Definitely a TrueGrip. Enhancing the AirPods Pro 3rd Generation

Since the release of the AirPods Pro 3rd Generation there’s been plenty online debate as to whether or not they’re a significant upgrade over the 2nd Generation Pros.

I purchased a pair of my own on launch day last September and had been eagerly awaiting them, however, I too was left feeling a little underwhelmed.

I appreciated the physical changes over the 2nd generation, especially the re-design and wider variety of in-ear tip sizes they came with but I was never completely satisfied—they’d slowly slide out my ear unless I made constant adjustments to keep them in place and because I couldn’t get a comfortable and secure fit, regardless of the size, the sound was also noticeably affected.

Overall, they weren’t worse than the second generation, but I was beginning to think that they weren’t a significant improvement either.

Introducing Comply

I was aware of Comply tips - there was plenty comments on social media in general praise of them—so after persevering for a month or so with the standard tips I finally decided to hand over £30 for a box of three. Not sure which size I’d need, I chose the mixed pack (one large, one medium and one small pair). I also decided on black, they’re a nice contrast to the all white of AirPods.

After placing them in my ears (the tips need a little manipulation before inserting—squeezing the foam so that it expands once in place), I was immediately impressed.

The fit was comfortable and the improvements in ANC, blocking out substantially more sound over the original tips, was surprising and transformative. Sitting in my living room, I could no longer hear the TV playing in front of me, with the original tips, I’d still have an element of outside sounds creeping through.

Next, playing music. Again, likely due to the better fit, there was immediate and noticeable improvements. The bass was deeper and more rumbling and I could hear detail previously unheard, particularly in the mid-range. Better separation overall.

I’m not saying that by applying these tips they suddenly make AirPods Pro rival lossless headphones - believe me, I’ve been down the audiophile route and know how they can sound - but I can say that there’s a distinct improvement to the sound produced with the Complys fitted.

I ran, now I’m sold.

I’ve started running again this month after a lengthy injury lay off, so I recently took them out for their first run with me. Previously I’d have to fix ear hooks to my 2nd generation AirPods to stop them falling out during exercise, but my first run with the Complys has convinced me that, all round, these are a step up from Apple’s own tips. They didn’t fall out once—in fact, just like their name suggests, they gripped to my ear throughout the entire run.

I’m sold and I’ll be buying a replacement pair once these reach their lifespan (estimated to be around 6 months). For £13.99 a pair, that feels like a worthwhile investment compared to the frustration of constantly adjusting Apple’s stock tips.

Are they recommended?

If you have AirPod Pro 3rd Gens and aren’t happy with the sound or their fit, I’d highly recommend giving the Comply TrueGrip Max a try. The small size worked best for me, same size I wore with the original tips and of course your experience may vary, but after months of being underwhelmed, these tips finally made the 3rd Generation AirPods Pro feel like the upgrade I paid for.