I Love My AirPods, but I'm Not Sure I'll Buy Another Pair

My AirPods have been experiencing various issues after five years of heavy use, including buzzing, power drain, microphone problems, and ineffective active noise cancellation (ANC). The design of the AirPods feels flawed, as they don't stay in place without aftermarket accessories, and their disposable nature is a concern. I'm holding off on purchasing a new pair until the AirPods Pro 3 is released, which is expected to bring improvements in ANC, sound quality, and new features like health monitoring.

I rely on my AirPods daily for listening to music at the gym, watching YouTube videos while cooking and cleaning, and taking calls hands-free. However, the thought of spending $250 or more on a new pair of AirPods Pro makes me hesitant.

My AirPods Are on the Way Out

After five years of use, my first-generation AirPods Pro are nearing the end of their life, joining my original AirPods in the back of a drawer. The most pressing issue is a buzzing sound in the left earbud, which has recently emerged and pushed me towards considering a replacement. Additionally, I've encountered power drain issues where the AirPods and case randomly lose charge when not in use.

Upon opening the case near my iPhone, the charge appears to be 100%, but it drops to 0% as soon as I remove an AirPod. Over the years, I've also faced pairing issues, though iOS 18 has improved this somewhat. These problems are particularly noticeable with my Apple Watch, forcing me to carry my iPhone during runs.

The ANC, once effective, now barely functions. Transparency mode offers a slight improvement in external audio clarity, but switching between modes yields little benefit.

The microphone quality has also deteriorated, making it difficult for callers to hear me, leading me to stop using the AirPods for calls. I suspect the microphone and ANC issues are interconnected, as noise cancellation relies on the microphone.

While these issues are expected after heavy use, other design flaws make me question whether buying a replacement is the right choice.

Some Problems Aren't New

I've always criticized the AirPods Pro case design. The white plastic, while reminiscent of old MacBooks, prioritizes form over function. Dropping the case can result in the earbuds being ejected, posing a risk of loss or damage, especially in public spaces.

Moreover, the AirPods Pro don't stay in my ears well, a problem I've mitigated with silicon "wings" for exercising. However, I don't use these accessories outside the gym, increasing the risk of losing an earbud during daily activities.

Replacing a single earbud is costly, leading me to consider alternatives like the PowerBeats Pro 2, though I'm wary of their bass-heavy sound.

AirPods feel like Apple's most disposable product, contrasting with more durable items like my 13-year-old MacBook Pro. Apple's policy of replacing the entire earbud rather than just the battery adds to this disposability. While third-party services like PodSwap once offered battery swaps, they are no longer available.

Even if the AirPods remain functional in other aspects, battery issues will eventually render them unusable. Recycling and swapping are the only sustainable options, though many true wireless earbuds face similar challenges.

Spending $250 on a product with no resale value feels steep, but perhaps it's best to view AirPods as a lease on convenience. I've paid roughly $50 per year for truly wireless audio, though the last year has been marred by issues.

It's Going to Be Hard to Leave AirPods Behind

Once accustomed to truly wireless earbuds, returning to wired options is challenging. I have old wired headphones for occasional use, but the convenience of wireless is hard to give up.

For those invested in Apple's ecosystem, AirPods or Beats are the best choice due to seamless pairing and device switching. While alternatives like Anker's Soundcore Liberty 4 or Bose QuietComfort Ultras exist, I'm leaning towards another pair of AirPods.

• 

  The Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC Wireless Earbuds are the perfect budget wireless earbuds, with good noise canceling, plenty of battery life, and surprisingly good sound.

  See at Amazon

• 

  The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds feature some of the best noise-canceling you'll ever hear in a set of earbuds, and as the name implies, they're comfortable enough to wear all day.

  See at Amazon

Perhaps the next pair will fare better.

I’m Waiting for the AirPods Pro 3

I won't replace my first-generation AirPods Pro until the AirPods Pro 3 is released. The second-generation model already improved ANC, switched to USB-C, added wireless charging, and introduced the H2 chip. The upcoming model, expected in 2025 alongside the iPhone 17, is rumored to include health features like heart-rate monitoring and temperature sensors, a new design, better sound quality, improved ANC, and possibly an H3 chip.

• 

  The fourth generation Apple AirPods feature a more comfortable design, an improved H2 chip, better sound quality, and the option for Active Noise Control.

  Buy on Amazon

• 

  Enjoy significant enhancements to the Apple AirPods Pro with this 2nd generation release, powered by Apple's H2 processor. Delivering twice the active noise cancellation, spatial audio, USB-C charging, and more.

  See at AppleBuy on Amazon

I hope my current AirPods Pro last until September. I'll endure the buzzing and poor ANC for a few more months, but this might be my last time using AirPods.

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