AirPods Pro 3 are, in many respects, a fantastic upgrade from their predecessor. But for myself and some other users, design changes made them more uncomfortable than AirPods Pro 2. Fortunately, my experience has been improving.
AirPods Pro 3 comfort has recently improved after extended use
My experience with AirPods Pro 3 has been more mixed than I originally expected.
AirPods Pro 2 are one of my all-time favorite Apple products, and early reviews indicated AirPods Pro 3 just made the best get even better than ever.
But despite Apple’s claim of AirPods Pro 3 offering “an improved fit,” I actually found the opposite true. Where AirPods Pro 2 fit me perfectly, and comfortably, AirPods Pro 3 have felt uncomfortable far too often.
Here’s what I wrote after 1 month of use:
Despite trying every set of ear tips, AirPods Pro 3 have been fairly uncomfortable so far. Lots of the time I can ignore that discomfort, but when I pay attention to how my ears are feeling, it’s not great.
I’m currently using ‘M’ ear tips, because they’re the only size that passes Apple’s acoustic seal test without actually hurting my ears. ‘L’ pass the test but also cause pain. And all smaller sizes, while slightly more comfortable than ‘M,’ don’t get a good enough acoustic seal.
That was three weeks ago.
But over the last few days I’ve noticed something: I’m not having the same discomfort issues anymore.
Though I’d still say AirPods Pro 2 are more comfortable for me overall, AirPods Pro 3 no longer feel bad enough that I’d call them “uncomfortable.” They’re different, and I prefer their predecessor’s fit, but I don’t notice comfort issues like I did before.
Top comment by MartyKinn
I still can't use stemmed earbuds, they don't go deep enough into my ears for a proper seal.
I had heard anecdotally that some users found they needed an adjustment period with their AirPods, and in time they became more comfortable. Since I waited a full month before publishing that impressions piece, I assumed that my window had passed.
Yet it seems I just needed a little more time.
Which makes me curious: what has your experience with AirPods Pro 3 been like?
Let us know in the poll whether the new AirPods are comfortable for you or not, and whether that’s changed over time.
Best AirPods Pro accessories
- AirFly Pro 2 for connecting AirPods to standard headphone jacks
- Belemay leather case for AirPods Pro
- Magnetic strap neckband for preventing lost AirPods
- Memory foam AirPods Pro eartips for a more comfortable fit
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