Airpods fit question..

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JPNZ

1542 posts

Uber Geek

#290414 10-Nov-2021 11:11

Hello all,

Quick Q, I have normal airpods (wired) and Sony XM3 over ears. Ive been tempted by some airpods for quite a while. My question is with the airpods pro and now airpods 3rd gen now out is there any retailer that will let you try on in store? I know with covid and all it maybe a little strange but I really don't want to fork out hundreds for something that doesn't fit well.

Panasonic 65GZ1000, Onkyo RZ730, Atmos 5.1.2, AppleTV 4K, Nest Mini's, PS5, PS3, MacbookPro, iPad Pro, Apple watch SE2, iPhone 15+

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Smpl Mnmlst
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#2810347 10-Nov-2021 11:30

I don't know for sure but I would very much doubt it. I have Pros and none of the three sizes of the supplied silicone tips give me a really secure fit - which is Very Annoying. Eg. I like to wear them when I'm washing the car but with even that sort of movement, they fall out. Maybe I have odd-shaped ears - YMMV.

I now wear them with aftermarket silicone jackets that have a curved hook that fits into the the ridge of the ear - plus a silicone lanyard that connects the two, so that if one falls out, the other one in the ear will stop it falling to the ground.

They sound really great but it's a mixed experience for me. I bought them just before COVID to wear on flights - and have not yet used them on a plane. If/when I do, I will always be very concerned that if one falls out and goes down the side of the seat, it may be a no-show retrieving it. I would certainly be wearing the safety gear on a plane.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

antonknee

1133 posts

Uber Geek

#2810349 10-Nov-2021 11:38

I would suggest buying online direct from Apple, as they will let you return them within 14 days if not suitable. You could even be cheeky and buy them all and return the ones you don't like.

I have had the Gen 1/Gen 2 AirPods and the AirPod Pros - I like the fit of original AirPods much more than the Pros, but love the Pro features (noise cancellation).

lxsw20

3552 posts

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#2810429 10-Nov-2021 12:17

As above, buy from Apple and you can return. OG AirPods don't fit my ears at all, the left side always falls out. Pros are much better for me. YMMV.

Davout

111 posts

Master Geek

#2810430 10-Nov-2021 12:23

antonknee:

I would suggest buying online direct from Apple, as they will let you return them within 14 days if not suitable. You could even be cheeky and buy them all and return the ones you don't like.

That’s why I always buy direct from Apple.

But it gets a lot better than 14 days!

Items purchased at the Apple Online Store received between 1 November 2021 and 25 December 2021 may be returned until 8 January 2022. Please note that all other terms and conditions provided in the Apple Online Store Sales and Refunds Policy are still applicable with respect to such items purchased. All purchases made after 25 December 2021 are subject to the Standard Returns Policy.

https://www.apple.com/nz/shop/help/returns_refund

alasta

6701 posts

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#2810431 10-Nov-2021 12:25

I use the smallest tips with mine and the fit is okay, but it doesn't feel overly secure. The medium sized tips are far too big.

To be honest I feel like the Airpods Pro fall into a chasm where they are a bit too expensive to use just for podcasts and talk radio, but they don't quite offer enough sonic fidelity for music. For music you might be better off with the Sennheiser or Bose alternatives, or otherwise stick with the entry level Airpods unless you really need noise cancelling.

tehgerbil

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#2810442 10-Nov-2021 12:41

I know this isn't what you're after, but I really enjoy my regular wireless airpods.

I have regular IEM and NC OEM and find myself reaching for earpods over the others practically everytime.

dfnt

1511 posts

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#2810446 10-Nov-2021 12:51

I found the silicon tips in the airpods pro slipped out easily for me, I felt like I was in between small and medium so could never get a good fit

I got comply foam tips instead, much better Memory Foam Tips for Apple® Airpods Pro | Comply™ – Comply Foam

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antonknee

1133 posts

Uber Geek

#2810450 10-Nov-2021 13:19

tehgerbil:

I know this isn't what you're after, but I really enjoy my regular wireless airpods.

