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iPhone-Guy

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 2, 2025
55
387
I just got the AirPods Pro 3 on Friday and have used them quite a lot since then. Was wondering if anybody else has ever switched from non-AirPods to AirPods and wondered your thoughts on them. Personally coming over from Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ll (prequel to the Ultras, prequel to the Ultra ll) here are my thoughts:

  • The Quiet mode is slightly better but not as good as they advertise (that’s to be expected).
  • The Transparency mode is significantly better than the Bose Aware mode.
  • Connectivity is great seeing as they’re made by Apple. My Bose earbuds would sometimes cut out or disconnect and it was really frustrating.
  • Spatial Audio is really interesting (my Bose didn’t have it).
  • Case is smaller and lighter but battery life is worse.
  • The audio quality is slightly better.
  • The bass is underwhelming, even when the EQ preset is set to Increase Bass it isn’t as deep as Bose’s. Many people probably like the AirPods better and I knew that Bose is bass heavy but was still disappointed.
  • The Bose earbuds are arguably more or less comfortable depending on preference and ear shape but I like the AirPods fit.
  • Heart rate sensor is nice but I have an Apple Watch anyways.
  • Live translation works with my limited testing but I don’t really think it will work the best when it is trying to translate fast speakers.
  • FindMy is awesome.
  • Wireless+magsafe charging is awesome.
Overall for being released 3 years later the AirPods are a great upgrade but I think most of that is simply coming over to Apple’s Earbuds from third-party ones. Not sure if the AirPods Pro 2 would be better, a lot cheaper and with nearly all the same features…
 
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