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Apple's AirPods are among the most popular wireless headphones on the market thanks to their solid audio quality, easy pairing with iPhones, and sleek designs. But with four different models to choose from, picking the best AirPods for your needs can be tricky. That's why we've tested the entire lineup to break down the strengths and weaknesses of each option. 

The best Apple AirPods for most people are the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which offer active noise cancelation (ANC) and a case that charges wirelessly or using a USB-C cable. Buyers on a budget might prefer the standard AirPods (2nd generation), which lack ANC but still have many of the same core features for a lot less money.

Below, you can find details on all the pros and cons of every AirPods model that Apple sells, including its premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max. 

Our top picks for the best AirPods

Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) – See at Amazon

Best for casual users: AirPods (3rd generation) – See at Amazon

Best on a budget: AirPods (2nd generation) – See at Amazon

Best for audiophiles: AirPods Max – See at Amazon

Best overall

The second-generation AirPods Pro are Apple's flagship wireless earbuds. These are the best AirPods to buy if you want great sound quality and active noise cancelation in a compact design.

Offering a nice step up from the first-gen model, the latest AirPods Pro use a new custom driver that delivers a big improvement in audio performance. Sound is noticeably richer than what we heard on the original AirPods Pro, which offered a more hollow and distant quality. 

These are also the first AirPods to use the new H2 processing chip, which Apple claims can deliver twice as powerful noise-canceling as the H1 chip housed in the first-generation AirPods Pro. Good noise canceling isn't just useful during a commute or while traveling. It's a key feature for blocking out distracting noise during day-to-day tasks, like working at a desk.

Though ANC is one of the reasons the AirPods Pro cost more than other Apple earbuds, we think it's worth splurging for. The AirPods Pro also have an excellent transparency mode, which uses microphones to let in outside noises when you want to stay aware of your surroundings. However, the AirPods Pro can't quite match the overall noise-canceling performance of some competing earbuds we've tested from other brands, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. But if you're set on sticking with the Apple brand, these are your best bet. 

The second-gen AirPods Pro also have a secure in-ear design, which makes them the best AirPods for people who've had issues with other Apple headphones staying in their ears. This model fits more snugly than regular AirPods, thanks to customizable tips that go deeper into your ear. And unlike standard AirPods, the case included with the latest AirPods Pro is now dust-resistant, in addition to water- and sweat-proof. 

Note: The AirPods Pro are available with either a Lightning or USB-C charging case. Since USB-C is the more universal charging standard, we recommend that edition as our top pick.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) review.

Check out our guides to the best AirPods Pro cases and best wireless earbuds.

Best for casual users

Apple's third-generation AirPods are an excellent alternative to the AirPods Pro if you want a less expensive pair of earbuds. And unless you're on an especially tight budget, we think they're worth the extra money over their cheaper second-generation counterparts. 

This model includes many of the same premium audio features found on the AirPods Pro, like Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. That latter option can give the impression that music is coming from all around you. However, not everyone likes the resulting surround sound effect, so it's good that this feature can be easily toggled off.

But while the third-gen AirPods don't sound quite as good as the AirPods Pro, they do have higher quality drivers and amplifiers than the second-gen AirPods. They have a contoured design and shorter stems as well, which makes them look more like the AirPods Pro. However, they don't include active noise canceling, so you still have to pay extra for the more expensive AirPods Pro if you want that feature. 

In your ears, the third-gen AirPods fit a lot like the second-gen AirPods. They have a semi-open build that rests by the opening of your ear canal, rather than using an in-ear design like the AirPods Pro. f you've had problems with past AirPods falling out, the third-gen AirPods won't be any better.

However, some people prefer this kind of looser fit since it doesn't plug your ears and still lets you hear your surroundings. All things considered, we recommend these as the best Apple AirPods to get for casual listeners who want good audio quality but don't care about ANC.

Read our full Apple AirPods (3rd generation) review.

Best on a budget

Apple's second-generation AirPods aren't as advanced as the brand's more expensive offerings. You won't find perks like noise cancelation, spatial audio, or water resistance here. However, the second-gen AirPods still retain all the core features AirPods are known for — like quick pairing with iOS devices and automatic playing and pausing — in a more budget-friendly package. 

When it comes to sound quality, the second-gen AirPods sound decent, but they're not on par with Apple's pricier earbuds. While they get the job done for basic needs, they aren't a good fit for enthusiasts who want the best audio performance when listening to music. 

Like the third-gen AirPods, this second-gen model has a semi-open fit. Rather than creating a true seal in your ear, they rest more loosely at the opening of your ear canal, which keeps your ears from feeling plugged. While this style is great for hearing your surroundings, it hurts sound isolation and can make these AirPods hard to stay in place when paired with certain ear shapes. 

The second-gen AirPods have longer stems than their third-gen and Pro counterparts. This makes them look like Apple just snipped the wires off its wired EarPods headphones. It's not a bad look — they have become iconic — but it's not as sleek as the shorter stems on Apple's other models.

Generally, we think most people are better off paying more for the third-gen AirPods or AirPods Pro, but this second-gen model remains a solid budget option, especially when it goes on sale for under $100. 

Read our full Apple AirPods (2nd generation) review.

Best for audiophiles

The AirPods Max deliver first-rate audio performance and noise cancelation, all wrapped in an elegant package. Unlike Apple's other AirPods, which are all earbuds, the AirPods Max uses a larger over-ear headphone design. This makes them better suited for people who prioritize high-end audio quality and want a pair of headphones that make a statement when worn in public. 

The AirPods Max use Apple-designed drivers and 10 audio cores for delivering computational audio and adaptive EQ, which allows the headphones to adjust their sound based on the fit of the ear cups. Like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max also support spatial audio and other features like quick-pairing. 

During our tests, the AirPods Max sounded significantly crisper, bolder, and louder than the Bose Noise Canceling 700 headphones. They also outperformed the Sony WH-1000XM4, although Sony's headphones came impressively close. 

