, where slightly better performance, more memory bandwidth, and specifications like Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and HDMI 2.1 are likely to be more beneficial through successive software updates and as connectivity needs with other devices evolve. That being said, existing M1 Mac mini users are unlikely to get much out of upgrading to an M2 model.
- New to Apple silicon Mac mini with no need for “Pro” capabilities: Buy M2 model over discounted M1 model
- New to Apple silicon Mac mini with need for “Pro” capabilities: Buy M2 Pro model over discounted M1 model
- M1 Mac mini user with no need for “Pro” capabilities: Don’t upgrade to M2 or M2 Pro models
- M1 Mac mini user with need for “Pro” capabilities: Upgrade to M2 Pro model
M1 Mac mini users who definitely need a more advanced machine will get a major upgrade with M2 Pro configurations of the latest model. The M2 Pro Mac mini’s added performance and markedly more powerful GPU, doubled memory bandwidth, 32GB memory option, up to 8TB of storage, and two extra Thunderbolt ports make for a sizeable difference. For similar reasons, those considering the M2 Pro Mac mini should not buy the M1 model, even if it can be found for a much lower price.
This article, “2020 vs. 2023 Mac Mini Buyer’s Guide” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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2021 vs. 2023 MacBook Pro Buyer’s Guide
The current 14-inch model starts at $1,999 and the 16-inch model starts at $2,499. Upon the launch of the latest models, the 2021 MacBook Pros were discontinued and are no longer available from Apple’s main storefront. Units of these slightly older machines are likely to still be available via Apple’s refurbished store and third-party retailers for significantly reduced prices. Buying a 2021 model second-hand is also an option.
First-time MacBook Pro customers or those upgrading from a much older device may be wondering whether it is worth buying a 2021 model, so it will be important to weigh up exactly what was added with the latest version. Likewise, existing users of the 2021 MacBook Pro may be wondering if it is worth upgrading to the latest model or sticking with their current device.
See the detailed breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with each high-end Apple silicon MacBook Pro compared to its direct predecessor:
2023 MacBook Pro
- M2 Pro or M2 Max chip
- Up to 12-core CPU with eight performance cores and four efficiency cores with M2 Pro and 12-core CPU with eight performance cores and four efficiency cores with M2 Max
- Up to 19-core GPU with M2 Pro and up to 38-core GPU with M2 Max
- 16GB or 32GB unified memory with M2 Pro and 32GB, 64GB, or 96GB unified memory with M2 Max
- Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.3
- HDMI 2.1 port
- Battery life of up to 18 hours with 14-inch model and 22 hours with 16-inch model
2021 MacBook Pro
- M1 Pro or M1 Max chip
- Up to 10-core CPU with eight performance cores and two efficiency cores with M1 Pro and 10-core CPU with eight performance cores and two efficiency cores with M1 Max
- Up to 16-core GPU with M1 Pro and up to 32-core GPU with M1 Max
- 16GB or 32GB unified memory with M1 Pro and 32GB or 64GB unified memory with M1 Max
- 802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- HDMI 2.0 port
- Battery life of up to 17 hours with 14-inch model and 21 hours with 16-inch model
Final Thoughts
With only a minor update in 2023, the 2021 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are still a very good option if you can get them for a sufficiently low price. It is only worth paying more to get the latest model if you want a future-proof device to keep for the long term, where slightly better performance, battery life, and specifications like Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and HDMI 2.1 are likely to be more beneficial through successive software updates and as connectivity needs with other devices evolve. Even then, it is difficult to recommend buying a 2023 MacBook Pro at full price over an equivalent, heavily discounted 2021 model.
- New to Apple silicon MacBook Pro: Buy 2021 model over 2023 model unless future-proofing is vital
- 2021 MacBook Pro user: Don’t upgrade to 2023 model unless peak performance and expanded capabilities are required
If you already have a 2021 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro, it is unlikely that upgrading to a 2023 model will be worthwhile. The latest model’s improved performance, additional hour of battery life, and improved connectivity specifications are unlikely to make a meaningful difference to most users. Only professionals who require absolute peak performance with the M2 Max chip, a 96GB memory option, or an HDMI 2.1 port to connect to 8K or 240Hz external displays will see substantial benefits. It is also worth noting that in many countries outside the United States, the 2023 MacBook Pro models come with a hefty price hike – meaning that it will also likely be more economical to stick with 2021 model you already have.
