Airpods terrible? Or am I holding them wrong?

[spinedoc77]

Just curious, because all the reviews are so positive on the airpods, they are always sold out and supposedly have a 98% satisfaction rate that I saw in the news section. How?!? They are atrocious. I have been thinking about buying a pair but was concerned that they would be as bad as the POS wired ones Apple bundles with their iphones. I was at the Apple store earlier this morning and was actually demoing a pair when the girl said "hey UPS just dropped of some", so I said what the hell and picked up a pair.

My biggest gripe is they fall out WAY too easily. Just a moderate shake of my head and out they go. I've tried to seat them repeatedly, but there really is only one way they go in. The design is just too bulbous, the plastic too smooth for them to make sense, although I suspect there is probably an ear type and size which works well with them, and these are the people who rave about them.

They also look terrible, as if I have tiny white dildos sticking out of my ears, great. The shiny stormtrooper white doesn't help, God please let the white accessory phase pass us like the 80s did.

OK so after my angry tirade, I wanted to know what others did to make these work as I'm willing to experiment. I see some rubber wings on Amazon that you can put on them to make them stay in your ear, but they seem like a pita since you have to put them on every time you take it out of the charging case, and longevity is in question because when that rubber gets stretched who knows how long it will last. I've also seen semi cool stickers to cover up the awful white color.

Hmm, so anyone else kind of hate them, but made them work and continue to use them?

 

[44267547]

First, the Airpods are not everyone. Every ear is different and the Airpods are comfortable for some and others they fall out. That Being said, if you feel like investing in some rubber wings for the AirPods, you could certainly try that. As you noted, then you're going to have to take off the rubber tips to fully charge them and then you have the potential of losing a Tips, etc.

These had some decent reviews and Spigen makes a good products.

https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-RA200-Airpods-Earhooks-pairs/dp/B01NAM69IJ

They are not aesthetically pleasing. But I can look past that with the overall functionality and battery life.

The white color does not bother me as much. I would like to see black as an additional color.

Ultimately, you might find out the AirPods are not for you and there might be a more suitable Bluetooth earbud that would work better for your situation.

 

[bluespark]

They fit very securely in the ears of most people -- even securely enough to be used while exercising, etc. If that's not the case for you, and especially if you don't like the way they look, then they aren't the right choice for you. Nothing you described makes them in any way "atrocious."

 

[willmtaylor]

If you're unhappy or uncomfortable with EarPods, the same will hold true for AirPods in most cases.

 

[eclipse01]

I was the same way, I hated the earpods but LOVE the airpods, but I do agree with you...they look awful!

 

[docal97]

I was the same way, I hated the earpods but LOVE the airpods, but I do agree with you...they look awful!

I have an issue where the right airpod falls out easily. I have been using the Earskinz E2 model designed for the EarPods and they seem to work great, but they have to be continually removed and can be lost easily. I have the new version of Earskinz for Airpods on order and hopefully they will work better. But they still cannot fit in the case with those on the Airpod. The consensus seems to be that Apple designed these in a way that makes them fit so snugly into their case that no 3rd party accessory can be placed on them while trying to charge/store them. I'm willing to accept this b/c I think the airpods are amazing for my needs and the Earskinz make them fit more snugly.
Kinda surprised apple didn't coat these things with some type of silicone material to make them fit more people.

 

[eclipse01]

I have an issue where the right airpod falls out easily. I have been using the Earskinz E2 model designed for the EarPods and they seem to work great, but they have to be continually removed and can be lost easily. I have the new version of Earskinz for Airpods on order and hopefully they will work better. But they still cannot fit in the case with those on the Airpod. The consensus seems to be that Apple designed these in a way that makes them fit so snugly into their case that no 3rd party accessory can be placed on them while trying to charge/store them. I'm willing to accept this b/c I think the airpods are amazing for my needs and the Earskinz make them fit more snugly.
Kinda surprised apple didn't coat these things with some type of silicone material to make them fit more people.

Yeah, as stated above, it all depends on the ears. Earpods fell out like crazy for me, but airpods stay in very well for me, weather I shake my head or do anything.

 

[44267547]

They fit very securely in the ears of most people -- even securely enough to be used while exercising, etc. If that's not the case for you, and especially if you don't like the way they look, then they aren't the right choice for you. Nothing you described makes them in any way "atrocious."

The AirPods really come down to function and form. They have excellent capabilities, however they don't fit appropriately, you won't wear them, no matter how much you like them. But they certainly are not for everybody. That said, they have been perfect for me.

 

[toph2toast]

The airpods are my go-to for headphones unless i'm in a plane. I can exercise with them (biking, running, lifting weights, etc.) and they've never fallen out of my ears. Apple can't make them fit/be comfortable in every single persons ear, but as previous posters mentioned, you can get plastic covers that slip on them and make them fit.