The AirPods Max also deliver when it comes to noise cancelation. When we sat underneath an elevated subway that runs above a very busy street, the AirPods Max significantly dulled the sound of the train screeching to a halt and nearby traffic. They're not the absolute best noise-canceling headphones we've tested, but they work incredibly well.  

The downside is that the included case doesn't charge the AirPods Max. Instead, it puts them in low-power mode. It's also less of a traditional case and more of a wrap. Check out our guide to the best AirPods Max accessories to see our recommendations for more heavy-duty protective cases you can buy. 

There's no doubt that the AirPods Max are excellent, but their high price makes them inaccessible to many people. However, if you're an Apple loyalist who prioritizes top-notch audio with an over-ear design — and are willing to splurge for it  — the AirPods Max are the best Apple AirPods to get. 

Read our full Apple AirPods Max review.

Check out our guide to the best over-ear headphones.

How we test AirPods

To compare the best Apple AirPods we evaluated various performance elements, including design, fit, sound quality, extra features, and ease of use. To test sound quality we listen to an assortment of tracks across genres and from various sources, including many of the best music streaming services. For AirPods that support spatial audio, we also listen to Dolby Atmos tracks.

Likewise, if an AirPods model supports noise-cancelation, we evaluate that feature in a real-world noisy environment near heavy traffic outside, noting how well the feature is able to reduce ambient sounds. We also sample transparency modes to see how well the AirPods are able to let in surrounding noise in a natural way.

For this guide, we focused on how each AirPods model compares to other AirPods in order to determine each options strengths and weaknesses within Apple's headphones lineup. 

FAQs

When will Apple release new AirPods?

Apple's standard AirPods are now in their third generation, the AirPods Pro are in their second generation, and the AirPods Max are still in their first generation. The release cycle for AirPods isn't as easy to predict as the iPhone's, but here's what we know based on reliable reports. 

• AirPods: Apple's third-generation AirPods launched in October 2021 and rumors indicate that an updated fourth-generation model could be released this fall. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that there could actually be two new fourth-gen models. Both are rumored to have USB-C cases and improved designs, while the more expensive option could include noise cancelation.
• AirPods Pro: Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro in September 2022, so we don't anticipate a new model soon. In 2023 Apple re-released the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a new case but made no updates to the earbuds themselves. Keep in mind that the original AirPods Pro were released in 2019, giving them a three-year life cycle. We might have to wait a similar amount of time for a new AirPods Pro model, meaning they'd drop in 2025.
• AirPods Max: Apple released the AirPods Max in December 2020, and we haven't heard any official news about when a successor will launch. But some industry insiders, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, have reported that an updated Max model with USB-C charging could launch in 2024. We don't know whether this new model will just be a refresh of the original or an entirely new AirPods Max successor.

What are the top AirPods alternatives?

Apple's AirPods are popular headphones, but they're not suited for all needs. This is especially true if you plan to use your earbuds primarily with an Android phone or PC. Thankfully, there are many brands that sell headphones with similar features as the AirPods while being less rigidly tied to the Apple ecosystem. Check out our guide to the best AirPods alternatives for our top picks. 

Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Pros: Best sounding Apple earbuds, excellent noise canceling, Adaptive Transparency Mode blocks sudden loud noises, most universal fit, water resistant

Cons: Only average battery life

The second-gen AirPods Pro are Apple's flagship wireless earbuds. These are the best Apple AirPods to buy if you're seeking superior sound quality and noise cancellation in a compact design.

The second-gen AirPods Pro easily offer the best sound quality out of all of Apple's earbuds. A new custom driver results in a big improvement with a noticeably richer sound over the original AirPods Pro, which always sounded hollow and distant.

These are the first AirPods to use the new H2 processing chip, which Apple claims can deliver twice as powerful noise-canceling as the H1 chip housed in the first-generation AirPods Pro. Good noise canceling isn't just useful during a commute or while traveling — it's a key feature when simply working at a desk to hush distracting noise. It's the kind of feature worth spending on if your budget allows it.

The second-gen AirPods Pro also have a secure in-ear tip design, which makes them the best AirPods for people who have experienced issues with other Apple earbuds staying in their ears. The second-gen AirPods Pro fit more securely than regular AirPods thanks to the customizable tips that go deeper into your ear.

Note: The AirPods Pro are available with either a Lightning or USB-C charging case. Since Apple has made the switch to USB-C for its other products, we recommend the USB-C version.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) review.

Best for casual users: AirPods (3rd generation)

Pros: Good sound quality, includes premium audio features, sleek design similar to AirPods Pro, water resistant

Cons: May not fit all ears, only average battery life, no ANC

Unless you're on a tight budget, Apple's third-generation AirPods are worth the extra money over the second-gen AirPods. 

They include many of the premium audio features found on the AirPods Pro, like Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, which gives the impression that music is coming from around you (in stereo) rather than directly into your ears.

Not everyone likes the surround sound aspect of Personalized Spatial Audio, so it's good that it's only an option. What can't be denied is that the third-gen AirPods have higher quality drivers and amplifiers than the second-gen AirPods for better sound quality. 

The third-generation AirPods have a contoured design and shorter stems as well, which makes them look more like the AirPods Pro. However, they don't include noise canceling, so you still have to step up to the more expensive AirPods Pro if you want that feature. 

In your ears, the third-gen AirPods fit a lot like the second-gen AirPods, and they lack the in-ear tip design of the AirPods Pro. If you've had issues with AirPods staying in your ears, the third-gen AirPods won't help. However, if the fit isn't an issue, these are the best AirPods to get for listeners who want good audio quality but don't care about ANC.

Read our full Apple AirPods (3rd generation) review.

Best budget: AirPods (2nd generation)

Pros: Convenient pairing features, lightweight design, hands-free Siri access, quick device switching

Cons: May not fit all ears, audio quality is lacking, only average battery life, not water resistant, no ANC

Apple's second-generation AirPods package all the core features — like quick pairing with iOS devices and automatic playing and pausing — in a more affordable set of wireless headphones. 