This article, “2021 vs. 2023 MacBook Pro Buyer’s Guide” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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AirPods: 2023 Buyer’s Guide
This guide walks through the different AirPods models that you can purchase right now, highlighting the similarities and the differences between them to help you pick the best option.
AirPods vs. Sony, Bose and Other Third-Party Options
First off, if you’re curious why you should choose AirPods at all when there are so many headphone brands on the market, it’s because AirPods offer the best integration with Apple’s iPhones, Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs.
There are features that third-party manufacturers cannot match, such as quick one-tap device pairing, one-tap switching with devices where you’re logged in to your Apple ID, Spatial Audio for TV shows, movies, and music, Hey Siri integration, and Find My support for some models. If you have an Apple device, Apple-designed headphones are your best bet.
All AirPods models are wire-free and are designed to connect to your devices using Bluetooth.
Beats Headphones vs. AirPods
Apple owns the Beats by Dre brand, and there are several wireless earbud options that are competitive with AirPods, including the Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio Buds, and Powerbeats Pro. These earbuds offer many of the same quick pairing and automatic switching features as the AirPods, and could be worth checking out if you prefer the Beats style and fit.
Beats earbuds are more fitness oriented than the AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, with the Beats Fit Pro and Powerbeats both aimed at those who need a more secure in-ear fit.
In-Ear AirPods vs. Over-Ear AirPods
There are two general types of AirPods, including the over-ear AirPods Max and the in-ear AirPods and AirPods Pro that are smaller and designed to fit in the outer ear. If you’re looking for ear cups connected by a headband that are worn over the ears and on the head, the AirPods Max are the only option that Apple offers.
AirPods and AirPods Pro have a similar small earbud-like design, and the difference between them is that the AirPods Pro have silicone ear tips for a better sound seal, while the AirPods do not.
AirPods vs. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max – Noise Canceling
Aside from design, the major difference between the AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max is noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max offer Active Noise Cancellation, and the lower-cost AirPods do not have noise cancelling capabilities.
AirPods 2 and 3 Overview
The first earbuds that Apple came out with were the AirPods, and as of now, there have been three iterations in total. The AirPods 3 are the most recent version, priced at $179, while the AirPods 2 are a prior-generation version available at a more affordable $129 price point.
When you think of AirPods, it’s probably the AirPods 2 and 3 models that come to mind, as they feature Apple’s tipless in-ear design with longer white stems that come down. Compared to AirPods 2, AirPods 3 feature a Force sensor for more music control gestures, Spatial Audio support with dynamic head tracking, better water resistance, longer battery life, improved sound quality, a better skin detection sensor for improved accuracy when pulling them out of your ears, and a MagSafe charging case (or Lightning, for a $10 discount).
If you can afford it, the AirPods 3 are enough of an upgrade over the AirPods 2 to justify the extra $50, and these are your quintessential earbuds perfect for yourself, kids, giving as gifts, and more. The AirPods were last refreshed in 2021, which was when Apple introduced the third-generation AirPods.
AirPods 3 Key Features:
- In-ear design with vent system
- Force sensor controls
- H1 chip
- MagSafe Charging Case with Find My
- Spatial audio
- Skin detect sensors
- 5 hours battery with Spatial Audio
- 24 hours listening time with charging case
- IPX4 water/sweat resistance
Bottom Line: The AirPods 3 are Apple’s iconic earbuds that have a universal comfortable fit for everyday use when listening to music, making calls, and more. They’re simple, affordable, easy to use, and they pair perfectly with Apple devices.
The AirPods 2 are a more affordable version of the AirPods 3 but without MagSafe charging, and neither version of the AirPods feature noise cancellation, so if that’s a feature you’re looking for, you need to upgrade to AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro Overview
The AirPods Pro are Apple’s newest earbuds, refreshed in September 2022. The second-generation AirPods Pro are Apple’s in-ear noise cancelling earbuds, offering the ANC capabilities of the AirPods Max in an earbud size similar to the AirPods. Notably, the AirPods Pro have Adaptive Transparency, which lets you hear what’s around you while drowning out extra loud sounds like sirens, noisy concerts, and more, which can damage hearing.
As Apple’s newest product, the AirPods Pro feature an updated H2 chip with more advanced noise cancellation technologies, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, and longer battery life. If you want small, portable earbuds that have noise cancellation features for everyday use, the AirPods Pro are the way to go. Apple sells the AirPods Pro for $250, a price that includes a MagSafe Charging Case.
