The amount of similar experiences everybody is having is astonishing. I got the Powerbeats Pro for my birthday 2 years ago. For about 4-5 months working flawless. Then the issues started. Every now and then one of them wouldn't charge. About a year in i've found a video about making the contacts a bit wet. Worked flawless for another 3-4 months. Not it's just a complete casino. One day it's the left one, one day it's the right one. I'm just gonna take my loss and look for another pair or earbuds cause these are just a massive piece of s***!

It feels like a built in defect to make air pods look like the better option. We know apple bought out Beats due to their competitiveness. This is just apples way of burying a competitors company. How can so many customers have the EXACT same anomalies. I feel the same way you do, love the Powerbeats pro, but these issues drive me crazy.

Pretty much describes the past 2 years of misery (and enjoyment) with this product. I also sent mine back and got the same “nothing is wrong” routine. The absolutely maddening thing about these and you addressed it is when they work it’s a great product. The design is fantastic and it’s a functional product that’s easy to use…when they work! Still can’t believe Apple has put out such a dumpster fire of a product and then consistently pretends that there’s nothing wrong. Never thought I’d be gaslighted by a major corporation but here we are.

I’ve had mine for over 2 years. In the last month an a half I’ve been going crazy with my right ear not charging. I thought it was me. I’m hearing impaired an up to this point LOVED them for when I was working out & on the phone. Clear conversation. But now I’m going crazy with the not charging.

Everything you've described is currently happening to my beats after about a year and a half of use. Currently in the process of speaking to customer service who tried troubleshooting over the phone until trying to send me on my way after nothing seemed to work. I demanded a supervisor to discuss further action be done seeing that I spent $200 for a short-lived device. Even if they end up repairing them I'll never buy beats again I'm over the hassle and don't entrust in the quality anymore of their products at this point. Thanks for your review at least I know I'm not alone.

Do not buy this product. They are not good, massively overpriced.

Had them 2 years. Nothing but problems. You could have been me doing this video. I’m here because once again one isn’t charging for the 30th time. Good video.

This is incredibly frustrating. I've had my Powerbeats Pro for 2 years now. At first they worked great... but then the charging problems started to slowly trickle in. First it was the simple fact that they weren't charging enough, or even LOSING power when left in the charging case. Then one side started to die quicker then the other side. (Over the past 2 years the battery life definitely feels like it's taken a nosedive.) The most recent issue (and this is on top of all the other issues) is that one side will completely disconnect, even though it was fully charged. So I'm in mid-run and then it disconnects and only one side works. I place the the headphones back in the case, and sure enough the charge is fine. So incredibly annoying and frustrating. I feel like all the problems are just getting worse.

i thought it was just me. hard to believe this is happening with all the technology/engineering out there. unacceptable.

1st pair worked for less than a month, 2nd pair worked for a little over a year and now this 3rd pair got the same issue as you and the rest of my pairs only 3 months in. To say I am completely pissed off is an understatement. Thanks for sharing your experience, I wanted to know if I was the only one having this horrible luck dumping my money into this product or not.

I feel you man, I’m having the same issues with it.

There is a saying in motorcyclist's world, if you have not fallen yet, you will fall down sooner or later. Same saying goes with these units. If it is charging and connecting properly right now, it will stop doing so sooner or later, it is just a matter of time. I have been using these units for a while now and they are awesome like you mentioned. Very secure, great battery life, great sound quality, amazing piece of earphones for running, biking etc. However, after couple of months I have started to have the charging issue on the left piece pretty much like everyone else 😁😁 I have always managed it with cleaning the left earpiece with light water and rubbing it with cloth and then slightly moving it around in the case until I get a charging signal (which can be done easier with late IOS updates), but still frustrating for sure. I will try your advice to see how it will work. Thanks a lot!

My mom got hers a years ago and hasn’t had a problem with them, I got mine about 2 months ago and I am running into charging problems with my left ear bud! Thanks for the videos glad to know it’s not just mine!

I had all the same problems you mentioned. It's a real shame! Mine had a connection issue after three months, but never outside the house. Once I got out of the house, the left side would disconnect randomly, I put it back in the case and it got re-connected. However, when going for a run, I couldn't bring along the case cause it's just too bulky. After that I spent almost a year without issues. After having them for over a year, the right side would just die after a hour or so--the battery would show 0%--after a couple of minutes in the case, it shows 90%, put them on and twenty minutes later, the same issue. This is incredibly frustrating. Even more frustrating is the fact that Apple says they couldn't reproduce the issue. As you said, when working properly, these earphones are amazing; great sound, connectivity, and convenience. But if one pays $200+ for headphone, you expect better support from Apple--like a software update or a battery replacement--instead they give you the finger. This is common practice among technology companies; they don't want to admit they have a problem, so they don't feel obligated to fix it.

It might be time to file a class action lawsuit against Apple/Beats.

Same charging issue, mine is on the right ear. They worked so good at the beginning it was amazing.

So glad I found this video I don't feel alone anymore in my frustration with this product

Wow… Like so many others, I’ve had mine for almost two years and I’m starting to have trouble. Over a week ago, I began to notice how the battery drains so quickly in them. Now I’m having connection issues. I was never a fan of Beats, especially before Apple bought them. However, since I was looking for earphones made By Apple that had a form factor I liked, I gave them a try. I loved them until now. These were great while they lasted, I guess.

so glad it wasnt just me/ just give me the damn wires

Totally agree they these are hands down the best -- when they work. I find myself looking at the pop-up that shows up on the iPhone to indicate if it's actually charging. Takes about 5-20 tries for you to find that sweet spot in which it continuously charges. Terrible.

