Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

jwolf6589

macrumors 601
Original poster
Dec 15, 2010
4,919
1,643
Colorado
I have the AirPods (2) and when I am traveling and watching a movie I noticed they are not very loud or at least as loud as the wired headphones. Why is this?
 

gigatoaster

macrumors 68000
Jul 22, 2018
1,651
3,213
France
Ok. I would have suggested to invest in a Sony headphone but I believe for 3 trips a year, it’s not worth it. Sorry about that.
 

alexcue

macrumors 6502a
Apr 20, 2015
815
1,122
Los Angeles, CA
AirPods definitely are not loud enough unless you get the airpod pros as they create a seal.

Anyone who travels frequently needs a noise cancelling pair of headphones. I had Bose for awhile - makes a huge difference.

Normal AirPods are not made for quiet environments.
This... though i have used the Comply foam adapter for them and they work quite a bit better in a pinch, but the AirPods Pro are much better (also use Comply Foam). I wish I can use Can type Headphones, but i get very hot ears with them. So i only use them from time to time and air is usually cooling off the noggin.
 

jwolf6589

macrumors 601
Original poster
Dec 15, 2010
4,919
1,643
Colorado
AirPods definitely are not loud enough unless you get the airpod pros as they create a seal.

Anyone who travels frequently needs a noise cancelling pair of headphones. I had Bose for awhile - makes a huge difference.

Normal AirPods are not made for quiet environments.
What’s noise canceling?
 

BigMcGuire

Cancelled
Jan 10, 2012
9,832
14,032
What’s noise canceling?

Basically headphones that cancel out noise that is in your immediate area - so when you put them on, it sounds nearly completely silent. For example, wearing them when you're in an airplane - sounds like you're in a quiet room with no noise. Frequent fliers use noise cancelling headphones as a must.

The AirPod Max headphones are noise cancelling as well (though a little pricey). AirPod Pros are noise cancelling (but not active) at least the first generation.
 

perezr10

macrumors 68020
Jan 12, 2014
2,014
1,486
Monroe, Louisiana
I have the AirPods (2) and when I am traveling and watching a movie I noticed they are not very loud or at least as loud as the wired headphones. Why is this?
Yup! That’s the whole reason I have to keep AirPod Pros around. I much prefer the AirPod 3s cuz they are more comfortable. I use my 3s every day.

But when I take business trips or mow the lawn, the noise cancellation lets me hear my podcasts easily. I’m upgrading to the AirPod Pro 2nd Gens this Friday because the noise cancellation is supposed to be even better.
 

waw74

macrumors 601
May 27, 2008
4,785
1,016
AirPod Pros are noise cancelling (but not active) at least the first generation.
The first gen AirPods pro are active, they add sound to cancel the outside sound.
the non-pro AirPods do not have any kind of noise cancelling




To add to the definition
active noise cancelling is good for constant noise, like fans, air conditiners. It usually works OK for non constant noise like voices or other background noises.
but.. it absolutely shouldn't be used as hearing protection in loud environments. (gunfire or mechanical rooms) for those situations you need to use passive noise cancelling (old school ear muffs), Some newer ones have a microphone and speaker combo to let quieter sound in. ANC is not fast or strong enough to counteract fast and loud sounds like gunfire.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigMcGuire
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.