However, the audio quality is only decent and not on par with Apple's pricier earbuds. These are the best AirPods for people who primarily listen to podcasts and other voice-based audio rather than music. They're also a good choice if you'd rather sacrifice features like noise cancellation, spatial audio, and water resistance to save a few bucks.

The second-gen AirPods have longer stems than the third-gen AirPods and AirPods Pro. This essentially makes them look like Apple just snipped the wires off its wired EarPods headphones. It's not a bad look — they have become iconic — but it's not as sleek as the shorter stems on Apple's other models.

The second-gen AirPods have Apple's standard earbuds fit that works fine for many, but for some, they're impossible to keep in their ears. If you've ever had issues with AirPods fitting, you're better off looking elsewhere.

Read our full Apple AirPods (2nd generation) review.

Best for audiophiles: AirPods Max

Pros: Top-notch audio quality, noise cancellation, premium design, comfortable fit, long battery life

Cons: Expensive, no charging case, included case doesn't protect entire headset, no input options or included cables for other audio connections

The AirPods Max deliver first-rate audio performance and noise cancellation, all wrapped in an elegant design. 

The biggest difference you'll notice between the AirPods Max and Apple's other AirPods is the over-ear design. That alone suggests these headphones are designed for people who care more about audio quality than the average person and also want a pair of headphones that make a statement when worn in public. 

The AirPods Max come with an Apple-designed driver and 10 audio cores for delivering computational audio and adaptive EQ, which allows the headphones to adjust their sound based on the fit of the ear cups. Like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max also support spatial audio and other features like quick-pairing. 

Our testing found that the AirPods Max sound significantly crisper, bolder, and louder than the $379 Bose Noise Canceling 700 headphones. They also outperformed the $350 Sony WH-1000XM4, although Sony's headphones came impressively close. 

The AirPods Max also deliver when it comes to noise cancellation. When we sat underneath an elevated subway that runs above a very busy street, the AirPods Max were able to significantly dull the sound of the train screeching to a halt and nearby traffic.  

The downside is that the included case doesn't charge the AirPods Max. Instead, it puts them in low-power mode.

There's no doubt that the AirPods Max are excellent, but their price makes them inaccessible to many people. If you're an Apple loyalist who cares about having top-notch audio and prefers over-ear designs — and are willing to splurge for it  — the AirPods Max are the best Apple AirPods to get. 

Read our full Apple AirPods Max review.

When will Apple release new AirPods?

Apple's standard AirPods are now in their third generation, the AirPods Pro are in their second generation, and the AirPods Max are still in their first generation. The release cycle for AirPods isn't as easy to predict as the iPhone's, but here's what we know based on reliable reports. 

• AirPods: Apple's third-generation AirPods launched in October 2021, and we don't expect a new model anytime soon. We haven't seen reliable reports that Apple is planning to release a successor.
• AirPods Pro: Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro in September 2022, so we don't anticipate a new model anytime soon. In 2023 Apple re-released the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a new case but made no updates to the earbuds themselves. Keep in mind that the original AirPods Pro were released in 2019, giving them a three-year life cycle — we might have to wait a similar amount of time for a new AirPods Pro model, meaning they'd drop in 2025.
• AirPods Max: Apple released the AirPods Max in December 2020, and we haven't heard any official news about when a successor will launch. But some industry insiders, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, have reported that an updated Max model with USB-C charging could launch in 2024. We don't know whether this new model will just be a refresh of the original or an entirely new AirPods Max successor.
• Moving from Lightning to USB-C: Although there may not be any new AirPods on the horizon, Apple is making changes to the AirPods' cases. Like the iPhone 15 and iPad Pro, new AirPods Pro models charge using a standard USB-C cable instead of an older Lightning cable. So far, the AirPods Pro are the only AirPods to see this change, but expect more to transition in the future.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has a message for Apple, Google, and every other tech company that distributes his company's streaming services: He wants a better deal.

At least that seems to be what Iger wants from them. Speaking at an investor conference this week, Iger said he's giving up too much money to the Big Tech app stores that distribute Disney-owned streamers like Hulu and Disney+.

"We have to look at the way we're distributing," Iger told analyst Michael Nathanson at a MoffettNathanson-hosted conference. "Unlike Netflix, we distribute largely through third-party app stores. There's obviously an advantage to that to some extent, but there's a cost to that, too. And we're looking at that."

Iger is referring to arrangements Disney has with tech platforms that allow users to sign up and pay for his streaming services. Those deals vary from platform to platform: Apple, for instance, has a deal for video companies like Disney that charges them 15% of revenue for signups made within Apple-distributed apps; Roku, the connected TV company, can charge video companies a fee for signing up customers on its devices and may also demand a slice of those services' ad inventory.

It may be telling that Iger referenced Netflix, which used to let consumers sign up for its service via third-party distributors like Apple, but stopped doing that in 2018. The move didn't seem to affect Netflix's growth, and has obvious benefits for the company's margins.

I've asked Disney, as well as Apple, for comment.

App stores and app distribution are a meaningful part of many tech companies' business plans. Apple, which can take up to 30% of revenue generated by in-app purchases and signups, has been telling investors that the growth in "services" businesses like the App Store is particularly important for its future.

It's also possible that Disney won't need to leave third-party app stores — or threaten to leave — in order to save money. Apple's App Store policies, in particular, have been under pressure from regulators around the world, and Apple is grudgingly making some changes.

Maybe one of them will include a way to take a bit less from one of the world's biggest video companies.

The new strain of bird flu has infected more than 90 million chickens and has spread to dairy cows and even humans. Here's what you need to know about the "global pandemic for animals."

• US and Philippine Marines conducted security operations in key terrain near Taiwan's south coast.
• They practiced defending strategic areas in preparation for a potential conflict with China.
• The mission aims to integrate Philippine forces into US operations and build rapport with locals.

