Sticking With 2nd Gen AirPods

[jntdroid]

Evidently humans have different sized ears which play a huge role in many of the anecdotal reviews / experiences we see on here (myself included). I know, such a revolutionary idea...

After trying the 3rd Gen's recently, then the new 4th Gen's, and the Pro 2nd Gen's, I'm ultimately back to a new pair of 2nd gen standard AirPods. I know that probably seems crazy. It's not a sound issue. The Pro's and 3rd/4th Gen standards have better sound - especially the Pro's... the sound on those is incredible. But for me it's just a fit/comfort issue. Never could get the 3rd Gen or 4th Gen standards to feel right in my ears, especially my left ear. They came out the easiest out of all of the above. And the Pro's stay in nice and snug, but I just don't like the pressure feel of the tips. My left ear struggles with them as well (even with different size tips) - but with the tighter fit they at least stay in ok. They sound incredible, but my ears get tired of them quickly.

After being away from the standard 2nd Gen's for a few weeks, honestly, they still sound pretty darn good for what they are - very balanced. And they just feel/fit perfect in my ears - size, balance, etc. It's like they're not there, but also never feel like they're coming out.

I also realized that most of the time when I put in earbuds, I still want to be present with what's around me - so ANC isn't as important to me as I thought it would be. And personally I still prefer the tap controls, even though they don't give you as granular options.

Anyway, just adding my .02 here for anybody else that might be in the same boat... oh and the cost ($90 at Best Buy / Amazon right now) doesn't hurt either. Unfortunately I doubt Apple will produce this form factor again, unless they start doing an AirPods SE version! 🤞

 

[turbineseaplane]

I'm ultimately back to a new pair of 2nd gen standard AirPods. I know that probably seems crazy.

Not crazy in the slightest!!

I still use and love my AP2s alongside an APP2 and now AP4 set

Nothing touches the feeling and "can't even tell I have them in" comfort of the AP2s

The true 🐐 in that regard

 

[Benz63amg]

I agree. I’m testing the AP 4’s right now to see if I can make the switch from the AirPods 2 for once and for all as I can’t stand the shape of the Pros or the AirPods 3’s in my ears. The issue with the AirPods 2 is that the microphone craps out after about a year on average due to oil/sweat entering the microphone hole on the bottom which clogs and destroys the mic (I’ve gone through 3 or 4 sets of AirPods 2’s). No matter how much I cleaned the microphone ports on the 2’s somehow the microphones crap out regardless after about a year. I do daily talking using the AirPods so perhaps the microphones on the AirPod 2’s just aren’t meant to be used that extensively

 

[SusieS]

Evidently humans have different sized ears which play a huge role in many of the anecdotal reviews / experiences we see on here (myself included). I know, such a revolutionary idea...

After trying the 3rd Gen's recently, then the new 4th Gen's, and the Pro 2nd Gen's, I'm ultimately back to a new pair of 2nd gen standard AirPods. I know that probably seems crazy. It's not a sound issue. The Pro's and 3rd/4th Gen standards have better sound - especially the Pro's... the sound on those is incredible. But for me it's just a fit/comfort issue. Never could get the 3rd Gen or 4th Gen standards to feel right in my ears, especially my left ear. They came out the easiest out of all of the above. And the Pro's stay in nice and snug, but I just don't like the pressure feel of the tips. My left ear struggles with them as well (even with different size tips) - but with the tighter fit they at least stay in ok. They sound incredible, but my ears get tired of them quickly.

After being away from the standard 2nd Gen's for a few weeks, honestly, they still sound pretty darn good for what they are - very balanced. And they just feel/fit perfect in my ears - size, balance, etc. It's like they're not there, but also never feel like they're coming out.

I also realized that most of the time when I put in earbuds, I still want to be present with what's around me - so ANC isn't as important to me as I thought it would be. And personally I still prefer the tap controls, even though they don't give you as granular options.

Anyway, just adding my .02 here for anybody else that might be in the same boat... oh and the cost ($90 at Best Buy / Amazon right now) doesn't hurt either. Unfortunately I doubt Apple will produce this form factor again, unless they start doing an AirPods SE version! 🤞

Yes, having tried the later models, these are the only ones that feel comfortable to me. I’m thinking of getting a backup pair.

 

[Thenicknology]

I am so glad you said this. I came here to make this exact post if it wasn't already here. I currently have Gen 2s, and just got the 4s. I've also tried the 3s, both Pro 1 & 2, and 4 - none of them fit great in my ears! It's weird.

