My journey with the Apple AirPods Pro has been a love-hate relationship, to say the least. The fantastic initial performance is sadly overshadowed by the recurrent issues I've faced after using them for a significant period. I've gone through three pairs of these earbuds, each presenting me with unique, frustrating problems:
- Unpleasant cracking noises in the left ear when the noise-canceling feature was active.
- Distorted audio alterations whenever I moved my head, eventually normalizing after a few seconds. It made me suspect the 3D audio functionality, which seemed to be persistently active and confusing to deactivate.
- An incredibly annoying buzzing sound when using them in bed. The earbuds, when pressed into the ear by the pillow, turned bedtime tunes into a rather uncomfortable experience.
Given that this was my third encounter with problematic AirPods Pro, and considering their premium price tag, I thought it was high time to switch. I decided to give the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II a shot, considering my previous positive experiences with Bose headphones.
My experience with the Bose earbuds was a mixed bag. They were undeniably comfortable, but they offered a distinct user experience compared to the AirPods Pro. I tested them in a variety of situations - during bus rides, cycling, and walking my dog. Here are the strengths and weaknesses I discovered:
Pros: - The fit was excellent, promising comfortable wear even during extended use. - The audio quality was a cut above the AirPods Pro, providing a richer overall sound. - The noise-canceling capability was superior, particularly evident while biking amidst wind noise.
Cons: - The Awareness or Transparency mode didn't quite measure up to the AirPods Pro. While walking my dog, I prefer to hear the ambient sounds, like passing cars, wind rustling through leaves, and chirping birds. Unfortunately, these details got lost with the Bose earbuds. - In quieter environments or while in bed with the earbuds on but not playing anything, there was an annoying bass noise. The AirPods Pro didn't have this issue, providing a more comfortable silent experience.
In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Apple AirPods Pro serve different purposes. The Bose earbuds shine in situations where noise-canceling is crucial, while the AirPods Pro provide a more wholesome audio experience when they work properly. But for me, the AirPods' frequent breakdowns tipped the scales, making the search for the perfect earbuds an ongoing quest.