Second pair of AirPods: which one?

[PEVO]

I’m a happy owner of the first generation AirPods. But sadly the battery inside them is dead. They last for about 20-30 minutes with music playback. So I was looking for buy a new pair, but I don’t know which model is best for me. I don’t like in-ear devices like AirPods Pro, because I like to be more “present” and hear what is around me. The isolated effect was always not good for me, but I actually never tried AirPods Pro and also other in-ear devices in the last 10 years. I’ve heard that AirPods 3 will have the same in-ear design as AirPods Pro, so probably will not be the right choice for me. AirPods 2 are basically the same as AirPods 1 and probably the most logical choice.

What do you think? Should I buy the AirPods 2 model with basically no changes between the first generation? Or should I wait for AirPods 3 and see if it will be in-ear? What you will do?

 

[nburwell]

I was in the same boat as you. My first generation AirPods battery was basically dead (although I still use them in the summer to mow the lawn and the battery lasts for however long I'm out -- usually 30-40 minutes). I was going to purchase the second generation AirPods until my wife surprised me with them as a Father's Day gift this year.

I love that I can listen to music while working without having to charge them for several hours. Although I have been tempted by the AirPods Pro. But the AirPods works for my use.

If you need a pair now, get the second generation AirPods.

 

[staggerlee41]

I too have G1 AirPods and they work but they don't last as long as they once did. I appreciate they allow me to have situational awareness for sure. Perfect for the grocery store, airports, etc. At the same time, don't dismiss the value of having an option to hear what's going on around you AND be able to filter out noise. I have Bose 700's and recently used them to drown out roadwork being done in front of my house. I'm talking sawing the road, ripping out and banging on pipe, jackhammering. Noises that after the course of listening to for hours were literally maddening. I get it, we're talking two different brands with different capability but the point is you can get both with Airpods Pro. When I turn off cancellation, I can hear everything going on around me just as if I weren't even wearing them. And these are over the ear headphones we're talking about.

I have considered replacing my G1's and am really torn between AirPods 2, AirPods Pro or waiting until they fully die before replacing them and checking my options when that happens. So yeah a similar situation as you. What makes it really difficult for me is I have options to begin with, but regarding AirPod options the OG AirPods have been great for my needs. I'd have bought them for $99 if shipping was an option, but Best Buy wanted in store/curbside pickup. By that point, the $109 deal was gone and they're now at $129 which isn't a bad deal but more than I want to pay for them at this point.

 

[QCassidy352]

I had first gen AirPods in which the batteries died. Now have pros. Get the pros. An upgrade in every way.

 

[Darthbajan]

I’m a happy owner of the first generation AirPods. But sadly the battery inside them is dead. They last for about 20-30 minutes with music playback. So I was looking for buy a new pair, but I don’t know which model is best for me. I don’t like in-ear devices like AirPods Pro, because I like to be more “present” and hear what is around me. The isolated effect was always not good for me, but I actually never tried AirPods Pro and also other in-ear devices in the last 10 years. I’ve heard that AirPods 3 will have the same in-ear design as AirPods Pro, so probably will not be the right choice for me. AirPods 2 are basically the same as AirPods 1 and probably the most logical choice.

What do you think? Should I buy the AirPods 2 model with basically no changes between the first generation? Or should I wait for AirPods 3 and see if it will be in-ear? What you will do?

Get the Pros and use Transparency mode. You'll be present.

 

[Mikeeee]

I also had the 1st generation airpods and was torn between my next purchase of AirPods 2nd gen vs AirPod pro. i was always happy with the AirPods and wasn’t sure if I’d like the in ear aspect Of the pros.

I did my research and saw auto switching works on both devices but spatial audio only works on the pros. I was interested in both of these features plus the ability to use noise cancellation when I wanted.

So when I saw a very attractive Black Friday price on the pros I decided to grab them. Since getting them I am very pleased with my decision. Ive only used the original AirPods once while the pros were recharging, because the pros are just better. Auto switching is convenient and works great. Spatial audio is next level, and the general sound quality is better. It turns out I really like noise cancellation and use it almodt 100% of the time. The buds fit great and feel very comfortable in the ear. I literally have no complaints.

My only regret is not upgrading sooner. ?

 

[JohnnyQuest]

Honestly the AirPods Pro are better if you want to be more "present" as you can hear the outside world without taking them out. I can leave them for hours (with or without music) in transparency mode, and it's very comfortable and present.