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AI-generated summary
In my quest to replace my old AirPods I tried the competition — first the Jabra 65t , then the Bose SoundSport Free . Both experiences showed me what else was out there, but also reminded me that Apple’s integration model is genuinely well thought out.
The Jabra can connect to two sources simultaneously, but the AirPods ’ ability to switch between devices is indispensable to me.
Being able to hear ambient sound is a much more important criterion than I thought. The AirPods let me run and cycle in complete safety. On this point the Bose aren’t bad either.
The AirPods ’ battery life is enormous! You can leave them at the bottom of a bag and use them a month later — they’ll still be charged. Likewise, listening all day long, there’s no need to plug in the case. Only the Sony WF-1000XM3 might potentially rival them on this point. A quick note on those: I won’t be testing them, because the inability to adjust volume from the earbuds themselves is unforgivable.
Wireless charging is a bit of a gimmick, but since I own an iPhone X, I just drop the case on the wireless charger on my desk and it’s done. On the other hand, out and about (which is the primary use for my earbuds), I never have access to a wireless charger, so I could easily live without it.
In the end, AirPods are virtually irreplaceable in my everyday earbud use. A few years ago during my commutes on the metro I probably wouldn’t have said that. Their compact size, combined with insane battery life and the effortless iOS experience, make them an irreplaceable pair of earbuds for me.
For anyone living in Apple’s 🍎 ecosystem who’s lucky enough to have AirPods that fit comfortably in the ear, these earbuds are perfect.
