Cheers, never had the Apple AirPods. Will take a look, although not a fan of the white or the bits that stick down! What are their main competitors?
I’ve also got some Bowers & Wilkins pi7 (can’t find them ffs now my Jabras are chewed up!) but they’re more my back up set as not impressed with them.
The new Sonys, they always sound great but I’ve never found a pair that really fits well. £££ as well.
The Bose qc ultra 2 are good, but pricey and the connection can be a bit unreliable.
I think the benefit of the stem design, is the amount of tech they’re having to fit in. With the stemless designs (Sony) they end up relatively chunky, with the mass sort of pulling the buds out. With the AirPods (and imaging the new Samsungs) the weight is better distributed so they stay in place.
I’ve a slight addiction, but since I’ve bought the newest AirPods I haven’t bought any others. Used to try at least 3 pairs a year.
At least with Amazon, if you don’t get on with them you can return them.