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Looking for a great holiday gift for your favorite Apple user? As an iPhone owner, I like my AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3.
Also: I compared the two best ANC earbuds by Apple and Bose, and there's a sonic difference
Why do I have both? One pair I typically use at home, while the other I take to the gym and other spots. Though I also have an old pair of regular AirPods, the Pro models offer several advantages, so they're my go-to earbuds for any situation.
Here are my five favorite AirPods Pro features and how I use them.
1. In-ear design Before Apple unveiled the first AirPods Pro model, I originally used the regular AirPods. But I never liked their design. I found the hard plastic tip uncomfortable. Plus, the one-size-fits-all tips never fit my ears properly, causing them to gradually slip out, especially during exercise and other activities. That's why I love the flexible in-ear approach of the AirPods Pro. With the right tips for my ears, the AirPods fit comfortably and snugly. That means I can rely on them at the gym, around the house, and while I'm out and about. Also: Own AirPods? I changed these 3 iPhone settings for an instant audio boost The AirPods Pro include different size tips so you can find the ones with the best fit. The number of tips varies based on the model. The AirPods Pro 1 come with three tips, the Pro 2 with four tips, and the Pro 3 with five tips, all ranging from smallest to largest. If you ever lose your tips, you can always buy a set from Apple for the Pro 2 or Pro 3. And if you don't like Apple's tips, a variety of third-party ones are available. Show more
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2. Ear tip fit test To help you choose the right tips, Apple offers an ear tip fit test that analyzes the acoustic seal of the tips and gauges which ones provide the best audio performance. To try this out, remove the current tips of your AirPods Pro by gently pulling them off. Attach different size tips by pushing them in. Place the AirPods in your ears. On your iPhone, head to Settings, select Bluetooth, and then tap the Info icon for your AirPods. Swipe down the screen to the section for Fit & Comfort. Depending on your model AirPods Pro, tap either "Test Acoustic Seal" or "Ear Tip Fit Test." The next screen explains how the test works. Tap Continue and then tap the Play button to listen to the sample audio. Also: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: I listened to both models, here's who wins After the test is finished, you'll be told whether the tips provide a good fit. If you get the green Good Seal mark, you should be set. If not, you'll be told to adjust the AirPods or try a different tip. Keep at it until you find ones that pass the test. I ultimately went with the larger tips as they provided the best fit for me. Beyond taking the tip test, make sure the tips you choose feel right. You want the tips to have a comfortable but snug fit so they won't slip out during physical activities. When I first got my AirPods Pro 3, I took them to the gym, where I tried different tips to see which ones held up best. Show more
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
3. Stem-based volume control You're able to adjust the volume on the AirPods Pro through your iPhone or iPad. But if your mobile device isn't handy, you can more easily do this directly on the AirPods. With your AirPods Pro in your ears, fire up your favorite music. To change the volume, move your fingers up and down on the stem of either AirPod. Moving up increases the volume; moving down decreases it. Also: My cheap and simple solution to loose AirPods, and how they made them ideal for workouts And here's one trick. Moving both your thumb and forefinger up and down the stem can joggle your AirPods. Instead, I hold the stem with my thumb and use just my forefinger to move up and down. Show more
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