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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To use your AirPods as a Mac microphone, connect them, then go to Apple menu > System Settings > Sound > Input and select them. To choose which AirPod supplies the microphone, open the AirPods settings in System Settings and set the microphone preference to automatic, left, or right.
Connect your AirPods to your Mac
If your AirPods were set up with an iPhone and your Mac uses the same Apple Account, they may connect automatically. Otherwise, use Bluetooth:
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Put your AirPods into pairing mode using the instructions for your AirPods model.
- When they appear in the Bluetooth device list, select Connect.
Pairing steps vary by AirPods generation and case, so use Apple’s AirPods setup instructions for your model if needed.
Set AirPods as the Mac microphone
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound.
- Select Input.
- Choose your AirPods from the available input devices.
- Speak and adjust the Input volume slider on the same page if your voice is too quiet or the input level is unsuitable.
macOS lists the sound input devices available to the Mac on this page. If your AirPods are connected but are not listed, see the troubleshooting steps below. Apple’s instructions are in Change the sound input settings on Mac.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Choose the left or right AirPod microphone
Apple says there is a microphone in each AirPod. You can let the AirPods choose automatically or specify one side:
- Wear and connect your AirPods.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings and select your AirPods by name in the sidebar.
- Open Microphone. If that option is not immediately visible, open Audio & Routing first.
- Select Automatically Switch AirPods, Always Left AirPod, or Always Right AirPod.
For more on these controls, see Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro settings guide. Sidebar placement can vary with macOS version.
Rank #2
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Set the audio output separately
The microphone input and audio playback output are separate settings. Choosing AirPods under Input does not make them the playback device. If Mac audio still comes through its speakers, choose AirPods as the output in Control Center or go to Apple menu > System Settings > Sound > Output. Apple also describes connecting Bluetooth devices in its Mac Bluetooth connection guide.
If AirPods do not appear as an input
- Check the Bluetooth connection. Open System Settings > Bluetooth and confirm the AirPods are connected. If they are not, reconnect them.
- Recheck the input list. Return to System Settings > Sound > Input and inspect the devices available to the Mac.
- Choose another available microphone if needed. Depending on your Mac and connected hardware, the list may include the built-in microphone, a display microphone, an iPhone microphone, or an external microphone.
- Check the app’s microphone setting. Some apps may have their own audio-input selector. If macOS shows AirPods as the selected input but an app does not capture your voice, check that app’s audio settings; the exact controls depend on the application.
Which microphone should you use?
Choose based on the device you want to capture sound with and your setup. Use AirPods when you want their built-in microphones; choose the Mac’s built-in, display, iPhone, or external microphone when that is the input you intend to use and it is available. There is no single best choice for every Mac or app.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Rank #4
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
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