As far as appearance, I truly, honestly don't care. I'm not looking at myself when I exercise and if other people have a problem with how they look, so be it. IMO the watch really isn't that nice to look at compared to some of the other watches I've owned, but it has functions those watched can't perform, so I wear it. Some companies do sell wraps/skins for the airpods though.

 

[Ralfi]

My biggest gripe is they fall out WAY too easily.

This is unfortunate.

I suspect there is probably an ear type and size which works well with them, and these are the people who rave about them.

Most ear types will work well with them, but Apple, Samsung, HTC, nor any company is able to get a factory design right that'll fit every ear in the world.

They also look terrible

Subjective area. If these look silly, then the Earpods with wires should look even sillier. Just imagine if we went wireless to wired. People would be saying how stupid wires look. I know that's backwards, but I just think we're so used to wires, that these things are being thought of as earrings instead of ear phones.

Over time, people will get used to them. For me, I got used to them from day 1. Major issue was the emphasis on Siri, but i've adapted & am in aural bliss with these things.

 

[Nikhil72]

No matter how silly they may be, the awesome mic quality and sensitivity is worth the trade off after having used other wireless buds with integrated mics. Those don't hold a candle to the AirPods for phone calls, especially outdoors.

A fit tip: don't push them in too hard, they're not meant to go into the canal. If you do, they'll pretty quick loosen up. They're buds, not canal phones; they're designed to sit in your conchal bowl with your tragus holding them in place with the opening pointed at, but not within, the canal. Sure, pushing them deeper seals them off and enhances bass, but that's a short lived fit that works contrary to their open design.

 

[spinedoc77]

This is unfortunate.



Most ear types will work well with them, but Apple, Samsung, HTC, nor any company is able to get a factory design right that'll fit every ear in the world.



Subjective area. If these look silly, then the Earpods with wires should look even sillier. Just imagine if we went wireless to wired. People would be saying how stupid wires look. I know that's backwards, but I just think we're so used to wires, that these things are being thought of as earrings instead of ear phones.

Over time, people will get used to them. For me, I got used to them from day 1. Major issue was the emphasis on Siri, but i've adapted & am in aural bliss with these things.

Thanks for the response. I do disagree with the 2nd point however. Jaybird has gone to great lengths to ensure a "perfect" fit. They include 3 different sizes of the foam covering, include 3 different sizes of the rubber wings to hold them in your ears (which you really don't need as with the foam inserts they stay in very nicely) and also offers 2 different types of foam covers, one being the comply's which are pretty awesome. That gives you a very large number of combinations to get the fit just right.

I also kind of doubt that I have some type of unique or rare ear configuration. But I cannot deny the airpods popularity and also the rave reviews they get so I'm not sure what to make of it. I just know between the slippery plastic, the lack of anything going near or into my ear canal, and how large the airpod heads are there is no way they are staying in my ears with light to moderate movement of my head/body.

I'm jealous you got used to them, but I don't think I could get used to having them fall out constantly. Shame, because they seem to be very well built and the sound was decent, but a bit tinny and lacking bass compared to my Jaybirds.

 

[Ralfi]

aybird has gone to great lengths to ensure a "perfect" fit. They include 3 different sizes of the foam covering, include 3 different sizes of the rubber wings to hold them in your ears (which you really don't need as with the foam inserts they stay in very nicely) and also offers 2 different types of foam covers, one being the comply's which are pretty awesome. That gives you a very large number of combinations to get the fit just right.

No doubt the Jaybirds cover more bases, but I mentioned 'factory design' for a reason - in that it's difficult to create a '1 size fits all' for all ear buds sans the foam/rubber additions.

As a package, the Airpods/case are a winner, but only for the majority of ears they suit. Unfortunately, it appears yours are in the smaller group which can't accommodate the Airpods. It may make them 'atrocious' to you, but not for many others.

 

[Nikhil72]

I also kind of doubt that I have some type of unique or rare ear configuration. But I cannot deny the airpods popularity and also the rave reviews they get so I'm not sure what to make of it. I just know between the slippery plastic, the lack of anything going near or into my ear canal, and how large the airpod heads are there is no way they are staying in my ears with light to moderate movement of my head/body.

I'm wondering if you are experiencing the same sensation that I had when I initially wore them after coming from IEMs. Like I said, the tapered portion doesn't necessarily go into the canal, just outside it. So this is an open sound which can give the sensation of it losing a seal of some kind, especially if you initially seat it closer to or in the canal. In terms of angle, they don't go inwards (tapered in inwards), but more forward (i.e. towards your face) and up depending on the configuration of your ear canal. The tapered portion is the main speaker but that inner air vent port is another speaker source, and that flat portion is designed to sit flat against your inner aspect of the conchal bowl. Initially, I was trying to pop them in like IEMs with the tapered portion angled in and the remainder (the body) slightly protruding out, and that will inevitably fall. It's meant more to sit as if the tapered portion isn't there and the flat portion just sits like old school earbuds, with the tapered edge then pointing sound towards the canal rather than into the concha.

