Apple's over-ear headphones, built from steel and aluminium at a price that has stayed contentious since launch. Owners rarely complain about how they sound — they complain about what they cost and about a handful of unresolved design decisions.
This entry is written from the 5 sources listed at the bottom of the page. The numbers are our editorial estimates drawn from that material, not measurements, and no statistical sample sits behind them.
It depends on how you will use it. 62% would buy it again, which means roughly 38% would not. Condensation and subsequent hardware failure reported by some owners, disputed in scope.
The sound stops being the conversation and the ergonomics start: the missing power button and case habit come up far more at six months than in week one.
Condensation and subsequent hardware failure reported by some owners, disputed in scope. Battery drain when stored outside the case. Out-of-warranty repair cost pushes some owners to replace rather than fix.
Worth it for: People already deep in the Apple ecosystem who wear headphones daily; Listeners who care about build quality over portability; Anyone who wants one pair for music and calls at a desk. Think twice if: You want them for workouts or anywhere you sweat heavily; You need the lightest possible travel pair; You are price-sensitive — rivals get close for much less.
Our reading of how sentiment moves across an ownership period, drawn from the sources below. It is an editorial estimate, not tracked longitudinal data.
| At purchase | 7.4 / 10 |
|---|---|
| First week | 8.8 / 10 |
| One month | 8.3 / 10 |
| Six months | 7.4 / 10 |
| One year | 7.1 / 10 |
| Two years or more | 7.1 / 10 |
Owner reviews move this score. The researched figure stays visible next to it, so you can always see what the sources said before anyone voted.
Leave a review on the live pageEvery complaint and every piece of praise above traces back to these. The summaries are ours; nothing is quoted, and no link, quote or username anywhere on this site is invented.
A long-term revisit concluding the hardware and sound remain strong two years into ownership.
A prospective-buyer thread where existing owners weigh condensation, hardware failure and bricking reports against their own experience.
Owner thread documenting moisture appearing inside the ear cups and what support advised.
Coverage of the condensation reports as they spread beyond isolated cases.
The other side: Apple's legal position disputing that the issue is widespread.