I have regular IEM and NC OEM and find myself reaching for earpods over the others practically everytime.

Same. Both versions of AirPods I've owned have been my favourites and my daily drivers. They may not be the most perfect audio quality but they're the best overall package.

Barring the fit not being perfect on the Pros for me personally, AirPods are easily one of my most-loved possessions.

JPNZ

1542 posts

Uber Geek

#2810451 10-Nov-2021 13:25

Thanks for the help guys, sounds like apple will be it. I did want to use them for road cycling as the ANC will cut some wind noise hopefully. My XM3's have great ANC but obviously not much good with a helmet on haha.

With the airpod pro my biggest concern was as mentioned not finding silicon tips that suit. The comply option looks good

Panasonic 65GZ1000, Onkyo RZ730, Atmos 5.1.2, AppleTV 4K, Nest Mini's, PS5, PS3, MacbookPro, iPad Pro, Apple watch SE2, iPhone 15+

Handsomedan

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#2810455 10-Nov-2021 13:45

JPNZ:

Thanks for the help guys, sounds like apple will be it. I did want to use them for road cycling as the ANC will cut some wind noise hopefully. My XM3's have great ANC but obviously not much good with a helmet on haha.

With the airpod pro my biggest concern was as mentioned not finding silicon tips that suit. The comply option looks good

For what you want, you might be best trying some AirPods Pro and maybe some PowerBeats Pro.

I have both and use them for different things, but the Powerbeats Pro are great for things like running, or riding, as they have the earhooks. Plus, being made by Apple, they have all the usual conectivity wizardy that you expect with an iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.

Like others pointed out - the silicone sleeves aren't always ideal, so I use Comply Foam as well - really, really good by comparison.

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lxsw20

3552 posts

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#2810456 10-Nov-2021 13:47

Noise cancelling and road cycling?? Do you not want to hear what is around you on the road?

RunningMan

8953 posts

Uber Geek

#2810474 10-Nov-2021 14:22

I got some Airpods Pro, wanting something noise cancelling and small to carry when not using. Found after a few weeks they started falling out all the time. Even though they looked clean, the ear tips built up a thin film of ear wax that was making them slippery. Cleaning the tips in soapy water made a huge difference to them staying in.

JPNZ

1542 posts

Uber Geek

#2810481 10-Nov-2021 14:37

lxsw20:

Noise cancelling and road cycling?? Do you not want to hear what is around you on the road?

Transparency mode of course.

Panasonic 65GZ1000, Onkyo RZ730, Atmos 5.1.2, AppleTV 4K, Nest Mini's, PS5, PS3, MacbookPro, iPad Pro, Apple watch SE2, iPhone 15+

Loismustdye

927 posts

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#2810559 10-Nov-2021 16:55

eracode:

I don't know for sure but I would very much doubt it. I have Pros and none of the three sizes of the supplied silicone tips give me a really secure fit - which is Very Annoying. Eg. I like to wear them when I'm washing the car but with even that sort of movement, they fall out. Maybe I have odd-shaped ears - YMMV.

I now wear them with aftermarket silicone jackets that have a curved hook that fits into the the ridge of the ear - plus a silicone lanyard that connects the two, so that if one falls out, the other one in the ear will stop it falling to the ground.

They sound really great but it's a mixed experience for me. I bought them just before COVID to wear on flights - and have not yet used them on a plane. If/when I do, I will always be very concerned that if one falls out and goes down the side of the seat, it may be a no-show retrieving it. I would certainly be wearing the safety gear on a plane.

have you tried foam tips? The silicon doesn’t hold them in place for me but I’ve used comply foam tips (and generics from AliExpress) for my other earphones, so grabbed them for my pros and they work sweet.

Echoe

155 posts

Master Geek

#2811823 12-Nov-2021 16:47

As stated above everyone with fitment issues, grab yourself some foam tips. All of your problems will be solved and you will have much better isolation and in general sound quality.

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