 

[spinedoc77]

I'm wondering if you are experiencing the same sensation that I had when I initially wore them after coming from IEMs. Like I said, the tapered portion doesn't necessarily go into the canal, just outside it. So this is an open sound which can give the sensation of it losing a seal of some kind, especially if you initially seat it closer to or in the canal. In terms of angle, they don't go inwards (tapered in inwards), but more forward (i.e. towards your face) and up depending on the configuration of your ear canal. The tapered portion is the main speaker but that inner air vent port is another speaker source, and that flat portion is designed to sit flat against your inner aspect of the conchal bowl. Initially, I was trying to pop them in like IEMs with the tapered portion angled in and the remainder (the body) slightly protruding out, and that will inevitably fall. It's meant more to sit as if the tapered portion isn't there and the flat portion just sits like old school earbuds, with the tapered edge then pointing sound towards the canal rather than into the concha.

Yeah I've played around with them. I realized they were not ear canal type of design pretty quickly, and tried to just lightly seat them and let my ear itself hold them in. I guess I just have the wrong ear type/size, there was absolutely nothing I could do to keep them in my ears with just walking around, I couldn't imaging hitting the heavy bag, running or weightlifting with these. Someone else said they could sleep in them and that got me excited as I usually fall asleep to an audiobook, but in reality if you lay your head down they plop right out. Even if they were in tight, the arm creates a lever that plops them out if you put pressure on it.

I also didn't like the non sealed nature of them, you lose a lot of sound. I'm not sure if they sounded so inferior to my jaybirds because they are, or because they did not seal and I lost a lot of sound. I'm also a big proponent of filtering out other people in the gym while I workout, or on the train, etc. and having to hear outside stuff would really drive me nuts and ruin the experience of whatever I was doing.

 

[The Game 161]

would rather look silly and have good bluetooth connection than look good with connection that drops out

 

[Open Casket]

The colour is unfortunate.

It's a shame that you can't try out all headphones in store. Well I guess there are some places that might?

I have a feeling that my ears are very small or of a unique shape... I use Sennheiser CX1.00s, CX3.00s, + Momentums.

I like having visible wires, they're my shield against retail SAs. They whisper, "Hello. No thanks. I am an adult and I can browse products without your assistance. If I require help, I will approach you."

 

[Recognition]

Very happy mine stay in my ear easily, even fell down some stairs the other day and they stayed in lol!

 

[Perene]

The only complaint I have against the Airpods is the fact they keep draining a lot of battery while paired but not being used, if left outside the charger case.

 

[Shadowbech]

AirPods fit both of my ears perfectly fine. But yes it's not for everyone. I typically don't keep mine left outside of the case when not in use and always in the case so that I don't lose them.

 

[Defender2010]

Just curious, because all the reviews are so positive on the airpods, they are always sold out and supposedly have a 98% satisfaction rate that I saw in the news section. How?!? They are atrocious. I have been thinking about buying a pair but was concerned that they would be as bad as the POS wired ones Apple bundles with their iphones. I was at the Apple store earlier this morning and was actually demoing a pair when the girl said "hey UPS just dropped of some", so I said what the hell and picked up a pair.

My biggest gripe is they fall out WAY too easily. Just a moderate shake of my head and out they go. I've tried to seat them repeatedly, but there really is only one way they go in. The design is just too bulbous, the plastic too smooth for them to make sense, although I suspect there is probably an ear type and size which works well with them, and these are the people who rave about them.

They also look terrible, as if I have tiny white dildos sticking out of my ears, great. The shiny stormtrooper white doesn't help, God please let the white accessory phase pass us like the 80s did.

OK so after my angry tirade, I wanted to know what others did to make these work as I'm willing to experiment. I see some rubber wings on Amazon that you can put on them to make them stay in your ear, but they seem like a pita since you have to put them on every time you take it out of the charging case, and longevity is in question because when that rubber gets stretched who knows how long it will last. I've also seen semi cool stickers to cover up the awful white color.

Hmm, so anyone else kind of hate them, but made them work and continue to use them?

So return them if it's making you spew so much venom. Perhaps the issue is your ears. Too tiny? Too big?
By all intensive purposes reviews and users here say they fit great in the ears. Also, you knew what they looked liked before you bought them, so why buy? Take them back and go take a holiday instead. If you feel so stressed as to rant and curse profusely about a pair of earphones then you need it! Perhaps do a little research next time. You could have tried them on in store first too. Rant for rants sake? Just return them and do us all a favour.