The Marines were just over a hundred miles away from the southern tip of Taiwan when they seized the airstrip. They were operating in Northern Luzon and the Batanes Islands, Philippine territory north of the mainland — key terrain for a potential conflict with China.

The mission, known as maritime key terrain security operations, or MKTSO, was practice for that conflict, but had real-world implications. It was a show of force headed by elements of the Marine Corps' newest Pacific-oriented unit: the Marine littoral regiment, or MLR.

On April 30, three combined littoral reconnaissance teams made up of roughly 30 US and Philippine Marines each, flown by Army Chinooks and Black Hawk helicopters, departed a naval base off the northern coast of the mainland to insert into the remote islands.

Their purpose was to reconnoiter the territory not only through sensors and unmanned systems but interactions with local communities, laying groundwork alongside their Filipino partners where civilian maritime trade has experienced increased aggression from China.

Those units were joined by a rifle company, also a joint-nation element, with the ability to seize and defend key terrain in the event of conflict. It was the first time that Marines with the 3rd MLR, the unit deployed to the region, went to Mavulis, which is the furthest north island of the Philippines that its military has a presence on.

"The further that we get from the mainland in order to truly demonstrate a capability, a flyaway capability that can sustain itself — that's a significant demonstration of capabilities both on the air side and the ground side," Maj. Robert Patterson, a company commander who led forces during the air assault on one of the northernmost Philippine islands, told Military.com in an interview Monday.

The exercise marked a notch in the Marine Corps' philosophical shift after 20 years of war in the Middle East where it faced insurgent adversaries, ones less equipped and organized compared to its current "pacing challenge," China.

Lt. Col. Mark Lenzi, the battalion commander for the 3rd Littoral Combat Team, told Military.com that not only is it a shift in environment, but a recognition of the increased risk of conventional warfare.

Long-range missile strikes, loitering munitions and enhanced sensing capabilities are just "some of the things that have proliferated in the years since," Lenzi said. "You have to modify your tactics and your thinking to break the enemy's targeting cycles to avoid being detected by those weapons in the first place and then avoid being targeted by them when and if you are detected."

Lenzi is the commander of one of the MLR's critical set pieces, the littoral combat team. Within the MLR, it is accompanied by an anti-air and logistics battalion, for a total of nearly 2,000 Marines who are uniquely equipped for a Pacific fight.

That equipment includes naval strike missiles, unmanned aerial systems and radars — assets meant to support the unit's agile, dispersed nature. Those characteristics are exemplified in missions like the MKTSO, where Marines are sent out — alone and with only the necessary equipment they need to survive — to remote locations in the Pacific.

"The strategic significance is the ability to put combat-capable forces anywhere that we would need them, and to deter an adversary or engage in combat without as many limitations on having to pull them back," Lenzi said.

Marines who participated in the mission brought limited supplies to the islands, a tough logistical balance that was made more difficult by the humid climate. They filled packs with water and brought along platoon water purification systems, or PWPS, a piece of equipment that can produce up to 15 gallons of water per hour from sources found in the environment.

Patterson described the water effort as "colossal," adding that fuel and food were priority items that played into his planning for the mission. The latter was in part supported by the local community. The reliance on the surrounding environment is part of the MLR's expeditionary nature.

While dispersed operations for the Marine Corps are not new, the environment is. In 2022, after the MLR was set up, it was sent to the Philippines, a country known for its multiple islands, tropical jungles and reinvigorated alliance with the US in light of the threat of China, which has used its coast guard to disrupt local fishing commerce.

Now, service members find themselves constantly rotating to the country as part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a plan between the US and the Philippines that grants American troops access to nine Philippine military bases.

But in this case, with the MKTSO mission, Marines were sent to the farthest-reaching islands off of the Philippine coast, placing them close to Taiwan and China.

A critical part of these operations involves incorporating the Philippine military into them as a way to benefit from their knowledge of the terrain, legitimize interactions with the communities that live on the islands, and prepare for potential war together.

Those efforts were often led by Marine corporals and sergeants. It was through those squad leaders, Patterson said, that he was able to understand the community and environment based on their information and relationship-building.

"They recognized that they're some of the first United States forces on these islands," he said, specifically Itbayat, one of the islands not so far from Taiwan. "So, [they felt] very prideful, very excited to do their job."

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Fitness trackers do far more today than the rudimentary clip-on wearables Fitbit introduced in 2009. Now, it's like wearing a personal trainer and life coach right on your wrist. The best fitness trackers count steps, recommend workouts, track sleep habits, and motivate you to keep active. Some even double as premium smartwatches.

Among the best fitness trackers on the market, our top pick is the Garmin Epix Gen 2. It tracks a range of activities, offers a battery life of up to a week, and has highly accurate GPS. For a budget pick, we recommend the Fitbit Inspire 3. It's a no-frills but effective wearable with solid battery life and accurate tracking for less than $100.

Picking out the right fitness tracker comes down to how you intend to use it. Some may not need the bells and whistles of Garmin's Epix Gen 2, while others looking for a smartwatch may prefer the Apple Watch Series 9. To help, we've compiled the best fitness trackers across seven categories below.

Our top picks for the best fitness trackers

Best overall: Garmin Epix Gen 2 – See at Amazon

Best budget: Fitbit Inspire 3 – See at Amazon

Best Fitbit: Fitbit Sense 2 – See at Amazon

Best smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 9 – See at Amazon

Best for iPhone: Apple Watch Ultra 2 – See at Amazon

Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro – See at Amazon

Best training feedback: Garmin Forerunner 745 – See at Amazon

Best overall

When Garmin released the Epix Gen 2 in 2022, I was curious how it'd slot into the brand's lineup alongside the Fenix, a wearable that does just about everything. After wearing the Epix Gen 2 as my daily driver for a month, it became clear it's not only worthy of its own line but also happens to be the best fitness tracker you can buy. 

