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Jason_G

macrumors regular
Feb 24, 2009
123
54
London, UK
#19
I had the Bose Soundsport Wireless, used them daily throughout the 30 day trial, then returned them as I took delivery of my AirPods.

Although after using my AirPods for about 2.5 weeks they've never fallen out, they don't feel as secure in my ears as Bose Soundsport Wireless. This suggests to me that AirPods just don't fit my ears well enough to get the best sound or give me the confidence they won't fall out at some point. I also found myself constantly adjusting the AirPods as I felt them slipping.

So, I'm now returning my AirPods and have ordered the Bose Soundsport Wireless again.

AirPods are a no brainer for convenience and they would be perfect if they fit properly.
Bose Soundsport Wireless fit much better and therefore produce superior sound quality, but without the same convenience of AirPods.

Personally, I wasn't prepared to sacrifice sound quality for convenience and Bose Soundsport Wireless seem a pretty good compromise!

I think there is a massive difference between fitting in your ears to the point where the sound quality is optimal and just staying in your ears enough so they don't fall out..

Hope that helps.
 

ATC

macrumors 65816
Apr 25, 2008
1,185
433
Canada
#19
I had the Bose Soundsport Wireless, used them daily throughout the 30 day trial, then returned them as I took delivery of my AirPods.

Although after using my AirPods for about 2.5 weeks they've never fallen out, they don't feel as secure in my ears as Bose Soundsport Wireless. This suggests to me that AirPods just don't fit my ears well enough to get the best sound or give me the confidence they won't fall out at some point. I also found myself constantly adjusting the AirPods as I felt them slipping.

So, I'm now returning my AirPods and have ordered the Bose Soundsport Wireless again.

AirPods are a no brainer for convenience and they would be perfect if they fit properly.
Bose Soundsport Wireless fit much better and therefore produce superior sound quality, but without the same convenience of AirPods.

Personally, I wasn't prepared to sacrifice sound quality for convenience and Bose Soundsport Wireless seem a pretty good compromise!

I think there is a massive difference between fitting in your ears to the point where the sound quality is optimal and just staying in your ears enough so they don't fall out..

Hope that helps.
Actually that's one of the things that has impressed me most about the Airpods. I have a pair of SHURE IEMs that I use for working out and running, they're super secure thanks to their tight-fit, so it was a little disconcerting when I first tried the Airpods and they felt like they were just hanging there, nothing secure about them. But so far they haven't fallen out once, and it's not for lack of trying - I've gone through all my workout routines and running. Somehow Apple managed to make them feel loose fitting, removing any hint of discomfort that sometimes accompanies tight-fitting earphones, all the while making them superbly secure. Quite a feat IMO.
 
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thadoggfather

macrumors P6
Oct 1, 2007
16,125
17,041
I give apple tons of flack, and was even very dubious of these, but these have not only been delivered, but delivered/deliver

I am a MASSIVE fan, hats off

sound is a bit better than stock which is nice and ok by me for as small as they are and TRUE wireless, they fit snug in my ears (my as operative, ymmv) and feel transcendent bike riding or walking my dog

one ear too, and keeping my phone near the window where I get ok signal, and talking around my apartment with one ear in as a bluetooth piece,

thumbs way up

there could be more controls for sure, but at least I got double tap pause/play/end call

I have jailbroken devices so I do vol+ hold for next track and - hold for previous

so im ok with toggling volume from the phone in my pocket/hand, or if I'm fancy, with my watch when I wear it and remember I got that

I love the iZippo too, I find myself just caressing it. And I admire its absurd proneness to scratches,

it looks like it survived 'Nam a week or so later,
 
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logicstudiouser

macrumors 6502a
Feb 4, 2010
533
1,071
The 5 reasons I decided not to buy airpods
  1. Limited 1 year warranty with no extended protection - if I am going to spend $200 for headphones, I want to be covered for more than 1 year.
  2. Warranty void with water exposure - this was confirmed at the Apple Store
  3. Not waterproof or water resistant unlike alternatives coming on the market, so can’t be used for exercise
  4. The lack of tap controls limits the functionality
  5. Fit not universal - I got to try a pair in store and they will stay with moderate motion, but turbulent head shaking causes them to fall off
 

chicagofan00

macrumors 6502
Apr 4, 2010
296
242
I have a feeling I will be returning my before the 14 day return period is up. I absolutely love the technology behind them but I'm one of the ones where they just don't stay in very well and hurt my ears after just a short amount of time.

