AirPods (with possible future price/longevity) vs EarPods (poorly designed/cost over time). Worth going wireless?

thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 13:00
Last edited 22/01/2019 - 13:01

So I’ve gone through about 3 pairs of EarPods in around 3 years.
The 4th pair I’ve got now is about to give out soon, random pause/play and broken microphone due to weak design where cable meets 3.5mm. This is the last pair that came in box, so looking into buying a new pair(s).
I take good care of my products, but this point of failure is a issue with longevity.

2 pairs of 3.5mm EarPods can be had for $48.99 delivered from Kogan.
I go through 4 pairs roughly in 4 years, that’s $98 for another 4 years.

I’m curious if AirPods last that long, or longer.
I am awaiting a price drop/or clearance of 1st gen AirPods when the new model comes out.
(With wireless charging etc)

If the price would be closer to $98 than it’s current average deal price of $170-190, I would be interested in moving over to wireless. I reckon they will last 3-4 years.
Yes I am aware there are other Bluetooth options available, but I find the EarPods design to be comfortable with decent sound (not a fan of in-ears). And many other (cheaper) options are made quite cheaply (battery degradation, easily broken with drops, water damage).
The closest thing are the Huawei Freebuds 2 which is priced very similarly to AirPods.

What do you guys think?
$120 AirPods deal coming soon?
Is it worth it at that price?
Please chime in with your experience with AirPods (durability, battery life), and how long you’ve had them for.

Electrical & Electronics Earphones

Comments

  • Hybroid on 22/01/2019 - 13:04
    +2

    I have had AirPods since release and use them daily for personal music and work (Skype for Business) purposes. They are absolutely fantastic and wouldn't consider anything else. Battery life is great and the convenience factor is really high. They also work with any non-Apple device as regular bluetooth headset.

    There were rumours of an updated v2 version early 2019 but that hasn't materialised yet nor been announced. Even so, no chance getting v1 new for $120.

    • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 13:09

      Hi thanks for your comment. I’ve heard sound is very similar to EarPods. That’s all I’m looking for, not interested in NC. Reflecting on battery life so far, how long do you reckon their lifespan will be? Over 2 years 4 years? I’ve heard/read stories of people putting them through the wash, and they still work, also quite resistant to drops.

      • Hybroid on 22/01/2019 - 13:12
        +1

        What you are asking about is the durability in which they fare very well. I purchased mine early 2017 and do use them daily since. They have been flawless with no issues and no decrease in battery life. You will be covered for 2 years here anyway so nothing to worry about.

        • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 13:16

          Great thanks for confirming. 2 years running strong.

          • Oz8argain on 22/01/2019 - 14:34

            @thebadmachine: same, been using them everyday since they released, never had an issue, never had battery problems, never had connection problems. Best apple product I have purchased! I will definitely be getting the next gen. This is the best $190 I've spent. Can't go back to wires now

            • ozjuz on 29/03/2019 - 15:03

              @Oz8argain: I can also attest to this longevity, until I lost mine at the gym several weeks ago.

              Can comment that with regards to sound quality, they literally sound the same as earpods.

      • stirlo on 22/01/2019 - 13:16
        +1

        Yes, by far the most underrated feature of AirPods is the lack of noise cancelling. They sound exactly the same as EarPods.

        It means to can have them in while walking around town and still hear whats going on around you. In the office you can have them playing but still hear if a colleague wants to come talk to you. Every other wireless headphone has big rubber in ear grommets that block out all the surrounding noise. If you're going to do that why not get a pair of active headphones like QC35 that will sound far better?

        As for waterproofing I've send mine through the wash without issues however my brother put his through and the charging case dies to YMMV. I have stomped on them before and they didn't break which is good. Charging is so quick and easy I've never noticed any battery drain/issues.

        • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 13:18

          I agree, hearing things around you in everyday situations is natural and I think good for you (psychologically and someone calling your name/is warning you of danger).
          When you are isolated you tend to become too focused and when you take the in-ears out, it’s like coming out of a movie theatre, you need to wake yourself up a bit.

        • spiff on 22/01/2019 - 15:12
          -1

          I own the Jabra EA65t and QC35 and wouldn't consider using QC35 for office use because they're too bulky and not the look that I want to portray in an office. Jabra's are less of an eye sore than AirPods and also have an optional hear-through function which allows you to hear outside noise. I'd rather have the more comfortable fit of rubber tips, noise isolation by default, with the option to turn it off.

  • HighAndDry on 22/01/2019 - 13:09

    that’s $98 for … 4 years

    I'd say that's pretty good so long as the quality and performance of them are acceptable. Most people would replace airpods after no more than 4 years anyway, and for the price of one pair of airpods you'd get 8 years of earpods…

    Edit: Wait, earpods as in wired earphones from Apple? Eh. Whole other value proposition, depends on if you need the wireless capability/convenience I guess.

    • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 13:11

      Hi, I would use the AirPods until they gave out (most probably battery degradation).
      And please read towards the end, I will only consider the AirPods if their price drops after the release of AirPods 2.
      I am willing to pay a little bit extra for the convenience of wireless and not having to worry about the cord giving out.

      • HighAndDry on 22/01/2019 - 13:17

        Noted - Apple prefers to just pull old products from sale than sell at lower price. It would be possible but likely difficult to get very cheap Airpods even after Airpod2s are released.

        If you can get them for ~$120, imo that'd be a decent deal, but you have to keep in mind - Li-ion batteries degrade over time, even without being used - they're just not chemically that stable. So if you're buying deprecated, cheap, airpods, you likely won't be able to get the same battery longevity out of them.

        • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 13:21

          Yeah that’s always a risk with older stock. I’m not a heavy user anyway but hopefully they won’t be too degraded.

  • thatonethere on 22/01/2019 - 13:20

    Should take them back under warranty for replacements.

    • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 13:26

      Already threw the others out. And the current ones came in the box with Apple product, not sure if I can find the receipts either.
      Even with receipt they may be difficult since they are $45 at Apple store and I did not purchase them as standalone product.
      May as well get 2 pair for similar price $49 from Kogan than go through all the trouble to beg Apple to give me a free pair.

  • abb on 22/01/2019 - 13:44

    If you're happy with the product other than the shitty strain relief, maybe you could just add a bit of extra strain relief next time?

    (e.g. a piece of white heatshrink)

    • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 13:50

      True. But I’m also weighing up the (possible) slight marginal cost of going wireless.
      The current ones still aren’t completely broken (listening to audio is still fine).
      So within the year if they break, I’m weighing up grabbing 4 pairs of Kogan, to a possible sale on AirPods.
      Your right I could extend the ride life by re-informing the point of failure, but you never know how effective it will be..

      • abb on 23/01/2019 - 09:23

        Spend $2 on heatshrink man. The repair will last a year, I personally guarantee it.

        • thebadmachine on 23/01/2019 - 16:43

          Ok thanks for your experience.
          Rather that a repair, I consider it a modification on 'new' product. As it is not worth doing on the current earphones I have..
          Im sure the issues of random presses of Play/Pause/Siri will still occur, and non-functioning mic will not change.

          I think a $120 price point of AirPods is reasonable & expectable. (Previous best deal on ozbargain was around $160)
          After the AirPods 2 release I am hoping for a $120-$130 price point. If they continue to sell at $200 I will go with your solution.

        • thebadmachine on 21/02/2019 - 03:18
          +1

          Hi again. The EarPods finally broke a few weeks ago. So with no AirPods bargain in sight, I bought another 2 pairs of EarPods at $18 each from Catch. This time I have done as you suggested and picked up & applied heatshrink from Jaycar for $2.
          Thanks for your tip, hopefully they will now last an acceptable amount of time.

          PS: Another point of failure for EarPods is the Y split of the cable to L & R, I have accidentally torn the EarPods out by accident, and the plastic section of the Y split broke open leaving exposed wire. They have this useless extra plastic piece which has the function of holding th split cables together (cannot imagine what situation you would need to do this) but this very piece superglued to the Y section & both cables, may be the very solution to re-inforcing the Y section.

          Almost as if Apple is telling its customers: yeah we know we designed EarPods with engineered obsolescence, it’s up to you to fix it up before you use it if you want it to last long.

  • mrhatken on 22/01/2019 - 14:19

    AirPods are fantastic - great experience, good sound (as best I can tell), amazing convenience. I also appreciate they are not in-ear sealing. They also don't fall out easily whilst walking, jogging or other physical activities. However, that's not to say they can't be knocked out easily (e.g. helmet strap, swipe hair).

    You can get them for around A$180 at various times.

    Only problem is it is very easy to lose one of the earpieces or the holder (IMHO) and it's A$100 to replace any part. If one falls out whilst audio playing then audio stops so you are alerted. If, however, you don't have audio playing and knock one out you lose. I think Apple should play an alert sound when this happens.

    Find my iPhone does allow you to check on their location and play a sound through them. However, this relies on them being in Bluetooth range and not having run out of power. It is mostly useful, I find when you drop one in your home or office, not when you've been out for a jog or walking around somewhere.

    Highly recommended.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2019 - 14:42

    Get the Airpords, got mine on day 2 of release date. Best impulse buy ever. Sounds exectly like wired earpods.
    Oh and i churned through heaps of earpods like you. Problem solved with airpords. You will never want corded earphones again!

    • spiff on 22/01/2019 - 15:13

      Sounds exectly like wired earpods

      So not great then lol

      • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 15:29
        +2

        Yeah not great, but not bad either. So that would be.. good.
        I personally find EarPods as having decent sound.
        Compared to in-ears(earbuds) earphones do not have a seal, so it is not an easy comparison.
        Comfort wise some people cannot stand the discomfort of earbuds.
        There are not many wireless ‘earphones’ on the market.
        And I think AirPods are a good option among the very few products.
        They are kind of odd/finicky in design. But they do the job well.