From a feature standpoint, it has it all. There are the basics, like heart rate monitoring, sleep and step tracking, and advanced features like stress, hydration, and respiration tracking. It also uses Garmin's unique Body Battery function, which can tell how well you rest each day and whether you should push for a PR or take it easy during your next workout.  

This is in addition to the endless list of available activities to track, unique coaching insights and workout tips, recovery time estimates, visual race time predictors, and custom workouts.

But what I've been most impressed about while wearing the Epix Gen 2 is that all these features are legitimately useful. I find myself using so many of them in all facets of my day, too. I use the recovery time estimate to see what workout my body is ready for, the coaching insights for daily inspiration, the race time predictors to adjust my training schedule, and sleep tracking to see how well my body recovers each day.

What's more is that the Epix Gen 2 can go upwards of six full days without needing a recharge, even if I'm using things like the built-in GPS each day or wearing it to bed to track my sleep. I've gone on multi-day camping trips and still had more than enough battery left on my trip home. 

Yes, the watch is on the expensive side, starting at $800, but it's the same price as the $800 Apple Watch Ultra 2, a similarly rugged outdoor watch with far weaker battery life. Plus, you're more likely to find a solid deal on the Epix Gen 2 than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. 

Because of its laundry list of available features, it's best used by those who are consistently active and enjoy getting outside. Anyone can buy one, but to get the most value out of it, you want to ensure you're using it as intended. 

Best budget

The Inspire 3 is one of Fitbit's latest wearables that blends advanced health and fitness tracking with a subtle, no-frills design. With features like skin temperature sensing and sleep tracking and a price tag that situates it under $100, the Inspire 3 is a budget fitness tracker that performs like something much more expensive. 

What makes the Inspire 3 an especially great wearable is that it's perfect for people of all fitness levels and skills. Beginners and first-time wearers will find it easy to navigate and it offers plenty of basics such as daily steps taken, calories burned, and several trackable activities. 

Seasoned fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Inspire 3's advanced health features, including the new skin temperature sensor and in-depth sleep tracker. It's not as comprehensive as our top pick, but the Inspire 3 still offers tons of useful features. It's also compatible with a range of the best Inspire 3 bands. 

The watch isn't perfect, though. During our tests, we noted that the lack of built-in GPS may tarnish the experience for more hardcore athletes who don't always want to work out with their phones. GPS syncing was quick when we brought our phone along, but it wasn't always ideal. The other major drawback is its lack of downloadable apps. 

Even when we factor those cons, we still feel the Inspire 3 is an excellent fitness tracker that punches above its weight. It's the best fitness tracker for those on a budget, beginners, or first-time fitness tracker users. It's even an adequate overall wearable for fitness veterans who seek an inexpensive, no-frills experience.  

Read our Fitbit Inspire 3 review.

Best Fitbit

The best Fitbit overall, the Fitbit Sense 2 is our favorite fitness tracker in Fitbit's lineup and satisfies just about everything you look for in a quality active wearable. 

It offers a wide variety of trackable activities and catalogs tons of unique insights into your sleep habits and fitness data while also monitoring your stress and menstrual cycles. It even has a built-in GPS and a battery that lasts around five days on a single charge. 

We found the watch lived up to those ambitious expectations at almost every turn. It was highly accurate during workouts, both in terms of GPS syncing and the data it tracked. Its health insights were easy to access and actionable, and the battery life was superb. 

It's also an incredibly easy watch to navigate. The swipe controls are simple and intuitive and offer enough customization to make the experience personal. 

But the biggest highlight of the Sense 2 is its advanced health and wellness tools. There's a skin temperature sensor (similar to the Inspire 3 above), the ability to get heart rhythm (ECG) readings, and the aforementioned stress tracker, which monitors stress levels in real time.

The watch doesn't come without a few drawbacks, though. The most apparent is that it's just not that impressive of a smartwatch. Even though Fitbit calls it a smartwatch, it struggles to fit the bill because it doesn't offer third-party app support and doesn't allow access to tools like Google Assistant (even though Google is its parent company). There's also no ability to store or play music. 

Unless you need a fitness tracker that doubles as a premium smartwatch, don't let those missing features preclude you from considering the Sense 2. Outside of those cons, it offers a great fitness tracking experience. Plus, it's still an adequate smartwatch with call, text, app, and email notifications. It's just not the ideal smartwatch. 

Read our Fitbit Sense 2 review.

Best smartwatch

The Apple Watch Series 9 doesn't represent a huge upgrade over the prior-generation Series 8, but it remains the best fitness-tracking smartwatch you can buy. Thanks to its new S9 processor, the Series 9 functions faster than any Apple Watch before it, which has a big impact on the wearable's overall performance. Navigating the interface is smooth, as is opening any of its apps or starting a workout. 

As a fitness tracker, the Series line has always been one of the best on the market, offering a wide variety of trackable activities and accurate GPS. It's also a highly motivating watch thanks to Apple's gamification, which pushes users to close their fitness rings each day. These rings consist of burned calories (called the Move goal), minutes active (called the Exercise goal), and how many hours each day you've stood up and moved around (called the Stand goal). 

Although the Series 9 debuted without significant new fitness tracking features, it's still a highly refined version of the Apple Watches before it and offers the best Series line experience to date. This is especially true considering its smartwatch capability in terms of its new software and hardware. 

Hardware-wise, the Series 9 debuted the above-mentioned S9 chip, which impacts how the watch functions overall. It allows for fast navigation of the interface and a boost in the watch's performance. The difference may not be noticeable to wearers of the Series 8 or Series 7, but users of older models will appreciate the uptick in speed. 

The S9 is also a major player regarding the Series 9's software updates, most notably led by the new double tap gesture. Now, users can tap their index finger and thumb together twice to interact with the central button in an app. For instance, this can answer or hang up a phone call or snooze an alarm. It's a unique new feature powered by the latest chipset. 

Other new software features, like the Smart Stack display and redesigned apps, are also great additions. However, these come packaged in the new WatchOS 10 operating system (compatible with Series 4 and newer).

