Technologies

Best Apple AirPods for 2023: Top Picks Across Generations

Picking the best AirPods for you can be daunting when there are several models. That’s why we’re here to help.

Seamless integration between all Apple devices is a huge benefit of the ecosystem, and that’s why AirPods often come in handy: They can easily connect to the rest of your devices. With several AirPods on the market, however, it’s tough to know which are the best ones for you.

CNET is here to help. We’ve tested out all of Apple’s earbuds and rounded up the best models across the various generations below.

There’s a reason AirPods always top best headphones lists for the year, but shopping for AirPods has become a lot more complicated now that Apple’s released multiple generations and versions of its AirPods. These versions include standard AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

Confused? Don’t be: I’ll run down the differences and benefits of each. Note, too, that we’re pulling the Beats Fit Pro into this conversation — they’re not «AirPods,» but that model of the Apple-owned brand is worth considering if you’re looking for AirPods in the $150 to $200 range.

Great sound quality, a variety of ear tips for a snug fit, noise-canceling technology and extended battery life thanks to a wireless charging case are aspects that undoubtedly contribute to AirPods’ perpetual appeal.

I’ll compare their feature highlights below to help you pick the best AirPods for your needs. Many times, choosing the best AirPods involves striking a balance between function and price, so we’ve mapped out the most current pricing for you as well. Here are the best Apple AirPods deals you can find this year.

We update this story frequently to reflect current pricing.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Jan. 6, #940

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Jan. 6 #940.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle wasn’t as difficult as some have been recently. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: You might live in one.

Green group hint: Relates to sound.

Blue group hint: Ante up.

Purple group hint: Meow! Woof!

Answers for today’s Connections groups

Yellow group: Apartment.

Green group: Sonorous.

Blue group: Poker hands, familiarly.

Purple group: ____ animal.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is apartment. The four answers are digs, flat, pad and quarters.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is sonorous. The four answers are clear, deep, full and rich.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is poker hands, familiarly. The four answers are boat, flush, quads and straight.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is ____ animal. The four answers are balloon, pack, party and stuffed.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

Toughest Connections puzzles

We’ve made a note of some of the toughest Connections puzzles so far. Maybe they’ll help you see patterns in future puzzles.

#5: Included «things you can set,» such as mood, record, table and volleyball.

#4: Included «one in a dozen,» such as egg, juror, month and rose.

#3: Included «streets on screen,» such as Elm, Fear, Jump and Sesame.

#2: Included «power ___» such as nap, plant, Ranger and trip.

#1: Included «things that can run,» such as candidate, faucet, mascara and nose.

Technologies

PlayStation Plus’s Free January Games Spark Debate Among Subscribers

Core Keeper, Need for Speed and Epic Mickey are on PlayStation Plus now.

PlayStation Plus, which is Sony’s version of Xbox Game Pass, offers a large, constantly expanding library of games. Subscribers can choose from the Essential, Extra and Premium tiers, each with unique perks and benefits. Starting at $10 a month, the plans give subscribers access to monthly games and rewards, and each month, all subscribers can access a handful of games at no additional charge. But some people on Reddit feel the games Sony is offering throughout January are underwhelming.

«It’s not even a disappointment anymore when its [sic] expected,» one user wrote. Others shared similar feelings, with another user sharing a GIF of a man in front of trash bags. While others may not be excited for these games, some people online are looking forward to a Disney-related game that subscribers can try now.

If you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you have until Feb. 2 to try these games and see whether you actually like them or agree with others and think they’re trash.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

Need for Speed Unbound

The iconic street racing series is back with this latest entry in the franchise. You start at the bottom of the racing world with a junker car. But after earning enough cash, you can pack your garage with premium rides, like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. You’ll race against the clock, outsmart the cops and leave your mark on the racing world.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed

This game tries to argue that Mickey Mouse can be «mouse-cheese-vious» and adventurous as well as cheerful. You control the world-renowned mouse as he tries to bring peace to the Wasteland, a realm full of forgotten Disney characters. Use your paint and thinner to restore beauty and alter the environment. But be careful: Every decision matters in this adventure.

Core Keeper

Craft, build and explore a dynamic underground world filled with adventure. This top-down sandbox game is reminiscent of titles like Minecraft and Terraria and can be played in single-player mode or with up to eight others in co-op mode. So get ready to dig through mines and caverns and uncover ancient secrets that haven’t seen the light of day in years.

For more on PlayStation Plus, here’s what to know about the service and a rundown of PS Plus Extra and Premium games added in December. You can also check out the latest and upcoming games on Xbox Game Pass.

Technologies

We’ve Found the Coolest, Most Futuristic Tech at CES 2026. And It’s Only Day 1

We’ve just begun trawling for our favorite cutting-edge technology. But we’ve already found some neat stuff.

We have people all over the show floor — and beyond — at CES, looking for the most interesting, innovative and cutting-edge tech out there. A ton of useful new information is also available, which you can find on our CES 2026 live blog and in our CES hub, but that’s boring.

It’s only the first day, but we’ve already gawked at some of the CES staples, like robots, electronic toys, phones and more. I’ll be back here to top off our amazing finds regularly throughout the show.