Why a Pro Reviewer Sticks With AirPods Pro 2 After Testing 30+ Alternatives

Even for a professional reviewer who spends their days testing the latest audio gear, the newest product isn't always the best one. Erin Bashford, a senior reviews writer at Tom's Guide, continues to rely on the 2023 USB-C AirPods Pro 2 as her daily driver despite having reviewed more than 30 different pairs of earbuds.

Bashford's preference persists even after testing high-end alternatives such as the Sennheiser Momentum 5 True Wireless and the EarFun Air Pro 4+. While technical specifications often dominate the conversation in audio reviews, Bashford points to a combination of sound quality, seamless Apple ecosystem integration, and physical comfort as the reasons she has no plans to upgrade. Specifically, the H2 chip enables critical feature updates and allows for effortless multipoint connectivity across her iPhone, MacBook, and iPad.

The Ergonomic Wall

For Bashford, the decision to stick with the Pro 2 is not just about what the earbuds can do, but how they feel. She notes that the newer AirPods Pro 3 are effectively unusable for her due to a "bump-out" design that causes physical pain for users with small ears. This ergonomic regression transforms a technical upgrade into a physical liability.

"I can't even wear the AirPods Pro 3," Bashford stated, emphasizing that physical compatibility is the first hurdle any wearable must clear. She summarized the priority of form over function simply: "Basically, if a pair of earbuds is too big, it doesn't matter how good they sound."

Challenging the Upgrade Cycle

This preference highlights a growing tension in the consumer electronics market: the conflict between annual release cycles and the reality of "perfected" hardware. In the wearable audio space, a product that hits the sweet spot of ergonomics and utility can remain relevant for years, regardless of marginal improvements in audio specs or the introduction of new feature sets in successor models.

When a device integrates perfectly into a user's existing software ecosystem and fits their unique anatomy, the incentive to upgrade diminishes. For users with specific physical requirements, such as small ears, a design change that prioritizes new internals over established comfort can render a newer model obsolete upon arrival.

What to Watch

Bashford's experience underscores the critical importance of form factor in the wearable market, suggesting that technical benchmarks are secondary to physical usability. As manufacturers continue to iterate on the AirPods line, the industry will be watching to see if Apple addresses these ergonomic regressions in future revisions to recapture users who have found a "forever" fit in older generations.