Apple‘s AirPods have become one of the world‘s most ubiquitous wireless earbuds since first launching in 2016. Their wired sibling, the original EarPods, revolutionized bundled headphones starting back in 2012.
Given this background as an undisputed leader in the audio space, you would expect universal acclaim to greet Apple‘s premium AirPods Pro noise-canceling earbuds first released in 2019.
However, while still a smash commercial success, cracks in Apple‘s wireless crown have started to emerge when it comes to their flagship buds:
- Competitors like Sony, Samsung, and Bose catch up on features while undercutting on pricing.
- Audiophiles find better sound quality for less money elsewhere.
- Even iPhone loyalists take issue with limited design choices.
Reviewing the most common complaints about the AirPods Pro can help you assess if they still warrant paying a premium over advancing rivals when buying wireless earbuds today.
We‘ll analyze the 5 biggest areas where alternatives have started surpassing Apple‘s vaunted buds against the backdrop of evolving buyer expectations in the true wireless market.
Complaint #1: Restricted Design Limits Flexibility
Back in 2016 when Apple released the first AirPods, their gleaming all-white finish and sloping ear stem set them apart from anything on the market. The striking iconic design even sparked memes and cultural phenomena like AirPod haircuts.
However in 2022 with the AirPods Pro 2nd generation, fashion-forward consumers have come to expect more aesthetic flexibility from premium wireless earbuds costing $250.
Data from a recent survey of 500 wireless earbuds owners found a desire for more color options beyond Apple‘s singular stark white finish. 72% wanted at least black or silver variants similar to offerings from Sony and Samsung.
Another common ask is for alternate form factors deviating from Apple‘s one-size-fits-all ear stem mold. Rivals like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 or Jabra Elite 7 Pro tout a more compact and rounded build that sits flush in your ear.
Without wider design permutations available in 2023, even hardcore Apple followers feel restricted by the AirPods Pro‘s uniform look in a maturing wireless earbud industry.
Complaint #2: Key Features Limited to Apple Ecosystem
Unlike the initial AirPods that focused mainly on core sound and connectivity, modern wireless earbuds now pack in a rich array of bonus features to stand out against fierce competition.
Chief among these is seamless access to voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant without needing to touch your phone. However, Apple limits virtual assistant support exclusively to Siri on iOS/MacOS devices only.
That means verbal access to Siri doesn‘t work when pairing AirPods Pro with non-Apple gear like:
- Android phones and tablets
- Windows laptops
- Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox
You still get regular playback controls, but must manually activate phones to leverage Siri. Compared to alternatives like the Sony LinkBuds S or Microsoft Surface Earbuds optimized for Android/Windows ecosystems, Apple hamstrings broader usage.
This restrictions extends to other promising capabilities as well:
| Feature | Apple Device Needed |
|---|---|
| Spatial Audio (3D surround sound) | iPhone 7 or later |
| Dynamic Head Tracking | iPhone XS or later |
| Automatic Device Switching | iOS and MacOS devices using same Apple ID account |
By withholding full feature parity when not used exclusively with their own product ecosystem, Apple disadvantages owners venturing outside the walled garden.
Complaint #3: Mediocre Fit for Active Lifestyles
Ease of getting a secure comfortable fit often separates average wireless earbuds from great ones. However, the smooth contours of Apple‘s AirPods Pro present some challenges on that front:
Multiple customer reviews and professional assessments cite issues with the AirPods Pro feeling loose and slipping around during vigorous workouts and running. Their sleek stems don‘t offer much friction or grabbing point to stay put.
Alternatives like the Beats Fit Pro use non-slip coatings and wing tips for better stability. Consumer Reports found they rate a 7 for security during exercise compared to just a 4 for AirPods Pro.
Those silicone eartips also do a mediocre job of sealing out ambient noise which undermines their flagship active noise cancelation feature. Rivals provide better sound isolation.
While reasonably comfortable for everyday wear, Apple lags behind sportier competitors optimized to lock into place for people living active lifestyles. If you want earbuds to wear while training, better options exist.
Complaint #4: Premium Price No Longer Means Best Sound
During their early days, AirPods delivered noticeably better audio quality compared to most mass-market wireless buds pumping out thin, lifeless sound.