There are also new cycling and hiking tracking features in WatchOS 10, including compatibility with Bluetooth cycling accessories, an updated Compass app, and new topographical map data. 

So, while the Series 9 isn't a revolutionary update over the Series 8, it's still the best smartwatch for fitness tracking, especially for iOS users. 

Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.

Best for iPhone

Although the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does a lot of the same things as the Series 9 above, it offers a few more advanced activity tracking features that make it the best pure fitness tracker for iPhone users. These features include a brighter screen, which is great for use in bright, sunny conditions, water resistance down to 100m, a wider range of altitudes, and a longer-lasting battery. The Series 9 offers 18 hours of battery life, while the Ultra 2 is rated at 36 hours. 

These extra features make the Ultra 2 the best Apple Watch for advanced users like athletes, especially those who need the extra battery life. For instance, the Ultra 2 could comfortably make it through something like a marathon or even a multi-day backpacking trip. 

The Ultra 2 also now features an array of watersports features aimed at freedivers, scuba divers, wakeboarders, and kitesurfers. Its built-in Depth app can log diving sessions, GPS data, water temperature information, and time spent underwater. These features are certainly on the niche side, but they're an example of Apple's intent to aim the Ultra 2 at a subset of potential wearers.

Like the Series 9, the Ultra 2 also features the new S9 chipset and the useful double-tap gesture, which can be used to snooze alarms or answer a phone call, among other things. The new chipset is particularly impressive in how fast it navigates the interface and opens apps. Ultra 1 users may not notice a difference, but it is apparent for anyone coming over from a Series 6 or older. 

Beyond those new features, the Ultra 2 is nearly identical to the original Ultra. It features a rugged, durable design, premium smartwatch functionality, and highly accurate GPS tracking. iPhone users who want a highly capable fitness tracker that seamlessly integrates into the Apple ecosystem should strongly consider the Ultra 2. 

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.

Best for Android

The competition for the best Android smartwatch is stiff as both Samsung and Google offer premium wearables worthy of the title. However, when it comes to tracking fitness, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the clear choice. We recognize that the newer Galaxy Watch 6 is available, but it can't beat the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, especially when the latter has a price cut from being a previous-generation model. 

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 Pro aims to be a fitness and adventure version of the standard non-Pro models (like the Apple Watch Ultra to the standard Series models) with extended battery life and a titanium build. It has advanced health and fitness features and uses the WearOS operating system, which delivers a fluid, intuitive user experience. 

For the fitness-focused crowd, the Watch 5 Pro is an exceptional activity tracker. During our tests, we found the watch to be highly accurate in terms of how quickly it synced its built-in GPS and how well it tracked activities like runs, bike rides, and hikes. It's also compatible with a variety of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch bands, like canvas options for something more durable or nylon straps for working out. 

There's even a track-back function that leaves digital breadcrumbs, so you know your exact path on a hike. We do wish this was available for more activities (it's only compatible with hikes and, oddly enough, bike rides), but perhaps this will be an update in the next release.

Those looking for a smartwatch will also appreciate how well the Watch 5 Pro functions. The Google Play Store offers many downloadable apps, and navigating the watch is incredibly easy. You can even customize the watch face and its displayed data to fit how you prefer to use it. Additionally, all notifications from emails, texts, apps, and phone calls are simple to interact with.

But perhaps the Watch 5 Pro's best feature is its expanded health tracking offering. It has comprehensive sleep tracking that charts your nightly sleep habits and a body composition scanner that tracks your muscle mass percentage, body fat, and water weight. 

It's worth pointing out that the Watch 5 Pro experience is more fully capable when using a Samsung phone. While it does work on something like the Google Pixel, a few features are missing, including the heart rhythm tracker (i.e., the ECG app). We also found some syncing issues when we initially set up the watch. 

Despite those drawbacks, however, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the best fitness tracker for Android users (and our top overall pick of the best Android smartwatches currently available). It functions incredibly well as a smartwatch, offers a wide variety of fitness-tracking capabilities, and provides tons of unique and actionable health insights.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review.

Best for training feedback

Garmin has long-made highly advanced fitness trackers that serve the needs of hardcore athletes. The Forerunner 745 brings that in-depth approach to a wider audience, providing highly valuable fitness insight and feedback to anyone, regardless of how active they are. 

The beauty of this watch rests in the advanced data it provides. During workouts, the 745 displays everything from time active and heart rate to distance covered and pace. Each of these is highly useful if you're interval training or aiming for a certain time on a run or bike ride. It's also quite easy to customize this screen so you have exactly what you want when you want it. 

Though that in-the-moment data is great, what the watch offers after the activity (or between workouts) is even better. It provides challenging workout recommendations that adapt to your output, the ideal amount of rest you need between activities (which is highly important), and customized training plans. Neither of these is just tacked on, too, and I found myself gravitating toward them more and more as I tested the watch, even though I've always preferred my own custom workouts to anything pre-written for me. 

Its tracking accuracy is also highly precise, and I found it similar to that of Suunto's 7 and the Apple Watch Series 6. It syncs with GPS rather quickly and consistently produces similar metrics (for distance and pace), regardless of whether I cycle or run. 

If there were something to nitpick about the Forerunner 745, it'd be its clunky menu system. Like most Garmin watches, the OS isn't exactly intuitive, though it does get easier the more you use it (as would anything). It's not enough to be a dealbreaker, especially considering how much this watch does that's superior to most fitness trackers currently available.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 745 review.

How we test fitness trackers

Each of the best fitness trackers in this guide underwent a series of tests to determine their performance in four categories: fit and comfort, tracking accuracy, features, and value.

Here's how we considered each category while testing:

Fit and comfort: If a fitness tracker isn't comfortable or doesn't fit well, you're far less likely to want to wear it — and if you don't wear it often, what's the point? Wearable brands know this, so many of the best fitness trackers have bands that not only stay comfortable for long periods but won't chafe or become bothersome while you sweat. When testing, I looked at everything from how they felt when I put them on to if I noticed any discomfort during short or long workouts. 

