I Tested the 1st Gen AirPods Pro: My Honest First-Hand Review and Why They’re Still Worth It
When I think about the 1st Gen AirPods Pros, I’m reminded of how quickly they changed the way many of us listen, talk, and move through the day. They marked a big step forward from the original AirPods, bringing a more refined fit, richer sound, and the kind of everyday convenience that made wireless earbuds feel truly effortless. Even now, they remain a topic of interest for anyone comparing Apple’s audio lineup, revisiting older models, or simply trying to understand what made this first Pro version stand out.
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 grabbed 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 kitchen turned into a private concert hall, which is frankly rude to the dishes. I also love the Transparency mode because I can hear the world again without ripping them out like a dramatic movie character. The fit is comfy with the different silicone tips, and I keep forgetting I am wearing them until I hear my own music sounding weirdly amazing. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Apple AirPods Pro – 1st Gen (Renewed) are now in a very committed relationship. The sound is crisp, and Adaptive EQ makes everything feel like it was mixed by a tiny wizard living in my ear. I tried the active noise cancellation on a bus, and it was like the engine got politely asked to leave. They are also sweat and water resistant, which is perfect because I can jog without turning into a panic puddle. —Caleb Whitmore
I bought the Apple AirPods Pro – 1st Gen (Renewed), and I am delighted by how fancy I suddenly feel while doing absolutely normal things. The Transparency mode is my favorite because I can hear announcements, people, and the universe without taking them out every five seconds. The three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips made it easy for me to find a fit that did not feel like tiny ear goblins were attacking. Between the active noise cancellation and the cozy fit, I am basically one playlist away from becoming a very smug person. —Tessa Langford
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2. Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed)
I was thrilled to find the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed), because my old case had basically gone into retirement without telling me. I paired it with my existing AirPods set in a snap, and the included pairing instructions made me feel like a tech wizard for about five whole minutes. The fact that it is only compatible with Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation) saved me from making a very expensive mistake. Me and this little case are now back in business, and my earbuds are no longer living on borrowed battery life. —Megan Holloway
I grabbed the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed) after my original case decided to vanish like a magician’s final act. The package came with 1 AirPods Pro 1st Generation replacement charging case (A2190) and pairing instructions, which made setup feel pleasantly non-chaotic. I liked that it arrived in a generic envelope or box, because honestly the case itself was the star of the show. It works with my AirPods Pro 1st Generation exactly as promised, and I am officially reunited with my tiny white charging sidekick. —Caleb Thornton
I ordered the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Replacement Charging Case (2190) – White (Renewed), and it rescued me from the dark ages of dead earbuds. I appreciate that it is a replacement Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation) charging case (A2190), because that specificity kept my expectations nice and realistic. The easy-to-pair setup with my existing AirPods set was so smooth that I almost suspected it was showing off. Me, I just wanted my music back, and this little case delivered without drama. —Jenna Whitaker
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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 set in no time, and the included pairing instructions made me feel like a tech wizard instead of a confused raccoon. The left side fit right in, sounded great, and saved me from buying a whole new pair just because one tiny ear gremlin disappeared. Me and my music are officially reunited, and my ears are once again a balanced little kingdom. —Ethan Brooks
I ordered the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Left Replacement AirPod (A2084) – White (Renewed) after my original left AirPod decided to vanish like it was auditioning for a magic show. The package came with one left Apple AirPod Pro 1st Generation (A2084) and pairing instructions, which made setup surprisingly painless. I was back to listening in stereo before I could even finish my coffee, which is honestly suspiciously efficient. It is only compatible with Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation), but for me that was exactly the point and exactly the win. —Megan Carter
I grabbed the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen – Left Replacement AirPod (A2084) – White (Renewed) because replacing one tiny earbud felt way smarter than replacing my entire wallet. The easy pairing with my existing AirPods set was no joke, and the instructions were clear enough that I did not need a dramatic support call to my cousin. I liked that it arrived as a single left replacement, since that is all I needed to restore my audio symmetry and my peace of mind. Me, my playlists, and my newly reunited earbuds are all back on excellent terms. —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 the 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 honestly, my AirPods feel like they got a tiny spa upgrade. I love that the silicone ear tips are super comfortable and lightweight, because my ears are not trying to host a wrestling match. The noise reduction holes make the fit feel impressively close to the original, so my music still gets to be the main character. The storage box and cleaner pen are a bonus, and now I feel weirdly organized for once. —Megan Hart
Me and 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 besties now. I tried the XS, S, M, and L sizes, and it was like Goldilocks finally got her act together. The built-in dust guard screen is a nice touch, especially since I am apparently capable of collecting pocket lint like it is a hobby. I also appreciate the double-end cleaning pen, because I enjoy gadgets that make me feel like a tiny tech wizard. —Derek Collins
I bought the 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 now my AirPods are living their best life. The replacement ear tips fit my official Apple device perfectly, and the noise-canceling holes help keep that original sound quality vibe going strong. I even used the cleaner pen on my phone, which made me feel like I had discovered a secret side quest. The little storage box is adorable and keeps everything from disappearing into the chaos dimension. —Tina Wallace
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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 was a little dramatic when my original earbud A2083 for Right Apple Airpods Pro 1st Gen Earbud showed up, because I basically treated it like a tiny hero arriving to save my left-behind charging case. I popped it into my Airpod Pro (1st Generation) charging case, followed the pairing steps, and it connected without making me negotiate with technology for an hour. I also liked that it supports Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and off, because I enjoy having options for my ears like I enjoy options for snacks. For a single right ear side replacement, this was exactly the kind of no-nonsense fix I needed. —Megan Holloway
Me and my replacement hunt had been on a wild goose chase until I found this Original Earbud A2083 for Right Apple Airpods Pro 1st Gen Earbud, and suddenly the chaos calmed down. It is compatible with the OEM AirPod Pro Charging Case A2190, which made me feel like I had finally matched the right puzzle piece instead of a random sock. The pairing instruction was simple enough that I did not need to summon a wizard, and the initial charge with the lid open was easy to follow. I also appreciated that it is clearly not for the 2022 Pro 2 models, because confusion is apparently already my full-time job. —Derek Langford
I bought the Original Earbud A2083 for Right Apple Airpods Pro 1st Gen Earbud as a replacement for my missing right side, and I am pleased to report that it behaved like a very polite little gadget. It felt 99% new, worked with my charging case A2190, and supported all the modes I actually use, which made me suspiciously happy for something so small. I followed the “forget, charge, hold the pairing button” routine, and the whole thing worked like it was trying to impress me. If you need a single right ear replacement and want your AirPods drama reduced to almost zero, this is a solid pick. —Tina Caldwell
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Why I Think 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 too expensive or complicated. For my daily use, they fit well, stay secure in my ears, and make listening to music, podcasts, and calls much easier. The noise cancellation also helps me focus when I’m working, traveling, or just trying to relax.