I've ordered a pair of the silicone covers for EarPods to see if that helps with them staying in my ears and the comfort but seeing as how I'll have to remove them each time I want to put them back in the case, I'm not sure I want to deal with that each time.

I tried out the PowerBeats 3 recently as well and I wasn't a fan of the fit and finish (found the power button to be of poor quality and didn't always turn on when pressed) and I also didn't like the overall sound quality of them.

I think I'm now looking at either waiting for the BeatsX or giving the Beats Solo 3 a try in order to take advantage of the W1 chip...
 
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Sean006

macrumors 6502a
Dec 23, 2008
508
170
i have actually changed my mind on these....i already own 2 pair of beats studio wireless (1 pair i won) so for me at the gym i prefer not hearing anyone and not worrying about the pods falling out (which they have not but its always on your mind)
so i stuck to using my beats and found the air pods only getting used at work in the office. to me its not worth 171.00 just for work use. im returning today.
 

Cnasty

macrumors 68040
Jul 2, 2008
3,336
2,106
No way.

One of the better new Apple products in a long time. They fit me perfectly, solid sound quality, and the ease of use and magical connection is fantastic.

They are so lightweight I rarely feel that they are there and thats huge for buds.

Big win and these babies are going to be a staple in my bag.
 

techiebug

macrumors 6502a
Oct 20, 2013
730
259
Initially I was not too impressed with this. I found it annoying that I can't control the tracks with the Airpods. But I think I can live with this. I like how this thing technically never runs out of juice for me since I never listen to anything for more than 2-3 hours and this charges fast. Very handy to pair with my Apply TV to watch at night. Wire free is indeed the future. I likely will keep them
 

CMoore515

macrumors 6502a
Sep 27, 2015
765
884
Des Moines, IA
I've been waffling back and forth on whether to return them or not. Absolutely love the technology behind the W1 chip and the ease of connecting to every Apple product I have, and no wires...Which is something I've hated about my LG Tone headset. But I really dislike the case standby issue... Ugh decisions, decisions...

If I return I will look at the Beats X.
 

rockstarjoe

macrumors 6502a
Jun 2, 2006
876
114
washington dc
I returned mine today. Honestly they are really amazing, the technology is great and I loved everything about them... except that they allow in way too much environmental noise. I knew that going in, that they wouldn't block a lot of sound, but I figured I would give them a shot anyway. I was bummed that they just didn't work out for me on the train. But otherwise they are amazing!
 

GalaDaliGirl

Suspended
Sep 19, 2014
158
106
I returned mine today. Honestly they are really amazing, the technology is great and I loved everything about them... except that they allow in way too much environmental noise. I knew that going in, that they wouldn't block a lot of sound, but I figured I would give them a shot anyway. I was bummed that they just didn't work out for me on the train. But otherwise they are amazing!

Same as EarPods.

Just terrible noise canceling capability.

My $29 Amazon Bluetooth set is loud and proud. Can't hear any background dance music at the gym.
 

macmee

Suspended
Dec 13, 2008
835
1,110
Canada
I dont think you're allowed to return them where I live, on account of that would be disgusting because you put them in your ears.
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,494
I dont think you're allowed to return them where I live, on account of that would be disgusting because you put them in your ears.

No, they can be returned and they do fall under Apple's return policy. Apple likely will refurbish them and or use them for parts for refurbished models.
 

creativet

macrumors member
Nov 1, 2012
40
2
Toronto, ON
Finally got the darn things to work with the Earskinz, marginally better sound but now they will never fall out!

A bit of a pita to keep removing and then attaching them again but it isn't the end of the world.

Thanks for this! I went to the Apple store here in Toronto at the Eaton centre and tried a pair of airpods out. They stayed firmly in place even when I was shaking my head back and forth pretty strongly, jogging on the spot and jumping up and down lol. However, I've been worried about them falling out and not noticing. For when I had tested them, I literally couldn't tell I was wearing them as they fit so snugly and comfortably.

As an aside .... The airpods are on back order with a pick up date from the store set for March.
 

Pat6897

macrumors newbie
Feb 22, 2017
1
1
Just wondering if there is anyone who is not impressed, or expected more from their AirPods and is thinking of returning them? Reasons/thoughts?



