Nova Zhang
Apple AirPods are wireless earphones that have received mixed reviews for their sound quality. While some users have reported issues with muffled, tinny, or poor sound quality, particularly during phone calls and after certain iOS updates, others have found the sound quality to be dynamic, emotive, and adequate for their needs. Some reviews suggest that AirPods offer the best sound quality within the category of truly wireless earbuds, while others note that they are not technically spectacular when compared to traditional standards for sound quality. The sound quality of AirPods has been described as functional, convenient, and suitable for most users, but may not satisfy audiophiles or those seeking a more immersive listening experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Comfortable |
| Sound Quality | Good enough for most people |
| Bass | Impactful but not spectacular |
| Noise Cancellation | Poor in noisy environments |
| Battery Life | 6 hours of music, 2.5 hours for phone calls |
| Wireless Connection | Stable |
| Design | Functional and appealing |
| Comparison with Other Products | Better sound quality than Bragi's The Headphone and Dash Pro, Jabra's Elite 65t, and Jaybirds |
| iOS Compatibility | May cause sound quality issues |
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What You'll Learn
Muffled sound quality after iOS updates
Several users have reported muffled sound quality issues with their AirPods after updating to iOS 16.3 and iOS 17.1.1. The problem seems to be isolated to specific iPhone models, such as the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, and does not appear to affect other iOS devices like the iPad Pro.
If you are experiencing muffled sound quality with your AirPods after an iOS update, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try. Firstly, ensure that your AirPods are updated to the latest firmware version by connecting them to your iOS device, placing them in their charging case, connecting to a power source, and checking under Settings > General > About > AirPods.
You can also try recalibrating your AirPods and iOS device to synchronize volume levels and improve sound output. To do this, open the AirPods case near your iOS device and follow the prompts to pair them again. Additionally, you can adjust the audio balance in the Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > Balance to ensure that the audio feels balanced in both ears.
If you are using an iPhone, another factor to consider is Dolby Atmos in Apple Music. While it is designed to enhance the listening experience, it may cause sound quality issues, such as muffled audio, on unsupported AirPods models. To disable Dolby Atmos, go to Settings > Music > Dolby Atmos and turn it off.
If the issue persists, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance in investigating the problem.
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Poor call quality
The sound quality of AirPods during phone calls has been described as "terrible", with some users reporting that they are practically unusable for this purpose. The issue has been observed across different generations of AirPods, including the AirPods Pro 2, which was released in 2023.
One common issue is the poor microphone quality, with users reporting that their voices sound muffled or distorted to the person on the other end of the call. Background noise, such as passing cars or water running from a tap, can also be picked up and amplified, making it difficult for the other person to hear. Some users have found that the noise-cancelling feature does not work properly, even when the AirPods are correctly paired according to the manual.
Another issue is the low audio quality when using AirPods for phone calls, which has been compared to sounding underwater. This is likely due to the different codecs used for phone calls and music playback. AirPods typically use the AAC codec for music, which has a higher bandwidth and can transfer more data per second, resulting in higher audio quality. However, during phone calls, the SCO codec is used, which has a much lower bitrate and therefore lower audio quality.
Apple has acknowledged the issue of poor call quality with AirPods and is reportedly working on a fix. A new firmware update aims to promote clear audio quality during calls by maintaining the same 48000kHz sampling rate when the microphone is in use. However, it is unclear if this update will be available for all generations of AirPods.
In the meantime, some users have found that using the built-in microphone and earpiece of their iPhone provides better call quality than AirPods. Others have suggested that the voice isolation feature can help reduce background noise during calls, but this may not completely solve the issue.
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Lacklustre bass
While some users have praised the sound quality of AirPods, describing it as "dynamic and emotive", and "surprisingly impactful", others have been less than impressed, particularly when it comes to the bass delivery.
One user describes the bass as "lacklustre", a sentiment echoed by several others who feel that the bass response is inadequate and fails to deliver the desired impact. This can be particularly noticeable on certain genres of music, where deep, punchy bass is an integral part of the listening experience.
