Are 1st Gen AirPods any good?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

In my experience, the 1st Gen Apple AirPods are actually quite good, especially if you are an iPhone user. They offer a truly wireless experience, which means no more tangling cords or getting caught on doorknobs. The sound quality is decent, providing clear audio with good bass. However, it’s important to note that they are optimized for iOS devices, so if you’re an Android user, you may not get the full range of features or compatibility.

One of the standout features of the 1st Gen AirPods is the active capabilities. They have built-in accelerometers and optical sensors, which detect when they’re in your ears and automatically pause music when you take them out. This is a convenient feature that saves you from fumbling with your device to pause or play music. Additionally, they have a microphone that filters out background noise, making your voice clearer during calls.

The design of the AirPods is sleek and minimalistic, which is typical of Apple products. However, the one-size-fits-all design may not be suitable for everyone. Some people find them to be a bit loose or uncomfortable, especially during intense physical activities. If you’re planning to use them for running or working out, you might want to consider alternative options with a more secure fit.

Battery life is another important consideration. The 1st Gen AirPods offer up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, which is decent but not exceptional. The charging case provides additional charges and can extend the total listening time to around 24 hours. However, it’s worth noting that the charging case relies on a Lightning cable, so if you’re used to USB-C or micro-USB cables, you’ll need an additional adapter or cable.

In terms of connectivity, the 1st Gen AirPods use Bluetooth technology to connect to your device. While the connection is generally stable, there have been occasional reports of dropouts or intermittent connectivity issues. However, these instances are relatively rare and might be more dependent on your specific environment or device.

If you’re an iPhone user looking for a convenient and wireless audio solution, the 1st Gen AirPods are a solid choice. The sound quality is good, the active features are handy, and the design is sleek. However, if you’re an Android user or prefer a more secure fit, you might want to explore other options.