Im irritated because the 4s actually do have improved sound and the bass is great, but they still feel like they aren't fully in my ear. I also can't tell how to angle them best in my ears, they just don't sit perfect. They also easily come unseated, even sitting or lying down. Yesterday I tested them at the gym, and I had to keep pushing them into my ears, and even then half of the time they didn't feel properly seated. Even when using the pros with all eartip sizes, they would not stay properly sealed.

I really want to like the 4s, but they still don't match the comfort and fit of my 2s. Which is annoying because there is some known mic issue apple is investigating that has caused my to get my 2s replaced 5 or 6 times now, but its almost with it to stick with them..

 

[Benz63amg]

I am so glad you said this. I came here to make this exact post if it wasn't already here. I currently have Gen 2s, and just got the 4s. I've also tried the 3s, both Pro 1 & 2, and 4 - none of them fit great in my ears! It's weird.

Im irritated because the 4s actually do have improved sound and the bass is great, but they still feel like they aren't fully in my ear. I also can't tell how to angle them best in my ears, they just don't sit perfect. They also easily come unseated, even sitting or lying down. Yesterday I tested them at the gym, and I had to keep pushing them into my ears, and even then half of the time they didn't feel properly seated. Even when using the pros with all eartip sizes, they would not stay properly sealed.

I really want to like the 4s, but they still don't match the comfort and fit of my 2s. Which is annoying because there is some known mic issue apple is investigating that has caused my to get my 2s replaced 5 or 6 times now, but its almost with it to stick with them..

You had the mic issues with the 2’s as well? I also replaced either one or two of my AirPods 2’s under warranty like 4-5 times now as the mic goes bad and dies within a year of ownership. Comfort wise the 4’s aren’t as comfortable as the 2’s but whether I can actually keep using the 4’s on a daily basis is yet to be determined (I’m testing them out right now within the 14 day Apple return window) and I use them plugged into my ears for like 7-8 hours a day when I’m at work. I’m getting some discomfort with the 4’s and I need to slightly adjust them either by slighting repositioning/twisting them within the ear after the initial first hour or so as well as in the mid-day. I want to dump the AirPods 2’s strictly because I can’t continue replacing them under warranty every damn time the microphone goes bad so I’m really trying to like the 4’s

 

[turbineseaplane]

My AP2s will remain my gym pair indefinitely as I use those with silicone cover/tips ... which is basically mandatory to keep them fully locked in for all the action at the gym (laying on benches, floor, cardio, on and on)

 

[Benz63amg]

My AP2s will remain my gym pair indefinitely as I use those with silicone cover/tips ... which is basically mandatory to keep them fully locked in for all the action at the gym (laying on benches, floor, cardio, on and on)

Can you post a link to the tips?

 

[turbineseaplane]

Can you post a link to the tips?

These - I swear by 'em

https://www.amazon.com/OneCut-Anti-Slip-Headphones-Protective-Accessories/dp/B07WGYBCWZ

Yes, you do have to take them on/off when putting in case

I really love these for the gym more than just keeping them "staying locked in place", but the silicone case nature of them allows me to wash them from time to time and keep the Airpods themselves much cleaner .. a real consideration considering all the gym sweating going on over time

They are so cheap that I have like 40 of them and keep them all around

The other thing I did was buy two colors and split them up and combine with opposites so I could always easily tell at a glance if I have a L & R "set"

I use white ones for Right bud ... any other color for left..

Right = White is my easy way to keep it in mind

 

[jntdroid]

We've had quite a few AP2's in our house over the past few years with a family of 5, and I would say on probably 30% of them at least one of the mic's has gone out during a period of time where they still work fine otherwise, have solid battery life, etc. So anecdotally, I would agree the mic's aren't super durable.

 

[Benz63amg]

We've had quite a few AP2's in our house over the past few years with a family of 5, and I would say on probably 30% of them at least one of the mic's has gone out during a period of time where they still work fine otherwise, have solid battery life, etc. So anecdotally, I would agree the mic's aren't super durable.

Yes the AirPods themselves play music fine and sound as good as new it’s just that the microphones crap out which requires having the entire AirPod replaced under warranty by apple.

 

[Beemers916]

I bought 3 pairs of Airpods 2 recently when they were $79 or whatever. The 3s “kind of” fit, the pro 1 and 2s don’t fit at all.