        • spiff on 22/01/2019 - 15:35

          Comfort wise some people cannot stand the discomfort of earbuds.

          This and the lower price is the only reason why I can see why people would choose AirPods over Jabras.

          • thebadmachine on 22/01/2019 - 15:36

            @spiff: Yeah some compromises just cannot be met.

          • thebadmachine on 23/01/2019 - 16:54

            @spiff: I just thought I'd mention the Jabra 85h's just announced at CES 2019.
            With AI Noise Cancelling and better 6 microphone placement.
            Although we will have to wait & see, I think they will be a good option to the Sony 1000XM3.
            (Im sure the XM3's have AI Noise Cancelling also, they just call it the HD QN1 processor.)

  • passwordistaco on 28/01/2019 - 21:47

    I bought a pair of Airpods for $199 over 6 months ago - best money I've spent.. and they are the only Apple product I own!

    Like you, I've only ever felt earpods to be most comfortable. I've gone through jaybirds, other in ears etc..

    Sound quality is definitely better with Airpods (IMO) than earpods, and the weight makes them feel far sturdier/robust. Battery life is great, I charge the case once a week and listen to music 6-8hours per week. Rarely are they left without battery, just force of habit to charge every Sunday evening.

    Couldn't recommend them enough. The only bad time I've had is seeing my airpod fall out of my hand and land 2cm away from the never ending gap in an elevator..

    • thebadmachine on 21/02/2019 - 03:22

      Yeah I agree the battery life is quite good for what they are. 5 hours on a charge is more than anyone would need for their use (I suspect the idea is to charge them after 2.5 hours use to keep the lithium batteries healthy) and an extra 4 times top up from the case is nice, so you don’t have to plug them in to charge that often.
      Update: I went with EarPods again, the last pair broke before any bargain on AirPods could be found.

  • sghetti on 04/02/2019 - 14:24

    I've had AirPods for a few months now and have no regrets. Never have to worry about them going dead as they're intermittently put in their charging case.

    I generally use them for commuting and agree that the "openness" of the design is great for your situational awareness.

    I had a long work conference call from home a while back and this drained the AirPods quite a bit (3 hour call), but it was easy enough to place one of the AirPods in the changing case, it was charged in 30 mins and then alternate AirPods. They're great at re-routing audio depending on which one is out of the case.

    Extremely happy with them from a general use perspective. I've used them once at the gym, and while they held fine. I was sweating quite a bit and they felt like they were going to slip out once sweat got in there. I much prefer to keep them clean though so use a cheaper set for the gym.

    I couldn't recommend them enough if you're happy with the EarPods and wanting to go wireless.

    • thebadmachine on 21/02/2019 - 03:08

      Thanks for your input, but my last pair of EarPods gave out before an bargain price on AirPods could be found.
      So I went with 2 pairs of EarPods again from Catch @ $18 each. Then reinforced the point of failure with heatshrink as another person here suggested. Hopefully they will last much longer now.

  • jerjergege on 25/03/2019 - 14:22

    Well the new ones are available for pre-order, $319 for the one with the wireless charging case…

    • thebadmachine on 25/03/2019 - 16:06

      The price is ridiculous, also ridiculous is just the wireless charging case for $129. Although admittedly I think wireless charging is an un-popular method. $129 does not reflect the value of the product at all, it if anything is a deliberate incentive to purchase the new AirPods 2 instead of just the case.
      The RRP of AirPods 1 was around $249 if I remember correctly.
      New ones should have been definitely below $299 IMO.

    • thebadmachine on 02/05/2019 - 11:31

      According to first impressions, they fall short of Bose & Sony (only advantage seems to be voice call quality).
      Will probably have to wait for firmware updates etc to reach their full potential, but initial conclusions were underwhelming. I actually thought they would take on the NC headphone market.

      https://youtu.be/gPl84lCLr3g

      • onlinepred on 02/05/2019 - 15:51

        The floppy earpieces are weird too hey

        • thebadmachine on 02/05/2019 - 21:52

          Yeah. I thought they were putting everything into this thing, with USB-C and all.
          But what we ended up with is SBC codec only, NC power is 85h<QC35II<XM3 and the gimmicky auto-sensing/changing NC feature. Also an odd thing it must have battery power to use with 3.5mm cable.

          • onlinepred on 02/05/2019 - 22:18

            @thebadmachine: Yea very strange. Water resistant too! Bt5, auto play pause, 41 hrs battery without anc. Isn't qc35 SBC only too?

  • youwontknow on 07/05/2019 - 11:36

    I expected gen 1 AirPods to be cheaper by now… desperate for a clearance sale

    • thebadmachine on 07/05/2019 - 20:55

      As another user on this site said, the differences between Gen 1 & 2 are so minor, that it seems Gen 1 is holding its value.
      I already went the 3.5mm wired Apple EarPods route a few months ago.
      When AirPods Gen 3 comes out, Gen 1 & 2 will probably drop in value (assuming the rumours are correct Gen 3 is quite a big upgrade from 1 & 2).

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