Revisiting Apple AirPods Pro 1 in 2023 – Are They Still Worth the Hype?
Apple AirPods PRO (1st Generation)
You are in the market for a decent bluetooth earphone and you're trying to figure out if the AirPods PRO 1st generation is still worth it in 2023. Let's face it, a decent bluetooth earphone is essential to add to your tech tool kit if you exist in 2023, but are the AirPods PRO (1st Generation) worth it or an overpriced scam? Please note that, bluetooth earphones means you can benefit from no wires, hoorah! No one likes a tangled mess!
Say no to tangled headphone wires!
No thank you!
My Situation...
I am deep in the Apple ecosystem 💻 , mainly because I was exhausted with changing laptops every 5 years when I was in the PC ecosystem; more on that another time. I love Apple products because THEY WORK. I've had my MacBook Air since 2017, in fact I am typing on it as we speak; that is 7 years of something that works and all I've had to do is change my battery within that time. Impressive, right 😏 ! Now onto my AirPods Pro (1st Generation); I only purchased this fantastic product, like everything else, after watching/reading many manyyyy reviews. I bought them when I was residing in Jamaica in 2020, and I have not regretted it since. Let me run through the PROS and CONS, so that you can decide if this product matches your unique style and requirements. I won't be getting into all the features of the AirPods Pro (1st Generation) because you can easily access that information on Apple's website. Here, I will be talking about the features I enjoy the most, as well as the features I would've loved to see in my version of the AirPods Pro (1 Generation).
My Apple AirPods Pro
1st Generation
What I love about the AirPods Pro (1st Generation)
**Small** - the AirPods Pro comes with a tiny charging case, which allows this device to fit in the front pocket of your jeans or your mini-handbag. No extensive bulge or weight. The AirPods themselves are very small and unintrusive in nature. Seriously, many times when I'm on a call and I’m using my AirPods most people don't even realize I'm on the phone 📞 until they realize the supposed conversation I'm having with them does not make any sense 🤪.
**Bluetooth** - My AirPods Pro connect seamlessly to my laptop, iPad and my iPhone. On my gosh, the connection process is smooth like butter. When I open the charging case and remove AirPods, they connect with any device currently playing audio or video.
**Charging case** - the great thing about this device is that each Air Pod has its own charge percentage that is displayed on your phone, iPad or MacBook. The charging case itself also boasts of 4.5 hours of listening time on one charge and 24 hours listening time with the charging case. I can attest to the battery life on the AirPods and the charging case itself. I am not a heavy user, so I only have to charge the case once per week 🤩, pretty awesome. If only mobile phones had that much charge/ battery facilities 🤯 .
**Wireless charging** - I have not yet delved into the wireless charging world, since I still use my Anker battery pack with it's micro-usb cable, but this is one of those devices that can charge wirelessly using MagSafe technology. More on MagSafe when I actually test it out myself, but I do hear fabulous things about it.
+ **Noise-cancelling** - this thing is as the name suggests. These AirPods allow to you be in a totally immersive experience when listening to music, podcasts, lecture or anything else you fancy. I absolutely love this mode and is the only mode I use compared to the transparency mode, more about that next, however I don't use my AirPods for extended use.
+ **Transparency mode** - this is a mode whereby you can enjoy listening to the program of your choice with the benefit of still being moderately aware of the noises and potential dangers in your environment. I've not used this mode since having my AirPods as I usually use them while in a safe environment that is, at home, while traveling on public transport or waiting in a long line; using one AirPod at a time of course!
What can be improved?
+ Apple Lightning charger - I wish the charging port was USB type C because it would be much easier to carry around 1 type of charging cord vs 2 different types.
+ Portability - Albeit this device is tiny and fits in the palm of your hand twice over, the first generation of this device still requires a carry case as there is no built-in lanyard loop. This makes the device easy to displace unless you purchase a carry case, not only an added expense but takes away from the eloquence of the design.
+ Location, location, location - It is entirely possible to find your device using Find My Device on all your Apple devices, but I don't usually have this facility activated. On this device's charge case, there is no way for it to play a sound for you to know it's right there stuck in between the cushions you've been looking between for the last 20 mins!!! P.S. The Apple PRO 2nd Generation is now available on Apple.com which addresses the CONS I highlighted but if you want to save a few dineros, and who doesn't, I suggest getting the 1st generation PRO version. Now go forth and buy in confidence!
Until next time,
Josanne
*Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. That means, that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.