The 4 is CLOSE to the 2s, but still not as good. I typically only use one airpod at a time, as I like to know what’s going on around me, so the absolute best sound quality doesn’t really matter to me as much as the comfort.

I really want to like the 4s because so I can finally ditch the lightning cords for good, but I just can’t.

I will be keeping my 4s for around the house, though. The 3 and pros were all returned right away.

 

[barry.wiestling]

I've been an AP2 user for a long time because the AP3 did not fit me at all. Just purchased a pair of the AP4's with the hopes that I could finally move on from my AP2's. Like many on this threat, they are better than the AP3's, but man when I go back to the AP2's it just feels so much better.

Wish I could get used to the AP4's but the comfort level just isn't there.

 

[Benz63amg]

I've been an AP2 user for a long time because the AP3 did not fit me at all. Just purchased a pair of the AP4's with the hopes that I could finally move on from my AP2's. Like many on this threat, they are better than the AP3's, but man when I go back to the AP2's it just feels so much better.

Wish I could get used to the AP4's but the comfort level just isn't there.

Same here i think I’ll be returning the 4’s to Apple this weekend. I used the 4’s extensively for 2 days now (8 hour listening sessions) and my ears are aching. Yes, they are better than the 3’s and the Pro AirPods for sure but not as comfortable as the AirPods 2’s.

 

[Feek]

For me, the AirPods 3 are the perfect fit. My AP4s are going back.

 

[jonjames505]

I agree. I’m testing the AP 4’s right now to see if I can make the switch from the AirPods 2 for once and for all as I can’t stand the shape of the Pros or the AirPods 3’s in my ears. The issue with the AirPods 2 is that the microphone craps out after about a year on average due to oil/sweat entering the microphone hole on the bottom which clogs and destroys the mic (I’ve gone through 3 or 4 sets of AirPods 2’s). No matter how much I cleaned the microphone ports on the 2’s somehow the microphones crap out regardless after about a year. I do daily talking using the AirPods so perhaps the microphones on the AirPod 2’s just aren’t meant to be used that extensively

Damn, my experience as well. Microphone crapped out on three pairs of AirPods 2s. I sweat A LOT and that is likely the reason.

 

[Benz63amg]

Damn, my experience as well. Microphone crapped out on three pairs of AirPods 2s. I sweat A LOT and that is likely the reason.

Yes that's more than likely the case, natural oils from the face rubbing and entering the microphone port must also be contributing to the cause

 

[jonjames505]

Yes that's more than likely the case, natural oils from the face rubbing and entering the microphone port must also be contributing to the cause

What are the chances the same thing happens to my new AirPods 4s? Would it be worth investing the $29 in AppleCare for them?

 

[Benz63amg]

What are the chances the same thing happens to my new AirPods 4s? Would it be worth investing the $29 in AppleCare for them?

Highly doubt it. The mic issue seems to be specific to the 2’s given the 2’s are not sweat resistant or water resistant.

 

[Dust-by-Monday]

Bought the AirPods 4 over the weekend. While they fit my ears okay, any jaw movement causes one of them to lose the seal to the point of almost no bass. Had to return them. I never had to fiddle with my AirPods 2

 

[rasg]

Evidently humans have different sized ears which play a huge role in many of the anecdotal reviews / experiences we see on here (myself included). I know, such a revolutionary idea...

After trying the 3rd Gen's recently, then the new 4th Gen's, and the Pro 2nd Gen's, I'm ultimately back to a new pair of 2nd gen standard AirPods. I know that probably seems crazy. It's not a sound issue. The Pro's and 3rd/4th Gen standards have better sound - especially the Pro's... the sound on those is incredible. But for me it's just a fit/comfort issue. Never could get the 3rd Gen or 4th Gen standards to feel right in my ears, especially my left ear. They came out the easiest out of all of the above. And the Pro's stay in nice and snug, but I just don't like the pressure feel of the tips. My left ear struggles with them as well (even with different size tips) - but with the tighter fit they at least stay in ok. They sound incredible, but my ears get tired of them quickly.

After being away from the standard 2nd Gen's for a few weeks, honestly, they still sound pretty darn good for what they are - very balanced. And they just feel/fit perfect in my ears - size, balance, etc. It's like they're not there, but also never feel like they're coming out.

I also realized that most of the time when I put in earbuds, I still want to be present with what's around me - so ANC isn't as important to me as I thought it would be. And personally I still prefer the tap controls, even though they don't give you as granular options.