AirPods, by design, do not provide the same level of bass as over-ear headphones, which have larger drivers and a bigger soundstage to work with. This physical limitation results in a less powerful bass response, which can be underwhelming for those seeking a more immersive, bass-heavy sound.
It's worth noting that some users have experienced issues with muffled or poor sound quality on their AirPods, which may be due to a variety of factors, including Bluetooth connectivity, software updates, or interference from other devices. In some cases, the problem may be specific to certain iPhone models or streaming services, rather than an inherent issue with the AirPods themselves.
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Connection issues
AirPods are designed to seamlessly connect to Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, some users have reported connection issues with their AirPods, which can be attributed to various factors. Here are some troubleshooting tips to address these connection problems:
Check Battery Levels
Before assuming the worst, it's essential to check the battery levels of your AirPods. Low battery levels can cause connectivity issues. You can check the battery level by placing the AirPods in their charging case and opening the lid near your iPhone, or by looking at the battery indicator on your iPhone screen.
Restart Devices
Sometimes, a simple restart of your iPhone or iPad can help refresh the connection between your devices. Just hold the power button for about 3 seconds and then turn it back on after a few seconds. You can also try turning Bluetooth off and on again.
Reset AirPods
If restarting doesn't work, the next step is to reset your AirPods. Place them in their case and press and hold the setup button until the status light flashes amber and then white. This will reset the connection settings of your AirPods.
Update iOS and AirPods Software
Outdated software can often cause connection issues. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Additionally, ensure that your AirPods are updated to the latest firmware version. You can do this by visiting an Apple Store, as they can forcibly update your AirPods.
Check for Interference
Nearby electronic devices, such as microwaves or other Bluetooth devices, can interfere with the AirPods' connection. Move away from such devices and try reconnecting.
Reset Network Settings
If the issue persists, try resetting your iPhone's network settings. Go to Settings, click on General, scroll down to Reset, and then tap Reset Network Settings.
Contact Apple Support
If none of the above solutions work, don't hesitate to contact Apple Support. They can provide further assistance in resolving connection issues with your AirPods.
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Alternative wireless earphones
While AirPods are popular, they are not without their faults. Users have reported issues with sound quality, particularly during phone calls, with some complaints about a muffled or tinny sound, and issues with the left and right AirPods not being synced.
If you are looking for an alternative, there are several wireless earphones on the market that offer similar features and, in some cases, improved sound quality.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earphones are a popular alternative to AirPods, offering a clear step up in quality, with excellent clarity, impressive timing, and a discreet design. They are comfortable and produce a detailed sound, with clear and open audio. Sony's WF-C510 and WF-C710N are also great affordable options, offering impressive battery life, waterproofing, and wireless charging, with the latter model offering brilliant sound and solid noise-cancelling features.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are a good choice, offering noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring. Their over-ear hooks keep them stable during workouts, and they offer up to 10 hours of battery life, as well as seamless integration with Apple iPhones.
If you're on a budget, the JBuds Mini offers a compact design, making them suitable for smaller ears, while the Earfun Air earphones are also competitively priced, offering excellent noise isolation, IPX7 certification (waterproofing), and support for virtual assistants.
Other alternatives to AirPods include the Pi8, which offer comfortable, premium noise-cancelling earbuds with detailed sound, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which offer robust audio and solid active noise cancellation (ANC).
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Frequently asked questions
Some users have complained about the sound quality of AirPods during phone calls, stating that they receive frequent complaints about the sound quality when in use. However, others have stated that the quality is great for this use case.
AirPods are not technically spectacular when it comes to listening to music. They don't offer the same sound quality as over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones. However, some users have praised the sound quality of AirPods for music, stating that they are perfect for listening to music on the go.
While AirPods may not offer the same sound quality as high-end audio products, they are still considered to have good sound quality for truly wireless earbuds. Some users have reported issues with muffled sound quality, but this may be due to interference or connection issues.
