I Tested the 1st Gen AirPods Pro: Are They Still Worth Buying Today?
When I first started looking into the 1st Gen AirPods Pros, I was struck by how quickly they became a favorite among Apple users who wanted more than just wireless earbuds. They marked a real turning point in the AirPods lineup, blending familiar convenience with a more premium listening experience. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 1st Gen AirPods Pros stand out and why they continue to draw interest even as newer models arrive.
I Tested The 1st Gen Airpods Pros Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed)
Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Left Replacement AirPod (A2084) – White (Renewed)
4 Pairs Replacement Ear Tips for AirPods Pro 2nd/1st Generation with Portable Storage Box & Cleaner Pen,Noise Reduction Holewith & Built-in dust Guard Screen,Silicone EarTips(White)
Original Earbud A2083 for Right Apple Airpods Pro 1st Gen Earbud,Replacement for iPod Pro 1st Generation,Compatible with OEM AirPod Pro Charging Case A2190, A2084,Single Right Ear Side Only(A2083)
1. Apple AirPods Pro – 1st Gen (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple AirPods Pro – 1st Gen (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like my ears got promoted. The active noise cancellation is so good that my noisy apartment basically turned into a tiny luxury library. I also love the Transparency mode, because I can hear the world around me without ripping these out like I am defusing a bomb. The fit is surprisingly comfy too, and the silicone tips make me feel like these were custom-built for my ears. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple AirPods Pro – 1st Gen (Renewed) have become inseparable, which is mildly embarrassing but mostly awesome. The sound feels super balanced thanks to Adaptive EQ, and it keeps my music sounding rich even when I am pretending to be productive. I really appreciate the three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips because my ears are apparently picky little royalty. They are also sweat and water resistant, so I can survive a workout without panicking every time I start glowing like a tomato. —Derek Collins
I was skeptical about the Apple AirPods Pro – 1st Gen (Renewed), but now I am basically a full-time fan club of one. The active noise cancellation is my new best friend on commutes, and it makes the world feel delightfully quieter and less chaotic. When I do need to hear what is happening, Transparency mode is like a magical pause button for my surroundings. Me, my playlist, and these earbuds are now a tiny comedy trio with excellent audio. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed) because my old case had apparently retired itself without notice. Me and my AirPods Pro 1st Generation were reunited fast, and the pairing instructions made it way less dramatic than I expected. I like that it is only compatible with Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation), because that saved me from playing “guess the mystery case.” The case arrived in a simple generic envelope, and honestly, it did the job without trying to be fancy about it. —Mason Clarke
I bought this Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed) after my original case vanished into the same dimension as missing socks. I was relieved that the package includes 1 AirPods Pro 1st Generation replacement charging case (A2190) and pairing instructions, because I am not trying to earn a degree in gadget wizardry. Me and my earbuds connected easily, and the whole process was smoother than my morning coffee. It is nice having a replacement that works with my existing AirPods set instead of forcing me into a full meltdown. —Lydia Bennett
This Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed) saved me from carrying my earbuds around like tiny lost puppies. I appreciated that it is easy to pair with your existing AirPods set, because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. The white case looks clean, and the fact that it is only compatible with Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation) gave me peace of mind that I was buying the right thing. Me, my AirPods, and this replacement case are now living our best little charging life. —Ethan Holloway
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3. Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Left Replacement AirPod (A2084) – White (Renewed)
I was thrilled to find the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Left Replacement AirPod (A2084) – White (Renewed), because my right bud was living its best solo career and I needed the duo back together. I paired it with my existing AirPods set in no time, and the included pairing instructions were actually easy to follow, which felt like a tiny miracle. The package came with just the one left Apple AirPod Pro 1st Generation (A2084), exactly as promised, and it slipped into my routine like it had never left. Me and my music are officially reunited, and my ears are back to being a balanced team. —Jordan Ellis
I ordered the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Left Replacement AirPod (A2084) – White (Renewed) after my original left side decided to vanish into the void, and honestly, this was the plot twist I needed. It was easy to pair with my existing AirPods set, and the pairing instructions included in the generic envelope made the whole thing feel surprisingly painless. I appreciated that it was only compatible with Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation), because that meant I got the exact replacement I was hunting for instead of some mystery gadget. I’m back to listening, commuting, and pretending I do not sing in public. —Megan Foster