Key Features:
- In-ear design with silicone ear tips and vent system
- Force sensors and touch-based controls
- H2 chip
- MagSafe Charging Case with Find My
- Spatial audio
- Skin detect sensors
- 5.5 hours listening time with Spatial Audio
- 30 hours listening time with charging case
- IPX4 water/sweat resistance
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Adaptive Transparency
- Lanyard loop
Bottom Line: If you want an in-ear form factor with Active Noise Cancellation, the AirPods Pro 2 are the earbuds to pick up. Apple improved ANC this year compared to the original AirPods Pro, plus battery life has increased and there’s now a MagSafe charging case that can charge via Lightning, MagSafe charger, Qi charger, or even an Apple Watch charger, so it’s super versatile. The AirPods Pro are Apple’s best in-ear earbuds.
AirPods Max Overview
The AirPods Max are Apple’s first and only Apple-branded headphones that are designed to be worn over the ear. Offering higher quality audio than the AirPods or AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max are on par with over-ear options from companies like Sony and Bose.
The AirPods Max feature Active Noise Cancellation and a Digital Crown for volume adjustment, plus they have the longest battery life of any of the AirPods at 20 hours. There is no charging case, though, so there’s no extra battery life. For over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max are comfortable, but some users find them heavy and tight on the head, and they are not as universally comfortable as the AirPods or AirPods Pro for all people.
Apple has not updated the AirPods Max since 2020, and they are due for a refresh.
Key Features:
- Over-ear design with magnetic ear cups
- Aluminum build, padded headband
- Noise control button, Digital Crown for volume adjustment
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Transparency
- H1 chip
- Position and case-detect sensor
- Up to 20 hours listening time
- Spatial Audio support
- Smart Case preserves battery charge
- Charges via Lightning
Bottom Line: For those looking for an over-ear headphone solution, the AirPods Max are worth picking up, though it is worth noting that the AirPods Max have not been updated since 2020 and so we could see a refresh soon. AirPods Max are similar to the AirPods Pro with Active Noise Cancellation, but with an over-ear fit. They’re much larger than Apple’s in-ear options, and have a high-quality aluminum build with comfortable fabric-covered ear cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which AirPods Are Cheapest?
The prior-generation AirPods 2 are Apple’s cheapest earbud option at $129, but they can sometimes be found on sale for under $100 from third-party retailers. They have many of the same features as the AirPods 3, but lack the Force sensor for additional gestures, Spatial Audio, and MagSafe charging case. Battery life is also lower.
If you don’t need bells or whistles like Spatial Audio, the AirPods 2 can save you some money, but the AirPods 3 offer better sound quality, better voice quality for calls, and they work with Spatial Audio for TV shows, music, and movies.
Which AirPods Have the Best Noise Cancellation?
Both the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max have Active Noise Cancellation functionality, but it differs somewhat because the AirPods Max are over-ear headphones and the AirPods Pro are in-ear.
The AirPods Pro 2 are newer and Apple introduced a more advanced Active Noise Cancellation technology. Both work to drown out typical noises that you might want to block like airplane sounds, fans, air conditioners, and road noise, but the AirPods Pro 2 require a good in-ear fit for the best noise cancellation, while the AirPods Max don’t need much adjustment as over-ear headphones.
The best ANC is a matter of opinion and it’s best to pick based on fit preference. If you want in-ear buds, get the AirPods Pro, but if you prefer larger over-ear headphones, it’s best to go with AirPods Max.
Which AirPods Are Most Comfortable?
The AirPods Pro and the AirPods are both regarded as highly comfortable for most people with their ergonomic designs and included vents, but the AirPods Pro may have the edge because of the silicone tips.
Ears are all different, so it may be best to try out the AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max in the store to see which is the best for you.
Which AirPods Have the Most Features?
The AirPods Pro 2 are Apple’s newest AirPods and they have the most advanced feature set. There’s next-generation Active Noise Cancellation technology, Adaptive Transparency for drowning out loud noises like sirens and construction work, a lanyard loop, a case with built-in speakers for locating them via Find My, and more.
If you want the newest and best AirPods, it’s the AirPods Pro you’re looking for. The AirPods were last updated in October 2021 and the AirPods Max haven’t been updated since their December 2020 launch. We are expecting an AirPods Max update at some point in 2023 or 2024, which prospective buyers should be aware of.
Read More
We have dedicated roundups for all of the AirPods options, which go into much more detail on all of the available features.
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This article, “AirPods: 2023 Buyer’s Guide” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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