Tracking accuracy: Testing for accuracy isn't always easy. You can wear two different watches and get different GPS readings, pace data, and so on. So, instead of using a second tracker to test a wearable's accuracy, I'd map out how far an exact mile was from my house before running it a few times wearing the same watch. The trackers we recommend all produced results no more than .1 miles off. 

Features: This category is mostly straightforward: Does a tracker have any supplemental features outside of tracking steps, calories burned, or heart rate? These could be anything from extra activities it's capable of logging to the ability to act like a smartwatch and get smartphone notifications, etc. Trackers aren't defined by their added features, but it's a nice touch and something that can separate a good tracker from a great one. 

Value: The value of a fitness tracker isn't just its sticker price but also how valuable it is from a function standpoint. Does it have the features you need? Will it track and compile the data you want it to? Can it serve as something that benefits your fitness? When shopping to find a tracker's true value, these are all questions you want to consider. Value becomes more of a subjective category when viewed that way, but when testing, I judged how well each tracker held up across the above categories against how much they cost.

What to look for when shopping

Those looking for a device dedicated to tracking daily activity, workouts, and sleep have a vast number of choices, even without including members of the smartwatch family. Here's what to consider:

Comfort and design: Since you'll wear the tracker daily (even to bed for sleep tracking), comfort is a high priority. If it's not comfortable, you won't want to wear it. The same goes for design. If you have a small wrist, you may want a tracker with a sleek, understated look. Fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that suits your style.

Features: If you're looking for a no-frills fitness tracker, one that only tracks steps and your sleep habits may suffice. However, if you work out often or want insight into how your activity impacts your overall health, a more advanced tracker with a heart rate monitor or built-in GPS may be the one for you.

You should also consider the types of workouts you like to do. For example, if you're a swimmer, waterproofing is a must. If you're just starting a new fitness routine, a device that coaches you and gives you goals to work toward may provide the extra motivation you need.

App experience: Most fitness trackers are designed to work in tandem with your smartphone, syncing the data collected with a downloaded application, which allows you to gain even more insight into your health and save the information collected to track your progress over time.

Unfortunately, not all companion apps are effective, and you may find some experiences you prefer over others. It's important to choose a fitness tracker that gives you a good app experience. Easy navigation and compatibility with your phone's operating system are a must.

FAQs

Are fitness trackers worth wearing?

Yes, so long as you use the tracker and the data it collects to inform your fitness goals. You should understand what a fitness tracker offers and opt for one that provides insight into your needs. For instance, if you just need something to motivate you to increase your daily activity, you shouldn't buy a full-featured watch like the Coros Apex or Suutno 7. Something like the Apple Watch or Fitbit's Versa 3 would be better suited to your lifestyle.

Although there's nothing wrong with wearing a fitness tracker to only keep tabs on your daily steps or calories burned, that information it accrues can be vital for anyone who wants to develop a daily, weekly, or monthly fitness routine.

The term "worth," as it applies to fitness wearables, is relative to how exactly that information is used and who is using it. You first need to decide how you intend to use a fitness watch to determine how worthwhile it can be. 

What does a fitness tracker do?

The best fitness trackers monitor and accrue a variety of activity data, such as the number of steps a wearer takes each day, how many calories they've burned, and the flights of stairs they've climbed, among many others.

Basic fitness trackers often offer tracking for just those listed above, while more advanced wearables and fitness smartwatches provide a slew of advanced features such as workout tracking (running, cycling, weight lifting, etc.), heartbeat monitoring, smartphone notifications, and more. 

Some trackers even have compatible smartphone apps that centralize the data they collect, allowing users to chart their progress over time via a dashboard or activity calendar. 

What are the pros and cons of fitness trackers?

Deciding whether a fitness tracker's pros outweigh its cons ultimately comes down to how you intend to use it. It can be extremely beneficial if you plan to be routinely active and use the data it collects to develop and maintain a fitness routine. 

However, if you never look at the data amassed or buy a watch with too many features you'll never use, it will surely become an expensive digital timepiece that tracks fitness data for no reason. 

Fitness trackers can offer deep insight into one's health profile but can also be expensive. It's important to figure out how you want to use the watch before buying one and research which watch is best for your lifestyle and goals. 

• Built in 1765, Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest surviving residence in Manhattan.
• George Washington spent time there during the Revolutionary War, and Aaron Burr married its owner.
• I visited the mansion, now a restored museum, and felt like I stepped back in time.

Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest surviving residence in Manhattan.

The historic home was built in 1765 by Colonel Roger Morris, a Loyalist who returned to England when the Revolutionary War broke out.

During the war, George Washington used the site as his military headquarters during the Battle of Harlem Heights. It was then purchased by Stephen Jumel, a wealthy French merchant, in 1810.

After Jumel died in 1835, his widow Eliza married former vice president Aaron Burr, though the couple divorced a few months later.

Today, the mansion is located in what is now New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood in upper Manhattan. I toured the historic home in 2022 to learn more about its fascinating history.

Morris-Jumel Mansion is located just off 162nd Street in Manhattan.

Self-guided tours are available Thursday through Sunday and cost $10. Tickets can be purchased through the Morris-Jumel Mansion's official Eventbrite page.

It is part of the neighborhood's Jumel Terrace Historic District, which also features historic homes on Sylvan Terrace across the street from the mansion.

The cobblestone street outside the Morris-Jumel Mansion was originally built for horse-drawn carriages entering and exiting the home. Now called Sylvan Terrace, the street's wooden townhouses were built in 1862.

Walking into the Morris-Jumel Mansion felt like stepping back in time.

The City of New York purchased the Morris-Jumel Mansion in 1903 and turned it into a restored museum.

While I was amused to find that the entrance to the historic home featured a Ring doorbell, I immediately forgot about the building's modern touches when I stepped inside. I was greeted by a grand entryway with floor-to-ceiling portraits, historic furniture, and fine architecture.

