In 2021, each and every brand seems to be offering a TWS or two, be it smartphone giants or audiophile focused brands, everybody wants a slice of the pie that is held by Apple’s AirPods. The Cupertino based giant launched the Apple AirPods back in 2016, with the product becoming a success after a year of static since it was one of the primary reasons for the loss of the headphone jack on that year’s iPhone. Since then, however, the product seems to have taken off, becoming a bestseller and, despite having been in this game for a long time, it still holds a status of its own, at a time when most of its features can be found on offerings that cost half of that, if not less. So, are the AirPods overrated in 2021, or are they just basic all-rounders that are in a league of their own? That is what we will try to explain today.
What are AirPods?
Even if you are not into the world of consumer technology, you might be knowing of the product in one way or the other. The AirPods are wireless earpods, which, via the use of Bluetooth provide the user with the ability to conveniently listen to their favourite tracks minus the need for wires. They can also be used to take calls and ask Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant anything that the user wishes to. The earbuds come in a case that can store and charge them back to 100% after complete usage. The AirPods have been known for being innovative as well as relatively affordable, but does that latter point really stand? In a world where OnePlus, Samsung and Nothing, a venture by OnePlus’ Co-Founder Carl Pei exists, offering products that are similar to, if not nearly equivalent to what the AirPods offer, are they really feasible?
Do the AirPods Have Flaws?
Ask any long term AirPods user, they will without a doubt report that the AirPods seem to die after a year or two of usage, but, is Apple to blame? Realistically, having owned multiple earbuds, from the likes of Realme, OnePlus, it seems that the QC issues are quite high. Even Jabra, a popular brand seems to have loads of issues with certain models. Another complaint that most users will have is reduced battery life, with most, including a ton of people that we know reporting that they seem to last an hour or less after a year of usage, which, when you pay a hefty sum, at least in the context of India, seems to be a very quirky thing indeed. Whilst these might not bother you, a rational user who saves up for a pair of Earbuds might not like these issues, which seem to be widespread rather than specific issues, but as we mentioned, only AirPods are not to blame, as almost all such TWS products, be it flagship or budget seem to face an issue or two in their usage duration.
Should You Buy the AirPods?
Well, to be honest, if you are an Apple user, the usability factor and the audio quality when used with an Apple product for AirPods is second to none and, with Spatial Audio on the AirPods Pros, it is a truly heavenly feeling to some, if not most. Android users can take a look at alternatives, since they might offer better value for money, and brand integration might appeal to some. Going back to the question of whether or not AirPods are overrated, they might hold a status of their own, but for the Apple user, they are basic amenities that should be buck solid for them, so in their sense no. Taking a look a the market as a whole, however, especially as an Apple user, it might make more sense to take a look at cheaper or similar alternatives, since lots of audio companies like Bose, Skullcandy and Sony seem to have joined in on the party.
