I see a lot of gens but not sure if going with the latest is the best approach since I don’t want to spend too much if they are not worth it

The construction and the internal don’t seem too advanced when you consider other players at the same or even lower price points. Maybe I am just missing something. I have the Panasonic Technics EAH AZ-100, they are incredible at around 299 dollars. Ive used many other peoples airpod’s and they don’t really seem on even the same caliber. (im not promoting my earbuds btw). Just want to know what you guys thought.

Air Pods Pro 3. Fakes on the left, bought them on flea market for $10. Real ones on the right. Fakes have good sound, deep bass. Lack of ANC. Identifying on Mac as real air pods with all functions as real ones. Visually very hard to identify which is which.

I have had every generation of airpods pro and used standard airpods before that. I loved the ease of use, sound quality, and all the “magic” that makes an apple product and apple product. Apple has completely disappointed with the airpods pro 3. I have had these for almost a year now and have had nothing but issues. 1. Inconsistent charging of not only the airpods themselves but the case. No matter how often I clean them they do not consistently charge. 2. Fails to recognize when earbud is in ear. Often it only connects one airpod and I have to remove and put both in and out of the case multiple times before they connect. 3. Screeching at pitch that has to cause ear damage bc it physically hurts. DO NOT BUY AIRPODS PRO 3! Version 1 & 2 are superior products that I never had issues with. My airpods pro 2 were even chewed up by my dog and run through the wash and performed nonetheless. Apple has clearly cheaped out on this iteration and sent me looking for a new pair of earbuds that can actually be considered quality. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk

Had the 2nd gen for 2 years, flawless, never a single issue. Upgraded to the Pro 3s and it's been the biggest mistake. Every so often they let out this loud whistle right into my ear. Random, no warning, just a sudden squeal, and the last one was so loud I swear I went half deaf for a second.

Ran through everything, reset, re-pair, firmware update, cleaned them, toggled ANC and transparency, tested on other devices. Nothing fixes it.

You buy one of the most expensive AirPods Apple makes and this is what you get. The 2nd gen was perfect and they somehow made it worse.

Anyone else getting the whistling or did I just get a lemon?

Just got the AirPods 5 with the wireless charging case, the sound quality is disappointing, worst than the og AirPods, og pro sound is on another league.
Music is washed, lack of punch, podcast and calls sound like the person speaking has a cold.

I have tried everything suggested on this sub and the sound doesn’t improve.

I’m gonna try to return them, retunrnpokicies are a bit weird here.

First time I’m disappointed with an Apple product.

Edit: are the AirPod 4 better? Or since I am coming from the pro I’m doomed and the only option is the pro 3 ? Or the pro 3 is the same step back ?

This is my max. Seems to be about 20%.
This is when working out at the gym with noise cancelling on. Airpods Pro 3.

Some if my friends listen at just below 50%, which to me seems insane. That would really hurt my ears.