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

Are AirPods worth $159

  • Yes

  • No

  • For some people


Results are only viewable after voting.

martint235

macrumors 6502a
Apr 13, 2016
663
1,638
The battery life bothers me and is putting me off. I use my over ear headphones for commuting and teleconferencing for around 4-5 hours a day. I only need to charge them every 3 days or so. 5 hours wouldn’t get me to my parents’ house on the train
 

eyeseeyou

macrumors 68040
Feb 4, 2011
3,390
1,595
Being an owner of a pair myself, and didn’t pay anywhere near retail, I’d say that for the price you should definitely check out the competition.

You’re saving a few seconds of pairing with the airpods vs “other”, even non brand name, completely wires earbuds but paying maybe $50+ more.

On the other hand if you’re paying for a $1k phone what’s $150 for some decent sounding, wireless Bluetooth earbuds?
[doublepost=1523207371][/doublepost]
My reference for "worth it" is whether I'd replace something if it were damaged or lost and with these I'd replace them immediately.

I have no big complaints about them but also don’t love them enough to drop another $150+ to replace them.
 

franzkfk

macrumors regular
Feb 14, 2011
243
167
Czech Republic
Definitely worth it.
+ no f*cking cable, comfy, lightweight, great battery life
- not as clear as EarPods, not as loud as EarPods so you'll hear more from souroundings (minor differences, not huge ones), typical Bluetooth's strange sound when nothing is playing but only then you are able to hear it

Definitely some compromises but the lack of cable and mini body is absolutely great. The third generation will blow our minds I guess.
 

Volusia

macrumors 6502
Jun 8, 2016
384
274
Central Florida
The answer to your question (are they worth the money) really depends on what you want/expect of them. Before ordering I used the standard earbuds that came with my phone for two weeks, noting the number of the times they came out of my ears without being pulled by the cord catching on something. There were very few times that they just "fell out."

This assured me that the earbuds, and hence, the AirPods, fit my ear and worked for what I wanted them to. I don't do vigorous exercise (no running unless being chased by something nasty, no jumping up and down, etc.). I primarily wear them while working around the house doing chores, walking though the neighborhood, shopping or, like now, playing on the computer. They do not provide noise isolation, which for me, is a plus. I want to be able to hear traffic coming toward me while walking. I also use them while grocery shopping which makes that task much easier, but I can hear if someone speaks to me.

For me, they work tremendously well. I am impressed by the sound they provide, they are extremely easy to carry with me all the time and thus available when I want them. I also appreciate that they charge in the case, providing lots of hours before requiring a recharge. I charge my case every second night.

So, in answer to question, "are they worth the money?" my answer is a resounding yes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: millerj123

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
3,101
Australia
- not as clear as EarPods, not as loud as EarPods so you'll hear more from souroundings (minor differences, not huge ones)

This isn't the case for me - they're noticeably clearer than the Earpods. As for loudness, I can't turn Airpods up to 100% as it's too loud, even in noisy environments.
 

TheSkywalker77

macrumors 68030
Sep 9, 2017
2,890
2,760
Not worth it in my opinion. Sure, they pair to the phone quickly but they're tiny and can get lost easily - atleast that's what I think. I'd rather get a good pair of Bluetooth headphones for $50-$60.
 

radiologyman

macrumors 6502a
Jul 23, 2011
755
271
While I got a deal from Costco and paid less, I think they are the best bluetooth earbud style headphones and after buying a dozen of them previously, I can stop my search.
 
Last edited:

Analog Kid

macrumors G3
Mar 4, 2003
9,360
12,603
Whoah... What happened with this thread? Did 363 days pass between posts 19 and 20?
 

Ncompletelife

macrumors member
Aug 27, 2014
32
6
Love them. Only bad thing dislike is that case gets scratched SO easy. These scratches of course can’t really be seen much but annoying. 160$ they couldn’t use material that would b less scratch resistant...... anyone know of a good case. The moko leather one has be constantly pushed up every silicone one has lint all over that I have tried. I’m on catalyst but peeling rubber back take them out is pain.
 

bubulol

macrumors 6502a
Mar 7, 2013
967
273
Just get those chinese silicone cases for 1$ lol
It worth money, dude, i swear it lol
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.