Worth the Hype?
Apple's AirPods have come a long way. When they were first released, people made endless jokes about the protruding stalks, and yet, a decade later, they've become one of—if not the—most popular wireless earbuds on the market. Even the Pro version, which offers noise cancellation, has gone through three iterations! But are they truly worth the hype? Here's the breakdown on the bad and the good.
1. They're Expensive
Look, not everyone is willing to fork out $249 on a pair of wireless earbuds, especially when there are tons of cheaper alternatives. Sure, the AirPods Pros offer plenty of advanced features, but if you just need some headphones for listening to music and answering calls, that price tag is hard to swallow.
2. They Don't Fit Everyone's Ears
Despite coming with several ear tip sizes, AirPods Pros still aren't comfortable for everyone. Some find that the earbuds create uncomfortable pressure; others struggle to keep them in place. Even subsequent redesigns, like on the Pro 3s, can be a bummer.
3. They're Easy to Lose
The great thing about AirPods is that they're small and compact. The bad thing about AirPods is that, well, they're small and compact. As portable as they are, their tiny design is convenient... until you lose one on the plane. Or worse: drop it in the toilet.
4. The Batteries Eventually Wear Out
Even if you love your buds, AirPods rely on rechargeable batteries that gradually lose capacity as they age. And, like with most Apple products, they can be near impossible to replace, meaning once the batteries die out, you have to spend another $249.
5. They Don't Work as Well with Android Phones
Got an Android? Well, too bad. AirPods are technically not exclusively made for Apple users, but they do perform much more seamlessly with Apple products. For anyone who doesn't own an iPhone or a Mac, you might have a harder time justifying the premium price.
6. The Charging Case Scratches Easily
Unlike other brands that might offer different colors, Apple's AirPods only come in a glossy white. Sure, it might look attractive when it's brand new, but keeping your buds and the case pristine can be pretty difficult. After all, it seems no matter where you're tossing it, it's bound to get scratched up.
7. Accidental Controls Can Be Annoying
Those touch-sensitive controls on the Pros? Sometimes, they can be triggered just by touching or shifting your ears! And though no one's complaining about getting volume control on the buds after the first generation, it's still easy to accidentally crank it to full.
8. They're Difficult to Clean
Another bad thing about how small and compact AirPods are? They're extremely difficult to clean. All that accumulated earwax and dust can clog up the silicone tips and speaker meshes, and you don't really have proper tools to clean them unless you buy an off-market kit. Plus, you don't want to damage the delicate components, either.
9. Connecting Between Devices Isn't Always Seamless
Even if you are an Apple user, automatic switching doesn't always work so automatically. Your AirPods Pros might, for example, connect to your Mac when you're trying to listen to something on your iPhone, forcing you to change it manually. The only feasible workaround? Switching your Bluetooth off.
10. The Charging Case Still Needs Frequent Attention
The AirPods Pro 3 offer longer listening time than their predecessors, but their charging case still provides fewer total hours. In other words, if you tend to use your buds a lot, you may find yourself charging the case way more often.
Yet, despite these complaints, AirPods Pros continue to attract new fans. Let's take a look at why people can't give it up:
1. Excellent Active Noise Cancellation
Sure, plenty of other earbuds on the market offer excellent noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pros nail it. It might not beat a good pair of cans, but it can still reliably cut out a ton of noise, which is incredibly useful if you commute a lot.
2. Impressive Sound Quality
For such compact earbuds, AirPods Pros have a pretty impressive sound profile. Plus, Apple recently (finally) released a customizable EQ, which allows audiophiles to adjust the sound based on how you like your music, helping maintain a good listening experience.
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3. Transparency Mode Makes Conversations Easier
Try other headphones and earbuds, and you probably won't find a brand that does Transparency Mode better than AirPods. Apple just somehow makes it so natural, as if you're not wearing anything in your ears at all! Perfect for when you want to listen to the outside world while still blasting your music.
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4. They're Convenient for Apple Users
As we've mentioned, if you're already part of the Apple ecosystem, getting the AirPods or Pro version is a no-brainer. If you want that automatic switching, these are the buds to get. Plus, they guarantee a smooth setup, since they can pair seamlessly to compatible devices associated with your Apple Account.
5. Spatial Audio Makes Listening More Immersive
Ever wondered what your music or a movie would sound like if it followed your head movements? Well, with dynamic head tracking enabled on the AirPods, your buds can do exactly that. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it can be fun to play with!
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6. Find My Helps Locate Missing AirPods
Since AirPods are easy to lose, there is a trick up its sleeve: Apple's Find My. Not only can you can use the app to locate your buds, but you can also play sounds to help you find them. Newer models even offer more precise case-finding capabilities!
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7. Adaptive Audio Adjusts to Your Surroundings
Instead of manually changing listening modes, you can let your AirPods Pro handle that for you. Using Adaptive Audio, the feature can automatically let in more sound or less of it, depending on your surroundings. This can be especially useful when you're out and about.
8. They're Great for Workouts
AirPods are lightweight and wireless, making them perfect for gym sessions. Another perk? The third-generation Pro model also comes with a built-in heart rate sensor that works with compatible fitness apps, so you can keep track of your workouts even more.
9. The Hearing Health Features Are Useful
AirPods can do much more than regular music playback—it also has several hearing-related features. For example, some models support tools such as Hearing Protection, and can even boost sounds around you for those hard of hearing. That said, these features won't replace traditional types of hearing care or protection!
10. The Charging Options Are Convenient
Since the Pro 3s have switched to a USB-C port, you can now charge the case in multiple ways: via USB-C, MagSafe, compatible Qi wireless chargers, and even Apple Watch charging pucks. With the right brick, you can also fast-charge, which is especially helpful when you're on the go.