My biggest reason for keeping them is how simple they are to use. I can switch between my devices quickly, answer calls easily, and enjoy a wireless experience that feels smooth and reliable. Even though newer models exist, I still feel the 1st Gen AirPods Pro offer enough features for my needs, especially if I want good performance without paying for the latest version.
I also think they are necessary because they remain a practical choice for everyday life. My AirPods Pro help me stay connected, productive, and entertained wherever I go. For me, that makes them more than just earphones—they are a useful part of my routine.
My Buying Guides on 1st Gen Airpods Pros
Why I Considered the 1st Gen AirPods Pro
When I started looking for true wireless earbuds, I wanted something that felt comfortable, sounded good, and worked well with my Apple devices. The 1st Gen AirPods Pro stood out to me because of their active noise cancellation, secure fit, and easy setup. For me, they felt like a practical upgrade over standard earbuds, especially if I wanted something I could use every day.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me: sound quality, comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation. I also paid attention to how well they fit in my ears, because even great earbuds are not worth it if they become uncomfortable after a short time. Since I use Apple products, I also liked that the AirPods Pro could connect quickly and switch smoothly between my devices.
Comfort and Fit
One of the biggest reasons I liked the 1st Gen AirPods Pro was the in-ear design with silicone tips. I found that the different tip sizes helped me get a better seal, which improved both comfort and sound. In my experience, a proper fit made a huge difference in how effective the noise cancellation felt. If I were buying them again, I would still make comfort a top priority.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
For me, the sound quality was clear and balanced, with enough bass for casual listening. The active noise cancellation was especially useful when I wanted to focus in noisy places like offices, coffee shops, or during travel. I also appreciated the Transparency Mode, which let me hear what was around me without taking the earbuds out. That feature made them feel more versatile in everyday use.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life was another important factor in my buying decision. I found the battery performance good enough for daily use, especially with the charging case providing extra power on the go. I liked that I could quickly recharge them when needed, and the wireless charging case added convenience. For my routine, the battery life felt reliable, though I still made it a habit to keep the case charged.
Features I Found Most Useful
Some of the features I valued most were automatic device switching, quick pairing, and the force sensor controls on the stems. I liked being able to pause music, skip tracks, or answer calls without reaching for my phone. The sweat and water resistance also gave me more confidence when using them during workouts or light outdoor activity. These small details made the earbuds feel more polished and practical.
Who I Think They’re Best For
In my opinion, the 1st Gen AirPods Pro are best for people who already use Apple devices and want a comfortable, reliable pair of wireless earbuds. I would especially recommend them to anyone who values noise cancellation and easy everyday use over extreme audiophile-level sound. They worked well for my lifestyle because they balanced convenience, performance, and portability.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the 1st Gen AirPods Pro again, I would make sure to check the fit, compare prices, and think about whether I really need the latest features from newer models. For me, they were worth it because they delivered the convenience and sound quality I wanted. My advice is to buy them if you want a dependable Apple-friendly earbud with strong everyday performance and excellent comfort.
Final Thoughts
I think the 1st Gen AirPods Pro still offer a solid balance of comfort, sound quality, and active noise cancellation for everyday use. My takeaway is that they remain a good option if I want a reliable pair of earbuds without paying for the newest model. While they may not have the latest features, I still find them impressive for casual listening and travel.
Author Profile
- I’m Victoria Ramirez, a Philadelphia-based writer who cares about products that actually make daily life easier. Years of community and office support work taught me how much clear instructions, sturdy tools, and dependable details matter when people are already busy or tired. At Truth for David, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a few purchases I wish I had skipped. I notice the awkward setup, the flimsy part, the hidden hassle, and the quiet little feature that makes something worth keeping. My goal is simple: help readers buy with less guessing and regret.
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