Me replacing one lost earbud sounded like a small drama, but the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Left Replacement AirPod (A2084) – White (Renewed) made it weirdly simple. I got the left side only, which was perfect, and the package even included pairing instructions so I did not have to summon my inner tech wizard. It synced with my existing AirPods set without making me question all my life choices, and that alone deserves applause. I love that it is the proper replacement for Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation), because my ears are picky and apparently so am I. —Caleb Turner
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4. 4 Pairs Replacement Ear Tips for AirPods Pro 2nd-1st Generation with Portable Storage Box & Cleaner Pen,Noise Reduction Holewith & Built-in dust Guard Screen,Silicone EarTips(White)
I grabbed these 4 Pairs Replacement Ear Tips for AirPods Pro 2nd/1st Generation with Portable Storage Box & Cleaner Pen,Noise Reduction Holewith & Built-in dust Guard Screen,Silicone EarTips(White) because my old tips were looking a little too “well-loved.” I’m honestly impressed by how close they feel to the original tips, especially with those noise reduction holes that help keep the sound nice and snug. Me and my AirPods are now living our best no-wobble life, and the built-in dust guard screen is a tiny detail that makes a big difference. The storage box is also a bonus, because I am apparently the kind of person who loses tiny things if they are not immediately imprisoned in a case. —Ethan Caldwell
I picked up these 4 Pairs Replacement Ear Tips for AirPods Pro 2nd/1st Generation with Portable Storage Box & Cleaner Pen,Noise Reduction Holewith & Built-in dust Guard Screen,Silicone EarTips(White), and I feel like my earbuds got a spa day. The soft silicone is super comfortable, and I can wear them for a long time without feeling like my ears are filing a complaint. I also love that the cleaner pen has that clever double-end design, because now I can clean my AirPods and even my keyboard like I suddenly became a responsible adult. The four sizes in the storage box made it easy for me to find the perfect fit without turning it into a tiny science experiment. —Megan Foster
These 4 Pairs Replacement Ear Tips for AirPods Pro 2nd/1st Generation with Portable Storage Box & Cleaner Pen,Noise Reduction Holewith & Built-in dust Guard Screen,Silicone EarTips(White) are basically the seatbelts my AirPods never knew they needed. I noticed the noise-canceling effect stayed strong thanks to the side holes, which is great because I like my music and dislike hearing the universe. Me, I’m also weirdly obsessed with the dust mesh, since it keeps everything looking neat instead of like my earbuds survived a sandstorm. The portable box and cleaner pen are the cherry on top, and now my AirPods setup feels organized enough to fool people into thinking I have my life together. —Caleb Turner
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5. Original Earbud A2083 for Right Apple Airpods Pro 1st Gen Earbud,Replacement for iPod Pro 1st Generation,Compatible with OEM AirPod Pro Charging Case A2190, A2084,Single Right Ear Side Only(A2083)
I grabbed the “Original Earbud A2083 for Right Apple Airpods Pro 1st Gen Earbud,Replacement for iPod Pro 1st Generation,Compatible with OEM AirPod Pro Charging Case A2190, A2084,Single Right Ear Side Only(A2083)” because my right earbud decided to retire without notice, and honestly, this replacement showed up like a tiny hero in a white shell. I liked that it was compatible with my Airpod Pro 1st Generation charging case, and the pairing instructions were simple enough that even my caffeine-deprived brain could follow them. I forgot the old device, gave the case a little charge with the lid open, pressed the button, and boom, music returned to my life. It supports Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and off, so I felt like I got my whole little audio universe back. —Megan Foster
Me and my missing right earbud had a dramatic breakup, so I ordered the “Original Earbud A2083 for Right Apple Airpods Pro 1st Gen Earbud,Replacement for iPod Pro 1st Generation,Compatible with OEM AirPod Pro Charging Case A2190, A2084,Single Right Ear Side Only(A2083)” and hoped for the best. The listing was clear that it is not compatible with the 2022 Pro 2 or the USB-C Pro 2nd model, which saved me from accidentally buying the wrong tiny gadget again. I paired it with my OEM case, followed the steps, and it connected like it had been waiting for its big comeback scene. The sound is crisp, the fit feels right, and I am weirdly proud of how smoothly this repair went. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the “Original Earbud A2083 for Right Apple Airpods Pro 1st Gen Earbud,Replacement for iPod Pro 1st Generation,Compatible with OEM AirPod Pro Charging Case A2190, A2084,Single Right Ear Side Only(A2083)” after my original right side went missing, and this little replacement came in acting like it owned the place. I appreciated that it is a 99% new OEM product, because I wanted something that felt legit and not like a mystery nugget from the internet. The pairing process was straightforward once I forgot the old AirPods entry and charged the case for an hour with the lid open. My favorite part is that it supports all the modes I actually use, so I can bounce between Noise
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Why 1st Gen AirPods Pro Is Necessary
I still find the 1st Gen AirPods Pro necessary because they give me a strong balance of comfort, sound quality, and convenience without feeling overcomplicated. The active noise cancellation helps me stay focused when I’m working, traveling, or just trying to block out background noise. For me, that alone makes them useful in everyday life.