Anyway, just adding my .02 here for anybody else that might be in the same boat... oh and the cost ($90 at Best Buy / Amazon right now) doesn't hurt either. Unfortunately I doubt Apple will produce this form factor again, unless they start doing an AirPods SE version! 🤞

I bought a pair of Airpod Pro 2s a few weeks ago to use as hearing aids and they work really, really well as I only have mild to moderate hearing loss. What took a while was getting a good fit and I finally found the Ear Tip fit test in the menu that ensures that they are a good seal in the ear. I was a bit skeptical but it works remarkably well and I found that I needed a different size tip in each ear to get a snug fit.

It took me a while to decide which way to put them in too. I see people out and about every day and they all seem to have a different way of wearing them. This sounds stupid but it works well for me. I put the Airpod into my ear with the tip pointing down at the floor and then rotate it until the tip is pointing forward towards the corner of my mouth or a little higher.

Like you I also have to hear what's going on around me but I have to wear BOTH Airpods. With the Airpods in your ears you switch the Custom Transparency Mode on in the settings you can then move the slider to choose the level of ambient noise going into your ears. I have it set to around 50%. I also have Ambient Noise Reduction set to around 50% so it allows ambient noise in so you can hear what's going on around you.

Conversation Awareness gradually lowers the media volume and reduces background noise when you start to chat to somebody or they chat to you and when you have finished the media volume gradually goes back up.

Conversation boost focuses the microphones on the person standing in front of you and amplifies their voice so you can hear them better.

Lastly I also have Loud Noise Reduction switched on. It was probably DJjing and shooting when I was younger that damaged my ears in the first place so any very loud noise is reduced.

Just some ideas for you that might help. I took a guess that you have never played with the transparency mode before because you only wear a single Airpod when you are out and about or have I got this wrong?

Just my 2 cents.

 

[jntdroid]

I bought a pair of Airpod Pro 2s a few weeks ago to use as hearing aids and they work really, really well as I only have mild to moderate hearing loss. What took a while was getting a good fit and I finally found the Ear Tip fit test in the menu that ensures that they are a good seal in the ear. I was a bit skeptical but it works remarkably well and I found that I needed a different size tip in each ear to get a snug fit.

It took me a while to decide which way to put them in too. I see people out and about every day and they all seem to have a different way of wearing them. This sounds stupid but it works well for me. I put the Airpod into my ear with the tip pointing down at the floor and then rotate it until the tip is pointing forward towards the corner of my mouth or a little higher.

Like you I also have to hear what's going on around me but I have to wear BOTH Airpods. With the Airpods in your ears you switch the Custom Transparency Mode on in the settings you can then move the slider to choose the level of ambient noise going into your ears. I have it set to around 50%. I also have Ambient Noise Reduction set to around 50% so it allows ambient noise in so you can hear what's going on around you.

Conversation Awareness gradually lowers the media volume and reduces background noise when you start to chat to somebody or they chat to you and when you have finished the media volume gradually goes back up.

Conversation boost focuses the microphones on the person standing in front of you and amplifies their voice so you can hear them better.

Lastly I also have Loud Noise Reduction switched on. It was probably DJjing and shooting when I was younger that damaged my ears in the first place so any very loud noise is reduced.

Just some ideas for you that might help. I took a guess that you have never played with the transparency mode before because you only wear a single Airpod when you are out and about or have I got this wrong?

Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've definitely used and liked transparency mode and the conversation awareness. I've also utilized the ear tip fit test, and it's helpful, but no matter what size I try, I can't get it to stay in my left ear. I have no idea why, it doesn't look any different than my right... lol.

I only mentioned the ANC point as a part of my decision and meant to imply that ANC wasn't as important to me as I thought it would be, making one of the key features of the Pro's / 4's less important to me.

That said, I think I still might give them another try anyway. I'm REALLY curious about the hearing aid features coming soon. And whether I need ANC most of the time or not, the sound is just SO good when it's on.

 

[seggy]

All my non-Pro Airpods have been 3's for a while but I tend to agree - they updated the styling to be more Pro-like, but the overall fit and balance in ear suffered in the process. These proportions are far better suited to having a stabilising earplug.

I use my non-Pros exclusively at home for both casual all round use and marathon meetings swapping one set after another, so the possibility of dropping out is not a giant issue. However if they were my do it all non-isolating earphones, I would have shopped for alternatives or made the decision to stick with 2's a long time ago.