To use Custom EQ, connect supported AirPods, open their settings on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then choose Audio & Routing > Equalizer > Custom. Adjust the Low, Mid, and High sliders while listening. Custom EQ is available on AirPods 4 or later, AirPods Pro 2 or later, and AirPods Max 2.
Which AirPods have Custom EQ?
Apple lists these compatible models for its three-band Custom EQ:
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- AirPods 4 or later
- AirPods Pro 2 or later
- AirPods Max 2
The list does not include every AirPods generation. If your model is not one of the supported groups above, Apple does not list it as compatible with this feature. See Apple’s Custom EQ compatibility information.
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Where is the EQ setting on my AirPods?
Wear the supported AirPods and make sure they are connected to the device you are using. The setting is associated with the selected AirPods.
#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.*
On iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings.
- Tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen.
- Tap Audio & Routing, then Equalizer.
- Choose Custom.
On Mac
- Open System Settings.
- Select your AirPods in the sidebar.
- Choose Audio & Routing, then Equalizer.
- Select Custom.
Apple’s setup instructions are in its Customize EQ on AirPods guide.
How do I use the Custom EQ sliders?
Custom EQ gives you three controls: Low, Mid, and High. Drag each slider up or down and listen to how the change affects your audio. Apple does not publish numeric frequency ranges or decibel values for these controls, so the sliders are intended for listening and adjustment rather than matching a specified measurement or universal preset.
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.*
To stop using your custom adjustments, return to Equalizer and choose Recommended. Apple says Custom EQ settings are stored on the AirPods and carry over to other paired devices, so you do not need to set them separately on each paired device.
Is Custom EQ the same as Headphone Accommodations?
No. Custom EQ adjusts the AirPods’ sound signature with the Low, Mid, and High sliders. Headphone Accommodations is a separate accessibility feature for hearing-related adjustments. It offers options such as Balanced Tone, Vocal Range, or Brightness, along with amplification and settings for applying adjustments to calls and media. On supported AirPods Pro, it also includes controls for Transparency mode. Find it under Accessibility settings; it is not the Custom EQ screen. See Apple’s Headphone Accommodations guide.
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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