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AirPods 3 - Pain?

J

jesterengland

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 3, 2010
26
27
I tried to use the Pro’s for some time and found them painful. I assumed it was the foam tips.

Was really looking forward to the new AirPods and was relieved they didn’t have the foam tips. Sadly I’ve found they hurt just as much. They just feel really big in my ears and after an hour or so the pain starts.

Does anyone else have this problem? It’s so weird because all the reviews say how amazingly comfortable they are. I feel really disappointed.
 
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I’ve only used them for a few hours, but I’m beginning to feel the same way.

It feels like they should be resting deeper in the ear.. but the shape of my ears prevents them from sitting properly.
 
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Oh man -- I was worried they may have made the "bulb" too big compared to the AP1/AP2

You guys are confirming my fears here.
 
EFD70948-EDD0-4E94-A025-D1D4E878A651.jpeg

When you look at them side by side like that it’s actually no wonder they hurt haha.
 
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I am glad you guys mentioned this. I ordered over the weekend from Simply Mac and their return policy says they don't accept returns for earphones. As much as I like saving $20 (they had a special over the weekend), I wouldn't want to get stuck with these since the APP hurt something awful after about 20-30 min of wearing them. I emailed their CS to see what they would do in that case and if there's no way to get a refund, I'll be ordering from Apple. Plus Simply Mac said they won't be shipping until mid-to-late November.
 
jared52 said:
I ordered over the weekend from Simply Mac and their return policy says they don't accept returns for earphones.
Click to expand...
Cancel your order and go direct to Apple.

These fit my ears perfectly, I've had them in for hours today and I simply can't feel them. Original APs and AP2s always rattled around in my ears and were never stable.
 
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I haven't had a chance to try mine yet, but very curious about this. I love the original design and how they feel weightless (for me) in my ears. I can go hours forgetting they're even there, whereas with the Pros I really dislike the in-ear part of them, causes a bit of pain, which is unfortunate as they're so nice. Really hope this 3rd gen fits me comfortably.
 
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profets said:
I haven't had a chance to try mine yet, but very curious about this. I love the original design and how they feel weightless (for me) in my ears. I can go hours forgetting they're even there, whereas with the Pros I really dislike the in-ear part of them, causes a bit of pain, which is unfortunate as they're so nice. Really hope this 3rd gen fits me comfortably.
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I had this problem with the pros as well and I can’t stand the 3’s. Returning mine. Just hope they keep the 2’s long term!
 
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I wondered about that. The 3s are significantly larger than the 2s. I think there will be far more people who can’t wear the 3s than ever had a problem with the 2s.

As for me, I had no problems with the 2s and am looking forward to the 3s because I don’t have to stick silicone tips into my ears.
 
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jesterengland said:
I had this problem with the pros as well and I can’t stand the 3’s. Returning mine. Just hope they keep the 2’s long term!
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johnyslats said:
Not nearly as bad as the Pros I returned but some definite ear cartilage discomfort after extended use. Will be making full use of the 14 day return window to see if it settles down.
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Damn, I’ve been so excited for these but now I’m getting nervous, lol.
 
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So far the 3s have been the most comfortable earbud I have ever used, but they have only been in my ears a couple hours. This is the first time I can say I almost feel as nothing is there!
 
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jesterengland said:
They just feel really big in my ears and after an hour or so the pain starts.
Click to expand...

I received mine 7 hours ago and have had them in my ears almost since. I’m very impressed with the sound quality, but in the first hour I had the same experience as you. They felt a lot bigger than my previous 1. gen.

However, when I looked in a mirror I realized the stems was pointing more forward/towards my mouth. I changed the angle more downwards, so now the stems are basically resting on my earlobes. This changed the feel a lot for me and I hardly notice them in my ears now.

I don’t know how you wear yours, but just be aware that changing the angle can improve the fit too.
 
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Ugh. Mine haven't arrived yet but this thread isn't helping me feel optimistic at all. The minute I started seeing rumors about this redesign I started dreading that they weren't going to fit as comfortably as the original design and now it looks like it might be the case for many people who want the latest updates. I hope mine fit comfortably enough. If not, back they go and I'll take advantage of those Black Friday deals and get some AirPods 2 for $90. At least the H1 chip remains the same in both of these models.

They should've just shortened the stem on the original ones and added whatever new features were possible within that design.
 
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Just got a chance to try them, boy do they feel quite good. Gotta see how they feel for a longer duration now.
 
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The audio sounded better in my Gen 2's. I feel like the 3's are missing the 'depth' and bass. I will give them a few days. The fit of the Gen 2's sure are hard to beat.
 
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Gen 1 and 2 fit my ears like they were designed for me. I too was in pain from the pros. I took a chance on these. They also hurt my ears after 2 hours. That and the lack of accelerometer controls means they are going back to Apple.
 
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Yep these hurt me a bit. Less than the pros did but I’ll second or one hundredth the sentiment that if the gen1/2 fit you like a glove then these will probably cause discomfort after a bit. I too feel like the OG were designed for my ear. All we wanted was a bit better sound (which these provide for sure with bass). But I wouldn’t be able to wear these gen 3 for hours. No way. Most likely going back. Oh well. I’ll probably stock up on an extra pair of gen 2 and open them in a year when mine totally die out.
 
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jesterengland said:
I tried to use the Pro’s for some time and found them painful. I assumed it was the foam tips.

Was really looking forward to the new AirPods and was relieved they didn’t have the foam tips. Sadly I’ve found they hurt just as much. They just feel really big in my ears and after an hour or so the pain starts.

Does anyone else have this problem? It’s so weird because all the reviews say how amazingly comfortable they are. I feel really disappointed.
Click to expand...
The reviewers are sheep. They have to say good things to continue to be in apples good graces and get products to make all their videos to make money. Yes these fit more snug but it’s like sticking a giant marble in my ear. I can wear the gen 1/2 for hours and often forget they’re even there.
 
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