Thinking of buying AirPods Pro. I Have Questions

[gregpod9]

I recently returned the APM back to Best Buy due to well known issues that it has. I'll wait for the APM gen 2. I also returned the Sony WH-1000XM4 back as well due to mostly connectivity issues and the sound quality was not as good as expected. Now I'm thinking of getting the APP due to that I prefer something lighter to wear and I wear glasses, and do cardio and working out at the gym. I have questions on the APP.
1. Is it a good time to buy them since they are at a good price at Amazon.com?
2. Is the rattlegate issue overblown since many talk about that issue?
3. Is it a good idea to buy AppleCare+ with them?
4. I read that the APP's fall out from ears and the only way to prevent them from falling is using foam tips. What foam tips to you recommend?
5. How good is the Dolby Atmos and spatial audio on these iems with Apple TV 4k, iPhone 12, and Mac OS?

 

[swandy]

(1) Since no one here - as far as I remember - has posted any rumors of when an updated APP will be announced/released, I guess if the price is right it is a good time.
(2) Not sure if it is "overblown", only know I have had mine since they were originally released (couldn't wait to replace my original Airpods because they constantly fell our of my my ears) and I have never experienced what I read in the "rattle gate" thread (actually read it for the first time tonight to answer your post).
(3) I have AppleCare+ on mine - actually just noticed it expires this coming October. I have never lost one of them and even though I have dropped them plenty of times, including the case a few, I have never needed to bring them in for a repair or replacement. Your mileage may vary.
(4) Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio is VERY impressive when watching videos (so far only on iOS devices though). Spatial Audio is "interesting", depending a lot on what you are listening to. Much more interesting IMHO for music like Jazz and Classical than Rock or Pop music. But I wouldn't get APP for the music version at this time.

 

[johntw]

APP Gen 2 are rumored for Q2 2022. If you can get them below $200, worth a go for sure.

I bought and returned APM but then bought them again and absolute love them. AirPods 3 will replace my AirPods 2 for calls, APM for enjoying music and movies and when I need ANC.

 

[Telesmurfen]

I can only agree with what has already been written.
No one knows for sure when the AirPods Pro 2 will be released (there are always rumors around; "rumored for fall 2020 release", "rumored for Q1 of 2021", "rumored for fall 2021", etc), but so far, it's been about two years since the APPs were released, and nobody knows when the new version will launch - only Apple. So, if you need a pair now, and can even get them at a good price, I'd say, go ahead and buy them. Currently there is no APP2 at the market.
As for "rattle gate", I haven't experienced it myself. I have owned like five pairs of APPs since launch, and no rattling in any of them. So, I'd say it's safe to assume that "rattle gate" won't be a likely issue.
I don´t use AppleCare+, so I can't comment on that.
As far as the Dolby Atmos / spatial audio feature goes, I think it does a good job. Of course, the AirPods Max is even better, because of the bigger size. But, the APPs do a good job, and makes watching videos a great experience.
When it comes to music, I think it depends on the music you listen to. I find r&b, pop and rock to be a little lacking in the bass when Dolby Atmos is active. I've listened to the same tracks with Dolby Atmos active and without, and the "regular version" of the song, usually has quite a bit more bass to it. But, then again, it's a feature with some potential to be great, and listening to "jazz for spatial audio" is a treat. Not necessarily my favorite kind of music, but with the introduction of Dolby Atmos/spatial audio, I've found myself listening to that playlist more than I ever thought I would.
In addition, these are the most comfortable true wireless earbuds I've ever used, and I could wear them for hours. And that makes them my "go-to" set of earbuds when I want the music to be fairly neutral and detailed, if I'll be listening for a long time, or if I want to utilize Dolby Atmos.
A new favorite set of earbuds is the Sony WF-1000XM4, which I have grown to like (unlike its "big brother", the over-ear version - I think it sounded bad, in spite of all the positive reviews out there). They sure sound great, with some real booming (but not overpowering) bass, and shows what kind of potential for a full sound that lies in earbuds. Unfortunately, they don't support Dolby Atmos / spatial audio natively (you could always force Dolby Atmos to "always on" in the music settings, but it's not the same). Still, if I need the absolute best ANC in a set of earbuds, or just want some more depth / fun sound, I go for the Sonys.
But, because of the reasons above (and the easy switching between devices and wireless Siri), I'd say that the AirPods Pro still is my favorite set of earbuds. Highly recommended

 

[bigshot]

1. Is it a good time to buy them since they are at a good price at Amazon.com?

If you can afford them. Even discounted, they are still considerably more expensive than third party earbuds. CNN did a review of the Jabra Elite Active 75t that competed them favorably to the APPs for a hundred dollars less.