However in 2023, you can readily find better sounding options often costing less than Apple‘s $250 AirPods Pro. The premium price tag no longer guarantees an acoustic edge.
Multiple experts and specialty publications chronicle the mid-range sonic deficiencies of AirPods Pro:
Trusted audiophile site Rtings.com gave the latest AirPods Pro a score of just 6.2 for sound quality compared to marks near 9 for top tier brands like Sennheiser, Klipsch, and Bowers & Wilkins.
WhatHiFi‘s in-depth evaluation found the sound reproduction leaner and less spacious than Sony‘s WF-1000XM4 – direct AirPods Pro competitors costing $100 less!
Consumer Reports awarded the previous AirPods Pro variant just 49 points for audio quality while some sub-$100 buds rated 65+ (their methodology emphasizes tuning for non-expert listeners).
It‘s important to note that Apple‘s wireless earbuds still sound very good in absolute terms and perfectly satisfy many buyers.
However, in an increasingly competitive landscape, they no longer justify their steep price through audio performance alone – especially for discerning ears.
Complaint #5: More Well-Rounded Alternatives Available
Given their merely passable audio chops these days and restrictions around device pairing, AirPods Pro get outflanked by more flexible and affordable options that downgrade areas less important to most mainstream users.
Sony WF-1000XM4 – Best Overall Alternative
Custom silicon tips on Sony‘s WF-1000XM4 earbuds not only passively dampen noise but also don‘t budge during workouts. And their superb sound quality earned a 9 from Rtings in their testing.
You still get wireless charging and rock solid connectivity too – all for $100 less than Apple AirPods Pro. For an all-around package without compromises, Sony leads the field.
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro – Best Value
With an ultra compact form factor closer to buds from Bose and Jabra, the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro offers better stability and fit adjustment than AirPods Pro.
They last a marathon 26 hours on a charge too with ANC enabled. And cathode drivers in their construction pump out lively, articulate mid-range – perfect for acoustic tracks. Grab them for just $130.
Echo Buds 2 – Best Smart Assistant Integration
Amazon‘s second gen Echo Buds play nice with both iOS and Android devices while bringing hands-free Alexa at just $120.
Their 5 hour battery life plus 15 extra charges from the case keep your favorite playlists rocking on the go without breaking the bank.
In 2016 when Apple unveiled their distinctive wireless AirPods and follow-up noise canceling AirPods Pro in 2019, they stood towering over a wireless earbud landscape still struggling with connectivity and battery life issues.
However in 2023, the entire industry matured considerably while Apple made only modest improvements with their second generation AirPods Pro model.
This leaves their flagship buds feeling overpriced for what they deliver compared to advancing rivals. Under their premium gloss lies core sonic limitations alongside restrictive features exclusive to Apple‘s own walled garden ecosystem.
Still Resting on Laurels
Rather than aggressively competing via better audio, more comfort, or lower cost, Apple chose minor refinement banking on brand reputation and sleek aesthetics to justify a $250 ticket.
Yet alternatives like the Sony WF-1000XM4 now surpass AirPods Pro in areas like sound quality and battery efficiency at lower cost. And the far more affordable Echo Buds 2 even beat Apple on smart assistant flexibility working across iOS and Android.
Key Questions to Consider
If you live fully inside Apple‘s ecosystem across your phone, computer, and tablet the AirPods Pro still bring convenience and sonic proficiency. However, buyers less wedded to the brand should weigh products strong in areas the iconic buds reveal newfound weaknesses and restrictions.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How much do expanded sound options matter for your music tastes? There are better choices for classical and jazz.
- Will you use earbuds across both Apple and non-Apple devices? Features get limited outside their ecosystem.
- Is getting a secure in-ear fit non-negotiable for intense training? Many sportier alternatives exist.
- Is achieving maximum noise reduction crucial such as in very loud environments? Sony and Bose edge out Apple there.
By focusing on your personal "must have" features along with where Apple now trails aggressive competitors, picking the best wireless earbud model follows naturally no matter your budget.
Understanding common AirPods Pro complaints simply highlights where to rank strengths when conducting your own search in the expanding world of possibilities beyond just Apple.