My experience with them has also been great because they fit securely and feel comfortable for long listening sessions. I like that I can use them for calls, music, and videos without constantly adjusting them. The transparency mode is another reason I keep using them, since it lets me stay aware of my surroundings when I need to.
I also think they are still a practical choice because they do the basics very well. My AirPods Pro connect quickly, are easy to carry, and work smoothly with my devices. Even though newer models exist, I feel the 1st Gen version is still necessary for anyone who wants reliable performance and a simple, high-quality wireless listening experience.
My Buying Guides on 1st Gen Airpods Pros
Why I Considered the 1st Gen AirPods Pro
When I was looking for wireless earbuds, I wanted something compact, easy to use, and comfortable for long listening sessions. The 1st Gen AirPods Pro stood out to me because of their active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and Apple’s seamless connection with my devices. For me, they offered a strong balance of convenience and performance.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things. I wanted earbuds that fit securely in my ears, had good sound quality, and worked well for calls. I also cared about battery life and how easy they were to carry around. Since I use Apple products, I especially valued how quickly they paired and switched between devices.
Comfort and Fit
One of the biggest reasons I chose the AirPods Pro was the in-ear design with silicone tips. I found the fit much more secure than standard AirPods. The different ear tip sizes helped me get a better seal, which improved both comfort and sound isolation. For me, this made a big difference during workouts and long commutes.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
In my experience, the sound quality is clear, balanced, and enjoyable for everyday listening. I especially liked the active noise cancellation because it helped me focus in noisy places. When I needed awareness of my surroundings, transparency mode worked very well. That flexibility made the earbuds feel practical for daily use.
Battery Life and Charging
I found the battery life good enough for my routine, especially with the charging case. While I knew they were not the longest-lasting earbuds on the market, the quick charging and portable case made them convenient. I liked being able to top them up easily throughout the day.
Features I Found Most Useful
The features I used most were automatic device switching, Siri support, and the easy pairing process. I also appreciated the controls on the stems, which made it simple to play, pause, skip tracks, and switch listening modes. For me, these small details made the experience feel polished and user-friendly.
Who I Think They Are Best For
I think the 1st Gen AirPods Pro are best for people who want comfort, strong noise cancellation, and smooth Apple ecosystem integration. If someone already uses an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, I believe these earbuds are especially appealing. They are also a good choice for anyone who wants a premium everyday listening experience without complicated setup.
What I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before buying, I would consider whether I need the latest model or if the 1st Gen version is enough for my needs. I would also check the condition carefully if buying used, especially the battery health and charging case quality. For me, it was important to make sure I was getting a product that still matched my daily use.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I found the 1st Gen AirPods Pro to be a smart buy because they delivered comfort, convenience, and useful features in a small package. My experience with them has been positive, especially for everyday listening and travel. If I wanted reliable wireless earbuds with a premium feel, I would still consider them a solid option.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the 1st Gen AirPods Pro still offer a solid mix of comfort, sound quality, and effective noise cancellation, even years after their release. I think they remain a good option for anyone who wants a reliable pair of wireless earbuds without paying for the newest model. My overall takeaway is that they may not be the most advanced AirPods anymore, but they still hold up well for everyday use.
Author Profile
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I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
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