 

[Newjackboy]

I am enjoying it! very convenient. Feels comfortable and am I not too nervous about one falling out - although I am conscious to avoid actions that might lead to them coming out. Sound quality decent- not much different to the standard ear pods. You are paying for new tech, which is truly wireless.

I do wish I could adjust volume on the airpod though. 7.5/10 overall

 

[flyinmac]

Just curious, because all the reviews are so positive on the airpods, they are always sold out and supposedly have a 98% satisfaction rate that I saw in the news section. How?!? They are atrocious. I have been thinking about buying a pair but was concerned that they would be as bad as the POS wired ones Apple bundles with their iphones. I was at the Apple store earlier this morning and was actually demoing a pair when the girl said "hey UPS just dropped of some", so I said what the hell and picked up a pair.

My biggest gripe is they fall out WAY too easily. Just a moderate shake of my head and out they go. I've tried to seat them repeatedly, but there really is only one way they go in. The design is just too bulbous, the plastic too smooth for them to make sense, although I suspect there is probably an ear type and size which works well with them, and these are the people who rave about them.

They also look terrible, as if I have tiny white dildos sticking out of my ears, great. The shiny stormtrooper white doesn't help, God please let the white accessory phase pass us like the 80s did.

OK so after my angry tirade, I wanted to know what others did to make these work as I'm willing to experiment. I see some rubber wings on Amazon that you can put on them to make them stay in your ear, but they seem like a pita since you have to put them on every time you take it out of the charging case, and longevity is in question because when that rubber gets stretched who knows how long it will last. I've also seen semi cool stickers to cover up the awful white color.

Hmm, so anyone else kind of hate them, but made them work and continue to use them?

The problem is that you need to use the muscles in your ears to grip them.

Try contracting your ear muscles 10 times a day in reps of 20. You should be able to keep those buds in quite securely in about a week.



Ok, all joking aside, I personally have never been able to keep any type of earbuds in place. They don't stay for even a second. As soon as I take my hand away from them, they immediately fall out. Doesn't matter what brand they are.

Earbuds are definitely not for everyone. Myself, I still prefer the old style Walkman type headphones.

 

[decafjava]

The problem is that you need to use the muscles in your ears to grip them.

Try contracting your ear muscles 10 times a day in reps of 20. You should be able to keep those buds in quite securely in about a week.



Ok, all joking aside, I personally have never been able to keep any type of earbuds in place. They don't stay for even a second. As soon as I take my hand away from them, they immediately fall out. Doesn't matter what brand they are.

Earbuds are definitely not for everyone. Myself, I still prefer the old style Walkman type headphones.

View attachment 699294

Ahh yes fond memories of my Walkman - I actually have a cheap headset with microphone I got with store card points I use on my iMac to make calls that look like that. I am really happy with my Beats X, I was actually looking for a nice pair of Lightning IEM but never found any in store so decided to look at BT. The W1 chip in the Beats and Airpods is a marvellous piece of tech - but I can see how much personal taste even in terms of audio quality will weigh in choices of what to buy.

 

[spinedoc77]

So return them if it's making you spew so much venom. Perhaps the issue is your ears. Too tiny? Too big?
By all intensive purposes reviews and users here say they fit great in the ears. Also, you knew what they looked liked before you bought them, so why buy? Take them back and go take a holiday instead. If you feel so stressed as to rant and curse profusely about a pair of earphones then you need it! Perhaps do a little research next time. You could have tried them on in store first too. Rant for rants sake? Just return them and do us all a favour.

Wow what a waste of a post, but thanks for the response anyway. FYI these are forums where users can share their thoughts and opinions, hopefully my observations will help another person. Additionally, I was curious and asking if anyone else did anything to make them fit better, a few nice posters explained what they did.

Anyhow for "all intents and purposes" not all reviews and users say they fit perfectly. No amount of research would take the place of actually wearing them and trying them out, although I did do extensive research and read many reviews on them. Funny to read a rant about a rant, next time if you don't like my observations don't waste up a slot by not adding anything to the conversation.
[doublepost=1494514027][/doublepost]

The problem is that you need to use the muscles in your ears to grip them.

Try contracting your ear muscles 10 times a day in reps of 20. You should be able to keep those buds in quite securely in about a week.



Ok, all joking aside, I personally have never been able to keep any type of earbuds in place. They don't stay for even a second. As soon as I take my hand away from them, they immediately fall out. Doesn't matter what brand they are.

Earbuds are definitely not for everyone. Myself, I still prefer the old style Walkman type headphones.

View attachment 699294

Wow that's a blast from the past, I'm dating myself but I remember when that was state of the art.