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- Verified Buyer
Taking the Apple AirPods at face value, they're a solid headset for the money! If you already have the original, first generation AirPods and just want to upgrade, not a bad option either. The 2nd generation AirPods feature an improved software chip & runs off of BlueTooth 5.0 vs 4.1 (Gen 1). The software chip allows a faster, stronger, and more stable connection with your device(s). This particular item for $139.00 does NOT feature the wireless charging case. This one must be plugged in via USB (cable provided in the box) to an outlet or USB port. The wireless charging case model is $169. Now if you're looking to upgrade to the wireless charging case later on, you can. Apple does sell it separately. If you want the wireless charging option right out of the box, I recommend sending the $169 vs the $139 product here.Sound quality: Straight out of the box, sound is pretty solid. No crackles, static, pops, or any abnormal noises created by the more economic-friendly headsets. You have a lot more adjustability & tuning capabilities if paired on an iOS/Apple device vs using for example paired with an Android OS device. So, ultimately Apple users may or may not get a better sound quality experience.Noise cancellation: AirPods do fit fairly well in the ear without having to be jammed inside your ear canal. Generally they create a snug fit using Apple's "universal" earphone design, it is one size fits most not one size fits all. Some users have upgraded or opted to spend the additional funds on a set of AirPods Pro due to the rubber tips for a better/snug fit. I believe only the AirPods Pro currently has an active noise cancellation utilizing two microphones but I would double-check Apple for accurate information. Also, for Android users. The Galaxy buds by Samsung feature active noise cancellation & wireless charging case on every model so you might want to look into that product before making a final purchase.Battery life: For optimal battery life, I highly recommend charging both AirPods inside the case. The case itself is a battery pack with a life. So if one or both AirPods are low on battery, you can toss them in the case and charge them up. Apple I believe rates 5 minutes of charging time is equivalent to 1 hour of talk/listening time and 15 minutes of charging time is equivalent to 2 hours of talk/listening. I'm sure this is accurate when they're brand new but I'm sure like anything, normal ware & tare might diminish that over time.Warranty: Apple provides a 1-year standard manufacturer's warranty on this product. This ONLY covers defects/defaults from the manufacturer. This will NOT cover physical and/or liquid damages to AirPods, case, or charging cable included.AppleCare: It's $29.00 and 2 years and well worth the extra money. You're already spending this kind of money on a headset, may as well have protection. We get it, accidents happen! But protect yourself and get your AirPods repaired/replaced at no additional cost to YOU! There is no additional fees or deductibles involved.AppleCare tips:You don't have to install AppleCare right away. You have 60 days from the original purchase date to contact Apple by providing your AirPods serial number (on outside of the box) and Apple will tell you if you're still eligible.You can renew AppleCare for another 2 years for the same fee of $29.00 provided you want to keep the same product. If you decide to upgrade to the AirPods Pro or whatever the latest model is, you would have to purchase AppleCare for that specific product.You can go into an Apple store location and get live repair/replacement on your AirPods.Using AirPods with Android:Apple has allowed Android and other non-iOS devices to use AirPods since the AirPods pair/connect via BlueTooth.If you're using AirPods on an Android platform such as Samsung or LG for example there's 2 ways to pair the headset to your device. You either turn on BlueTooth on your device, pop both AirPods inside your ear, find "AirPods" under available connections, and connect. Or you might have to pair manually using the button on the AirPods case to make available, pair, and connect.FAIR WARNING:You will NOT have access to all features that the AirPods have to offer on an Apple/iOS device. You will be limited on functions you can perform.I was able to find an app on Google play store for $1.99 called "AirPopUp". It is a paid application that unlock access to certain/more features of the AirPods similar to what an Apple/iOS device would be granted. Be aware that you will NOT have access nor the ability to have every single feature since you're not on Apple's network. There may be other apps (most likely paid applications) you'd have to find that may unlock more features such as: AirPods battery life percentage, case battery life percentage, programming LEFT & RIGHT AirPods for certain function(s), skipping/pausing/resetting songs, answer/decline/hang up phone calls, find my AirPods, and more.For Samsung users specifically, you might want to look into the Galaxy Buds. They're a little cheaper than AirPods, I believe Amazon has them for $109.99 + $22 3-Year insurance through Assurion that does cover physical/liquid/accidental damage just like AirPods.Galaxy Buds features:Made by SamsungAudio powered by AKGRubber ear bud tipsPair with Samsung device to get the mostWireless charging caseActive noise cancellationComes in multiple colors (black/white/silver/yellow/red & black combo with Star Wars edition Galaxy Note 10+)Includes changing cord and replacement rubber earbud tips.I know if you pair the Galaxy Buds with a Samsung device it will automatically download an application titled "Galaxy Wearable". This allows users to check battery life status of the case and each bud, prompts you for software updates, ability to program LEFT & RIGHT earbuds to do certain function(s), answer/decline/hang up phone calls, pause/skip/reset songs.Apple may charge a lot of money for their products on accessories but they never fall short of being a revolutionary, well-designed, reliable product that works as advertised.They sound great, are easy to charge and store, the batteries last a very long time, and the noise canceling feature works very well. They are really easy to connect to any device too. But they have a tendency to fall out of my ear, and that costs them a star. Maybe it is just my particular ears, but almost every time I use them, one manages to fall out and hit the ground at some point. Because of that, I have to be careful where I use them. Motorcycle rides and river activities are out of the question. Once one fell out while I was on the riding mower, and it took me about ten very stressful minutes to find it. I have since learned that it helps to wrap a bandanna around my head and ears when mowing. Unfortunately this isn't a perfect solution either, as the other day one still managed to fall out and hit the ground when mowing. Fortunately I found it right away that time.Thank goodness they certainly do seem to be very durable. My kid's Airpod Pros got washed and dried, and they still worked! I heard them clanking around in the drier for 30 minutes, but thought it was just a nickel or something.Anyway, for around the house or office they are great. But don't think you can trust them to go anywhere.I give these Airpods a 5/5 stars because they are excellent :) They have a very long battery life and they are actually noise canceling, even with one Airpod in your ear. I had Airpod Pros before I brought these but lost them back in February, and I actually like these better than the Pros because they don’t feel heavy in your ear. Airpod Pros are smaller than these, so they’re more likely to fall out your ear. With these, they stay in your ear without feeling so heavy, and won’t have to worry about them falling out! Only downside I have about these Airpods are that after about 2 months, my left Airpod sounded a little low. But that’s nothing a little setting adjusting won’t fix :) Overall these are excellent headphones!I have never purchased anything from Apple. Being on the phone for hours each day having a nice pair of earphone is very important to me. Friends recommended me getting AirPods and I think it is probably the best on the market when it comes to comfort level, noise reduction and battery power. I wouldn't use it to for music listening since the sound quality can't compare with Bose. It's a must have device if you're on the phone for hours each day.I recently bought these last month and after a month of usage I find this product to be very well designed. But I think personally there are still some design flaws.1. You can't wear it very long- After a certain point maybe after 2 hours, you ears start to hurt especially if your playing loud music or something.-The battery on these earphones aren't the best either 4 hours are the longest they've ever lasted after a full night's charge too 100%2. This is not an honest product- I live in New York City, a very loud place, so when I see noise canceling, I want to be able to not hear the noises on the train on my commutes to work, school and home. So in terms of noise canceling, I don't think this product is very honest.But otherwise the product is great, the sound quality is great (unless your on a call at the same time), the case doesn't need to be charged to often, it's very good if you need a quality wireless earphone.