2. Is the rattlegate issue overblown since many talk about that issue?

You have a one year warranty. Any problems during that time will be fixed by Apple.

3. Is it a good idea to buy AppleCare+ with them?

I don't think so. A year warranty is good enough for me.

4. I read that the APP's fall out from ears and the only way to prevent them from falling is using foam tips. What foam tips to you recommend?

I didn't find any difference between the stock tips and the foam tips.

5. How good is the Dolby Atmos and spatial audio on these iems with Apple TV 4k, iPhone 12, and Mac OS?

Not very impressive. It might be better in future updates.

 

[SkiHound2]

Is it ever a good time to buy anything? I've seen them for around $189 and given that there are no rumors of replacements in the near future, it seems a decent time. Will they stay in your ear when you exercise? Only you can determine that and only after you use them. I've tried all 3 sizes of the tips that come with them and I've tried different sizes of the foam ear tips; none really feel sufficiently secure that I would have confidence they would stay in if I were doing something like running. I can do a lot of core stuff and things like riding a stationary cycle with no problem. But that's also in an environment where if they do fall out I just pick them back up. In short, none of the tips I've tried have given me confidence they are really not going to go anywhere. The stock, medium ear tips seem to work best for me. Franky, I might consider the Beats model with the over ear hook if I was buying them with the primary intention of working out. My overall view is that the APP are really lifestyle earphones. They are small, light, and pair easily with Apple devices. Overall I like the sound though they certainly won't match audiophile headphones. For someone who really likes thumping bass these probably aren't the best option, but they sound clean, clear, and unlike almost any other headphone I've tried, I don't find them fatiguing. How well they work with spatial audio depends on the source material, IMO. On some music tracks I hardly notice, on some movies I think it sounds impressive. I don't think it's really fair to compare things like the APPs to over the ear headphones in terms of sound isolation, noise cancellation, and overall sound quality.

 

[haralds]

Note that if you are a "picky" customer, you might not like the Pros. The fit is highly individual and depends on the shape and direction of your ear canal.'
I can never get a good fit to pass the listening test unless I wear them "Martian Style" with the stalks up. They also do not stay in any better than my regular AP. But I have settled for them anyway for the better sound and isolation, even if that is suboptimal for my ears.

 

[DanTSX]

I just got the pros. Got sick of waiting for gen 2. They work well enough, but I’m not bowled over. Not yet at least. I paid full price from Apple (gift cards). Wouldn’t recommend these at full price, but I can see paying $179.99 for them on occasional sale from Amazon or big box stores.

I’m still trying to figure out if they will work out for me for my runs, gym, work, and around thr house.

I do like how easily they integrated to the ecosystem. Nothing worse than fooling around with Bluetooth settings when you want to be accomplishing something.

Odd that I can’t buy AppleCare+ on these as the date is not valid. Maybe I just have to call Apple directly?

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

Note that if you are a "picky" customer, you might not like the Pros. The fit is highly individual and depends on the shape and direction of your ear canal.'
I can never get a good fit to pass the listening test unless I wear them "Martian Style" with the stalks up. They also do not stay in any better than my regular AP. But I have settled for them anyway for the better sound and isolation, even if that is suboptimal for my ears.

This is my problem, cannot pass the test in any position except right side a couple of times but lasted s couple of minutes. Noise canceling is nil because of that. Won’t stay in at all. I really wish I had canals that worked with them. Will be returning them I guess.

 

[bigshot]

I think that seal test is unreliable. If noise cancelling works and it stays in your ear, it fits.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

They are ok. The noise cancelling is good but the ear fit test is hit and miss. Reliability is awful. Worst apple product ever. i bought a pair on release day and now on my ninth set which are on their way back to me after being repaired/replaced by Apple yet again. Every time it is the same issue. After a couple of months, the noise cancelling fails and they start to crackle. I only persevere with them because they are very comfortable and I never got on well with AirPods and AirPods 2 as they kept falling out and my AirPods max are too bulky to carry around.
Don’t get me wrong as AirPods Pro are fantastic when they work and being to carry them around in my pocket is great.

 

[Khedron]

AirPods sound and build quality are awful. There are so many better options out there. There is literally no reason to choose AirPods except the logo, so decide how much that is worth for you.

 

[Rok73]

I have owned like five pairs of APPs since launch

Why?

 

[MJ22]

I’ve had mine for over a year and never had a rattle. They fit just fine with stock tips. I run with them several days a week and haven’t had any issues. I don’t have AppleCare.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

Mine have come back from repair and they’re definitely replacements. No rattles or static and they pass the seal test every time now. I envisage that I’ll get a couple months out of them and then I’ll have the same problems again

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

AirPods sound and build quality are awful. There are so many better options out there. There is literally no reason to choose AirPods except the logo, so decide how much that is worth for you.

