Everyone thinks and asks why are airpods so expensive.
As per Statista report 98% of USA people satisfaction with AirPods wireless charging features, 97% with design and Bluetooth pairing features, and 95% with battery life and features.
As per Apple’s annual report, Apple sold $13.5 billion worth of wearables devices in Q1 2023 alone, and Apple made $14.5 billion of revenue in 2022 from AirPods sales.
Come at a premium price due to their exceptional quality and meticulous craftsmanship.
Their reputation for delivering top-notch design, build quality, and premium pricing extends seamlessly to the AirPods lineup.
AirPods are available at a lower cost through Amazon because Amazon purchases them in large quantities from Apple.
The price increases to a level that aligns with what consumers are willing to pay, allowing the product to find its market value.
AirPods are crafted and produced by Apple, a renowned company recognized for its premium pricing strategy across its product range.
The cost of AirPods is driven by various factors, including manufacturing expenses, the prestigious Apple brand, their feature-rich design, and strong consumer demand.
Despite the price, many still choose to purchase AirPods because they provide superior sound quality and exceptional call performance. And they are bundled with a wireless charging case.
AirPods come at a higher price point compared to conventional wired earbuds because of their advanced technology and feature set.
What are Airpods? (why called them it)
AirPods, developed by Apple, are wireless earbuds launched in 2016.
They have gained popularity for their compact design, user-friendliness, and seamless compatibility with Apple devices.
AirPods come with features like easy pairing, touch controls, active noise cancellation, and Siri integration.
They are available in various models, including standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, offering different features and price options.
Why are Airpods Popular?
AirPods’ popularity extends beyond Apple users, as they work seamlessly with any device via Bluetooth.
Their impressive technology and performance make them sought-after even among users of non-Apple devices.
Are Airpods worthy?
The worth of AirPods depends on your device ecosystem.
Their seamless integration with Apple products, making hands-free operation easy, is a significant advantage.
If you use non-Apple devices, you may not fully benefit from their integration features.
Nevertheless, AirPods offer solid sound quality and comfort due to their ergonomic design. They’re also valued for their fashionable appearance.
Additionally, the high-quality charging case adds value.
In summary, if you use Apple products, AirPods are a worthwhile investment. For Android users, they still perform well, comparable to many mid-priced earphones.
Why are airpods so expensive?
Here are the top 17 reasons of Airpods expensive.
1. Design and Features.
2. Brand Name Value.
3. Public High Demand.
4. Quality Testing Costs.
5. Expensive Parts.
6. Sound Quality Noise Cancellation.
7. Battery Life And Charging.
8. Water And Sweat-Resistant
9. Ease of Use And Apple Ecosystem Integration.
10. Integration With Smart Assistants
11. Research And Development.
12. Materials And Manufacturing Costs.
13. Automatic Sensing.
14. Comfort & Sharing.
15. Smart Features.
16. Limited Availability.
17. Duties And Taxes.
Airpods vs Airpods PRO vs Airpods MAX
Distinctions exist between AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, encompassing both features and pricing.
In general, the higher the cost of AirPods, the more advanced the technology they incorporate with features along with price comparison (which one is more expensive)
To gain a better understanding of the varying AirPods models and explore the reasons for the considerably higher pricing of the AirPods Pro and Max, let’s conduct a brief comparison with features.
1. Spatial Audio & Head Tracking
Spatial audio, introduced with the AirPods Pro and also available on the third-generation AirPods, justifies their higher price.
This feature maps sounds directionally in a 3D audio space, offering a more immersive listening experience by creating a dynamic and consistent sound directionality as you move your head.
It aims to replicate the experience of surround speakers in headphone format.
2. Listening Time/Battery Life
Both the 3rd Generation AirPods and AirPods Pro offer extended battery life, with the AirPods Pro providing up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge.
The charging case, when fully charged, can extend this listening time to up to 30 hours, allowing on-the-go recharging.
AirPods Max To save power, they include a Smart Case, which places the headphones in a super-low-power mode when not in use. Their standout feature is an impressive 20-hour battery life per charge.
3. Processing Chips
AirPods Generation 2 and 3 both feature H1 chips for enhanced headphone performance, mainly when used with Apple devices.
These chips enable faster pairing, a stable connection, and improved power efficiency.
The AirPods Max employs an H1 chip rather than an H2.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro utilize the H2 chip, which offers all these benefits, plus extended battery life and additional features, to distinguish them from the competition further.
4. Active Noise Cancellation
AirPods Pro features Apple’s active noise cancellation technology, using external microphones to detect and counter external noise with “anti-noise,” effectively silencing disruptive sounds for an improved listening experience.
5. Adaptive Transparency
AirPods Pro offers adjustable Active Noise Cancellation, allowing users to control the level of external sound they want to hear while using their headphones.
This is a valuable safety feature, particularly in situations like walking near traffic, and can be helpful in environments where interaction is likely, such as the gym or workplace.
The AirPods Max feature Transparency Mode, which offers a fixed level of noise cancellation (on or off) without customization.
AirPods Gen 2 vs Gen 3
The critical distinctions between the 2nd and 3rd Generation AirPods include the availability of a MagSafe charging case with the Gen 3 model, improved battery life (5 hours for Gen 2, 6 hours for Gen 3), and added features such as sweat- and water-resistant technology and spatial audio.
