Apple's 2019 refresh of its classic open-fit stem earbuds added the H1 chip for faster device switching and hands-free Hey Siri, rated at about 5 hours of listening per charge with an optional wireless charging case. Owners love the effortless iPhone pairing, light comfort and call quality, but the one-size non-sealing fit, weak bass and sealed batteries that fade within a few years weigh on the long-term picture.
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. 68% would buy it again, which means roughly 32% would not. Tiny sealed batteries fade within two to three years and are not user-replaceable.
Owners still appreciate how effortlessly the buds connect and how light they feel. The one-size open fit and lack of isolation remain the main annoyances, and battery fade becomes the bigger problem around years two and three.
Tiny sealed batteries fade within two to three years and are not user-replaceable. Battery service costs $50 without AppleCare+, so buying a new pair often makes more sense. Some wireless charging cases drained quickly, and some owners report microphone failures.
Worth it for: Iphone owners wanting effortless pairing; Frequent phone callers; People who dislike in-ear tips. Think twice if: Android users; Noisy commutes and travel; Gym and sweaty workouts.
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 | 8.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| First week | 8.0 / 10 |
| One month | 7.8 / 10 |
| Six months | 7.4 / 10 |
| One year | 6.8 / 10 |
| Two years or more | 5.6 / 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.
Lists $159 launch price ($199 with wireless case), H1 chip, hands-free Siri and 4h49m tested battery; praises light comfort and fast switching but notes limited controls, no EQ and no water resistance.
Praises reliable iOS connection, the case and very clear calls, but scores fit, isolation and sound poorly, flags weak Android support and warns the tiny non-replaceable batteries wear out within a few years.
Rounds up owner reports putting typical AirPods lifespan at 2-3 years as batteries degrade, notes $50 battery service without AppleCare+, and cites one 2nd-gen owner with strong battery after three years of daily use.
AirPods 2 owners report the wireless charging case losing charge quickly even when idle; one was told by Apple Support their unit was from a defective batch and got a free replacement.
A long-time owner of several AirPods 2 pairs wears them in one ear most of the day, but reports declining battery on older pairs and microphone failures on two pairs; another poster says batteries eventually make them unusable.