What are the best options? Trying to decide what i want to do after returning mine.

 

[Khedron]

What are the best options? Trying to decide what i want to do after returning mine.

I’m currently using Jabra Elite 85t that I got on offer. Better sound and ANC than AirPods Pro for the price of AirPods non-Pro. Also have multi-connect so I have them simultaneously connected to my Apple TV and iPhone (AirPods being good at connectivity is the most overhyped feature ever, they are absolute trash except for the very first time you use them with a new device.)

But there are plenty of alternatives. I went with these (and before these the Galaxy Buds Live) because I don’t like the deep in-ear style of buds. If you don’t care about that you have many more options.

Check out Flossy Carter on YouTube, he reviews them all and regularly updates the list of best ones.

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

I’m currently using Jabra Elite 85t that I got on offer. Better sound and ANC than AirPods Pro for the price of AirPods non-Pro. Also have multi-connect so I have them simultaneously connected to my Apple TV and iPhone (AirPods being good at connectivity is the most overhyped feature ever, they are absolute trash except for the very first time you use them with a new device.)

But there are plenty of alternatives. I went with these (and before these the Galaxy Buds Live) because I don’t like the deep in-ear style of buds. If you don’t care about that you have many more options.

Check out Flossy Carter on YouTube, he reviews them all and regularly updates the list of best ones.

Thank you. I think think that may be part of my problem, the airpod pro’s don’t go far enough in.

yeah, the app’s won’t automatically switch to my atv 4k at all. Have to go in and manually connect with bluetooth on phone turned off.

 

[PhillyGuy72]

I recently returned the APM back to Best Buy due to well known issues that it has. I'll wait for the APM gen 2. I also returned the Sony WH-1000XM4 back as well due to mostly connectivity issues and the sound quality was not as good as expected. Now I'm thinking of getting the APP due to that I prefer something lighter to wear and I wear glasses, and do cardio and working out at the gym. I have questions on the APP.
1. Is it a good time to buy them since they are at a good price at Amazon.com?
2. Is the rattlegate issue overblown since many talk about that issue?
3. Is it a good idea to buy AppleCare+ with them?
4. I read that the APP's fall out from ears and the only way to prevent them from falling is using foam tips. What foam tips to you recommend?
5. How good is the Dolby Atmos and spatial audio on these iems with Apple TV 4k, iPhone 12, and Mac OS?

I thought today personally was a good time to grab them, Staples has them on sale for 179.00 until July 31. (You MUST buy them in stores, the sale doesn't apply online). If they drop more in price...so be it.

Link

Staples Connect

www.staplesconnect.com

--
In the 5 hours of heavy play and experimenting with these, (The firmware updated) no issues with this Rattle gate right now.

Didn't get AC+, if I have a problem I have one year as already mentioned. (I have Gen 1, 2 AirPods, never lost them or had issues)

Now I have always had a problem with the normal Air Pods and my goofy ears, always fell out. Silicone tip on Amazon helped a lot. I did see these foam tips are better for the APP...so far I'm ok with the stock tips. Fit is good.

Apple Music has the Dolby Atmos, it's not bad. I can hear a slight difference if I turn them on and off. The sound either way is pretty darn good I think.

I DID try the APP with Apple+ on my iPhone and iPad with this new spatial audio, that in my opinion is unreal. I can't even explain that..there were sounds that seemed distant, with ambient sounds coming from the left or right or behind. *It's new to me on headphones, so I found this amazing.

(This same sound apparently will be coming to Apple Music this fall, I can't wait.)

 

[JCCL]

I recently returned the APM back to Best Buy due to well known issues that it has. I'll wait for the APM gen 2. I also returned the Sony WH-1000XM4 back as well due to mostly connectivity issues and the sound quality was not as good as expected. Now I'm thinking of getting the APP due to that I prefer something lighter to wear and I wear glasses, and do cardio and working out at the gym. I have questions on the APP.
1. Is it a good time to buy them since they are at a good price at Amazon.com?
2. Is the rattlegate issue overblown since many talk about that issue?
3. Is it a good idea to buy AppleCare+ with them?
4. I read that the APP's fall out from ears and the only way to prevent them from falling is using foam tips. What foam tips to you recommend?
5. How good is the Dolby Atmos and spatial audio on these iems with Apple TV 4k, iPhone 12, and Mac OS?

Airpods Pro....are more flawed than any of the two products you just returned (rattlegate). I'm on my third replacement and my wife is on the second, and based on what I've read and experience with others own pairs I strongly believe that all Airpods Pro will develop the issue, it's just a matter of when. I woud definitely buy AppleCare so that at least you secure two years of replacement when they develop rattlegate.

I'm not really crazy about spatial audio. fun gimmick, but I don't think it will stick for music.