TL;DR
Loved them, but returned them as I'm patient for an updated model. If the updated ones are worse, I'll rebuy the original (hopefully) at a lower price.

I loved them completely and had absolutely no issues. The minor glitches I encountered were completely expected.

However, I returned them for the same reason some of the people on this thread mentioned. I can't help but think of the new and better design Apple will come up with. The fit of the AirPod was perfect in my air, and I honestly loved the design. But I am also patient for when (hopefully) the price drops, so if the updated design sucks I'll just fall back to the original. Not only that, but I am excited to see what innovations will come with an updated model.
 
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IconIc215

macrumors 65816
Oct 11, 2013
1,427
1,255
thinking of getting these, how is the microphone quality??

In my opinion, that is where these fall short for me with the mic quality. To me its no better than the free earpods that come with your phone. With that said, convenience is top notch. I didn't think it would be that big of deal with no wires until you actually use them. But don't expect to be blown away with sound quality either. It all depends on your use for them on whether or not you should pick them up.
 
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cynics

macrumors G4
Jan 8, 2012
11,959
2,156
thinking of getting these, how is the microphone quality??

Unlike the previous poster I find them to be good, impressive if you consider their size and distance from your mouth.

I will agree with him/her that they are probably comparable to the earbuds that come with the iPhone however I've always found them to be pretty good for a phone call.

The battery life of the AirPods aren't great while talking on the phone. They do charge faster than they die though, so if I swap them back and forth through out the day its not a problem.
 

SDColorado

macrumors 601
Nov 6, 2011
4,360
4,324
Highlands Ranch, CO
I really like mine, but I think I am also lucky in that I seem to have the ears that the AirPod was designed for. I have tried to shake them out and they just hang in there. Really happy with them. I have a set of the Beats X as well, and while the lack of wire to my iPhone was a huge improvement, I still didn't like the wire running across the back of my head/neck. The AirPods are a definite keeper for me. The mic quality also seems fine to me. Much better than just using the phones mics. I am apparently one of those people who just hold their phone wrong when talking on it. So the AirPods work much better for me.
 

Drogba11

macrumors 6502
Jan 29, 2018
346
878
On the fence with mine. I have less than a week of the return policy left and I think i'll probably return them. Love the convenience of them and the sound but I literally have to adjust them in my ears every 5 minutes because they are slipping out. I've tried everything including the method with the waterproof tape but they keep slipping out even when sat stationary. Can't justify $170 for headphones that don't stay in.

I have returned them once before and repurchased after I have found methods on here to keep them in. I was sure one of them would work but to no avail. Pity.
 

robertpetry

macrumors 6502
Feb 12, 2009
480
140
St Augustine, FL
I kept mine and wouldn’t return them. I have quite a few headsets but the AirPods get the most use.

1. I have BeatsX. Sound is decent and price (on sale regularly) is good. Mic, sound quality and battery life are all average. Sound isolation and fit with available wings is better than average. 6 out of 10.

2. Bose QC30. Much much better sound quality and fantastic noise canceling. Fit of Stay here tips is excellent and very comfortable. Connects to multiple devices at a time so easier to switch between iPhone, iPad and computer. But, microphone is the all time worst mic ever. Neckband is a hassle. So 7 out of 10 for me.

3. AirPods. Decent sound quality. Incredible 25 minute full recharge in the case. Easy to slip on and off and stash case in my pocket. Best mic of the bunch (but still not quite as good as my Plantronics Edge - that is the best ever). Can use only one ear at a time to save battery. Finally, in most uses I really don’t want to be closed off from all outside noises so the lack of isolation is an advantage. Overall, the decent performance and very convenient use won me over and the AirPods get the most use. 8 of 10.
 

Wide opeN

macrumors 68000
Aug 27, 2010
1,763
1,035
Georgia
I'm fairly certain I'm keeping mine.

The case is slippery as a bar of soap however, and scratches easily but I don't really mind that. The headphones can be hard to get out of the case too, but again I don't mind.

As far as convenience goes, these can't be beat. Fast charging is amazing, as well as pull out to pause. Volume control is a bit of a pain, but overall these are a keeper.

Can anyone who has had theirs for a year or more comment on the durability and build quality after a year of use!?

Thank!!!
 
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