AirPods 2 vs AirPods Pro
The standard AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro have similar battery life, with the Pro offering 4.5 hours of playback and 19 hours with the charging case.
The standard AirPods 2 have an extra half-hour of battery life from the case.
AirPods Pro features air vents to prevent pressure buildup during long wear and are rated as IPX4 water and sweat-resistant, making them a better choice for physical activity compared to the standard 1st or 2nd generation AirPods.
Which Airpods are more expensive?
AirPods prices have reduced over time with the release of new models.
Surprisingly, the Pro model remains the most expensive despite being older than the 3rd-generation AirPods.
The general order of existing models from highest to lowest price is as follows.
Airpods alternative options
Now, let’s explore some of the top alternatives to AirPods If we Compare with other wireless AirPods.
1. Sony WF-1000XM4
These Sony earbuds are excellent in sound quality compared to AirPods and offer a similar appearance.
Equipped with noise-canceling technology, they offer 8 hours of playback time on a single charge and a total of 24 hours when using the charging case.
2. JBL Reflect Flow Pro
Featuring noise-canceling technology and a robust 30-hour battery life, these JBL headphones pose stiff competition to Apple, particularly in terms of value for your money.
3. Panasonic RZ-S500W
Panasonic earbuds offer excellent value for money, with approximately 6.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, surpassing AirPods, all at a much lower cost.
They also boast noise cancellation and impressive touch controls, making them a robust and cost-effective choice.
4. Google Pixel Buds A-Series
While lacking noise cancellation, these budget-friendly Google earbuds deliver impressive sound quality and a respectable 5-hour battery life on a single charge.
Is AirPods are really cheaper on Amazon than others?
AirPods are cheaper on Amazon than on the Apple website because Amazon purchases them in bulk at a lower wholesale price than Apple.
Apple rarely offers temporary discounts directly to customers, reserving that privilege for Apple Authorized Resellers like Amazon.
As a result, Amazon can sell AirPods at a reduced rate, leading to lower prices compared to Apple and other authorized sellers.
Is Walmart Airpods genuine?
Walmart, as an authorized Apple reseller, sells genuine Apple products, including AirPods, both in their physical stores and online.
While some may not immediately associate Walmart with Apple products, it’s important to note that all Apple products sold by Walmart are authentic, as selling fakes would damage their long-standing reputation.
Similar to Amazon, Walmart offers competitive prices on Apple products because they buy them in bulk and pre-purchase a significant quantity.
Which technology made airpods so expensive?
Apple has made significant internal changes to the latest version of AirPods, while the exterior remains the same.
Notable upgrades include the second-gen model now bundling the wireless charging case, whereas the first-gen case was sold separately.
The newer AirPods 2 features an improved H1 chip that integrates Siri, reduces latency, and extends the battery life from 3.45 hours to 4.175 hours, representing impressive innovations.
Are Airpods overrated?
AirPods may be critiqued by some audio enthusiasts as overrated when compared to similarly-priced earbuds, which offer better sound quality and comfort.
However, the overall package of AirPods justifies the hype.
They feature a stylish design and unparalleled operational controls and features, mainly when used with Apple devices, making them popular.
Additionally, the AirPods Pro is now available, and a comprehensive guide can help users decide between AirPods and AirPods Pro based on their specific needs and circumstances.
Can we connect AirPods to multiple devices?
AirPods lack Bluetooth multipoint compatibility, restricting them to connecting with only one device at a time.
Is AirPods are Active Noise Cancellation?
Active Noise Cancellation is a prominent feature of AirPods that effectively reduces background noise, making it easier to focus on the audio from the earbuds.
Can we use single airpods for calling?
AirPods are designed to be used in mono mode, allowing one AirPod to be used at a time.
You can achieve this by placing the second AirPod in the charging case, which triggers the automatic switch to mono mode.
Customer review and feedback
Customer reviews on AirPods are mixed, with some positive points highlighted.
Users have commended their ability to provide clear and crisp sound even in noisy surroundings, as well as the fast charging feature.
Overall, despite varying opinions, AirPods have generally received positive feedback from both customers and experts.
What do people say about Airpods being so expensive?
In a consumer poll, 36% expressed unwillingness to pay $159 for AirPods, citing the availability of lower-cost, lower-quality alternatives.
However, despite their relatively high price, many consumers opt for AirPods due to their superior sound quality and call performance.
AirPods are known for their quick and stable pairing, convenience, and superior performance compared to some cheaper alternatives.
They also include a wireless charging case. Some consumers liken Apple to the Gucci brand, emphasizing Apple’s reputation for delivering minimalist and innovative products.
Supporters of Apple AirPods note their affordability compared to high-end designer brands, highlighting the division among consumers regarding the value of AirPods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AirPods are expensive due to a combination of factors.
Apple’s premium branding, design and engineering, investment in research and development, innovative features, use of quality materials, marketing and branding, ecosystem integration, customer support, supply chain, and profit margins all play a role in the pricing of AirPods.
These factors contribute to the higher cost compared to some other wireless earbuds on the market.
However, consumers often find value in the convenience, quality, and seamless integration with Apple devices that AirPods offer, which can justify their price for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Additionally, Apple offers a range of AirPods models at different price points to cater to a variety of consumer needs and budgets.