On the first floor, a French parlor off the entryway served as a greeting room for guests.

The parlor also hosted Eliza Jumel and Aaron Burr's wedding in 1833.

Eliza Jumel bought most of the Empire-style furniture in France.

The Jumels were rumored to have known Napoleon Bonaparte while residing in France.

Further into the first-floor hall, a floor-to-ceiling portrait depicted Eliza Jumel and her grandchildren.

The portrait was painted by Alcide Carlo Ercole in 1854.

The dining room featured a replica of the original patterned wallpaper that the Jumels sourced from France in 1825.

The "Draped Cone" pattern was produced by the French wallpaper firm Zuber beginning in 1797.

One of the most stunning parts of the house was the Octagon Room on the first floor.

Designed by the home's first owner, Roger Morris, it is thought to be the first octagon-shaped room built in the American Colonies. The shape was common in British garden structures because it allowed for breezes to cool off the room.

The 1833 painting of Eliza Jumel in the Octagon Room shows her seated on the same ornate sofa that remains displayed in the room today.

The room's original cloud wallpaper was custom-made by Atelier d'Offard. The reproduced version in the present-day museum is based on an 1815 pattern from the Musée des Artes Décoratifs in Paris.

Even the staircase leading down to the kitchen featured an artifact of historical significance.

An exposed beam uncovered during a 2001 restoration project featured individual notch marks that indicated skilled labor done by hand — likely by enslaved individuals. 

The basement kitchen contained the original fireplace, hearth, and oven from the 18th century.

The basement used to also feature wine and food cellars, and possibly housing for the staff and enslaved people who worked there.

The lobby on the second floor had cannonballs from the Revolutionary War on display.

The cannonballs were excavated from upper Manhattan.

Upstairs, what the Morris family used as a parlor became George Washington's war room in 1776.

The room's elevated location and many windows proved a helpful military advantage. It was in this room that Washington strategized for the Battle of Harlem Heights, which helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War.

Lin-Manuel Miranda spent time writing his hit musical "Hamilton" in Aaron Burr's former bedchamber.

Burr didn't live at the mansion for long — Eliza Jumel filed for divorce from Burr after four months. Burr died the day the divorce was finalized in 1836.

Eliza's bedchamber was decorated with more Empire-style French furniture.

Eliza used to claim that her sleigh bed was once owned by Josephine Bonaparte, though that has since proven false.

After concluding my tour of the mansion, I explored the surrounding grounds.

The grounds are open to the public even when the mansion itself is closed. A few people were there walking their dogs, and there were a few benches that would make great spots to sit and read.

I couldn't believe that such an expansive, historic mansion was located just steps from the subway's 163rd Street stop in New York City.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion is definitely worth a visit to see some incredible architecture and transport yourself back to the early years of the United States.

• CDC officials failed Margaritaville at Sea Paradise on a surprise health inspection.
• The ship scored 83 points, below the 86 needed to pass, with 65 issues noted.
• Margaritaville at Sea told BI some issues have been resolved and it's seeking a reinspection.

On May 1, CDC officials boarded Margaritaville at Sea, a Jimmy-Buffet-themed ship that welcomes 1,680 passengers, for an unexpected health inspection.

The Vessel Sanitation Program officials gave the ship a failing grade. During the visit, they noted 65 issues on the ship, which resulted in an 83-point score. A score of 86 is needed to pass.

In the inspection detail report, officials noted food and drink concerns as well as crowded whirlpools.

In a statement sent to Business Insider, representatives for Margaritaville at Sea said, "Following internal policies, immediate corrective actions have been taken to address the issues identified in the inspection."

"Many of these issues have already been resolved and we will be working with USPH for a reinspection as soon as possible. We expect this reinspection will exceed USPH standard," the statement continued.

The report noted concerns about food and drink safety

Across the Paradise ship, there are seven dining venues, six bars, and food and drink areas for the ship's workers.

Within these spaces on Paradise, the officials noted in the inspection report that one worker handled an ice machine with gloves that "were stored with tools," adding that "it was unclear if the crew member washed his hands before putting on gloves."

The report stated that items like heavy cream were not in cold enough environments to meet CDC standards and that a crew member "could not demonstrate competency in verifying the concentration of the chemical used" while washing lettuce.

Additionally, numerous fridges, freezers, and deep fryers were out of service across the ship, areas of decks were soiled and in disrepair, and multiple rooms on the ship also didn't reach the required light intensity of 220 lux, the inspection stated.

Beyond food and drink, the officials noted that whirlpools often had six guests, although they're designed for a maximum of four people.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise isn't the only ship to fail its inspection

In a statement sent to Entrepreneur, the Vessel Sanitation Program officials said, "Inspections usually take 6-8 hours, depending on the number of inspectors, ship size, amount of time the ship is in port, and issues identified during the inspection."

Previously, the MSC Seaside failed with a score of 67, Business Insider reported last spring. During that inspection — the lowest score given in six years — officials found a "crew member's hands and refrigerator door handle covered in hamburger blood" and "black filth residue" on four yogurt containers.

Meanwhile, fifteen ships gained perfect scores in last summer's report. Those ships included Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Sunshine, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Millenium, Celebrity Summit, MSC Seascape, Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, Oceania Riviera, Rotterdam, Silver Moon, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Pearl.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise scored an 87 in the biannual report last year.

In the past two years, multiple Business Insider reporters have boarded the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship, and their reviews have been mixed. Reporter Brittany Chang was on the ship's inaugural sailing, where she noticed outdated features and quality issues, deeming a Paradise cruise "not worth it."

Lauren Mack came to a similar conclusion after boarding the ship last summer following the cruise line's multimillion-dollar renovation. During her cruise, she moved staterooms twice due to cigarette smoke smells and felt like the ship lacked a cohesive theme.

"Margaritaville has all the cruise basics, but I think they're scaled back in quantity and quality," Mack said. "If you temper your expectations and want an extended booze cruise or a beach day on a budget, you may find the cruise worthwhile."