Thank you for sharing. I have been using my set trouble free for almost two years and loved every minute of it. But, now the left bud, even though fully charged, drops out after hearing that low battery chime. I put is back int he case, close and open it again, verify that it still has charge and after a few minutes the same crap happens again. I have only been using the right bud as of late. I am not sure if it is battery issue or something else. Great product with unreliable quality. Listening to you, I should not complain about two years of trouble free listening.

Glad I’m not the only one.

I got my Powerbeats Pro 2 years ago. And it’s staring to give me the same frustrating issues with the connection and charging recently. It sometimes drop connection when I’m running.

The power beats pro, is an expensive failure. I regret spending my 250$

Originally, I loved the Power Beats Pro. I bought mine in January 2020 and over time I did have some charging issues. I found if I cleaned the contacts in the charging case and on the ear piece with rubbing alcohol, problem solved. The new problem is the left ear piece dying at 55%. I went to the Apple forum and this seems to be a problem for many. Seems like Apple is not interested in the resolving the issue. I just ordered another pair of Fit Beats Pro. I guess I will find out how this goes...

Had Powerbeats earbuds first and they would disconnect at about 30 minutes into a run. Sent back to Apple, and had same experience as in video. Later got the PowerBeats Pro, worked great for while then started having ALL of the same connection and charging issues noted here. Have not yet contacted Apple as the issue has just come to a head where I cannot get the left side to connect at all. VERY disappointed.

I’m having the same issues. It is insane that Apple won’t simply fix the problem with charging. I use a q-tip and a dab of alcohol to clean the contacts and that seems to help. If your buds are still under warranty, you can take them to a local authorized repair shop (after getting a ticket number from Apple) and they will service the buds. No long phone calls or frustrations.

Hi all, I bought them in 2019 and had the charging problem for the right ear which I solved in the following way: Open the box and always leave it open. Remove the 2 earphones. Plug the box into the mains. Wait for the red light to come on. Place 1 earphone in the box, you should see the red light flash once, which means that the earphone is correctly connected. Do the same for the second earpiece. Wait about 40 minutes. The charge is around 60%, enough for a one-hour running.

I find this information to be true in my case other than I haven’t taken the time to send them back to apple. I am now since viewing your video. Thanks for your time.

Everything you've mentioned - I've had the same issue. The problem is that the contacts don't make connection and fail to charge the bud. I have to fiddle with it and mash it in to get the case to respond with the RED LIGHT saying - yes, I'm charging. And I'm constantly having that Bluetooth issue too. Only one bud will connect, the other won't and I have to constantly put them back in the case and reconnect hoping both will connect.

I've had intermittent charging issues (mainly withe the left bud, but sometimes the right) for about the entire time I've had mine. I think I finally found a fix for my case, which has been working 100% since I did it a few weeks ago. In this video, it is mentioned to "install a pad in the case" - this is sort of correct, but you need to be VERY careful. The root problem seems to be that the charging connection is *EXTREMELY* sensitive to the position of the bud in the case. The case is designed in a way where it is supposed to secure the bud against the charging pins, BUT if there is just slightly not enough pressure, OR just slightly too much pressure, the bud doesn't fully connect with the pins. For this reason, you need to be careful how you pad the case. I chose to use simply duct tape, which is pretty thin. In my experimentation, a single layer square of tape placed on the "bumps" in the top of the case seems to solve my problem perfectly. However, if I placed a 2nd layer of tape in the same spot, it was too much, and the pressure would again push the bud off the pins and cause charging problems (similarly, if I squeeze the case when it is closed, I can see the charging being interrupted). So, the solution to pad the case does seem to work for me very well, but you just need to be very careful in what you use to do it so as not to overdo it. Ive tried to replicate the problem since applying this fix, and can't - even if I deliberately misplace the bud slightly in the case so it won't charge, as soon as I close the case I can see the charging successfully start, indicating the pressure from the case is properly seating the bud. Hope this helps someone. For the first time in 2 years, I feel confident that my buds will be charged when I pull them from the case. Hopefully, it continues!

When working right they are amazing!!...with all the issues they are frustrating pieces of 💩

You described all my issues, and it can be very frustrating. Thank you for sharing the video.

I have been having the same problem, I'm glad I saw your post, It will save me lot of time

the rubber coating on mine pushed out a little right by the charging magnets and was preventing them from sitting flush in the charger. i cut that rubber back at a slight angle with a sharp knife so they could get a better connection in the charger and all has been well since. i think it's primarily a design flaw, whereas had they left the coating only on the arms around the ear, and plastic near the charging area, all would be fine.

I know this is an old video, but I still have the same issues you're talking about. The app also says I need to update, but every time I close the case, it says there's an error. This is most likely because one or both of the earbuds isn't perfectly placed. This is the second charging case in a year. Like you said, I can't find another headphone set that has better sound and quality...when they work! It's a shame!

Thanks for being our voice same issue here and the warranty replacement is like buying a new pair very disappointing should have been recalled so long ago

For Powerbeats to be made for a active lifestyle, they didnt factor that feature in for the charging dock. When I took them off after a workout, I didnt realise there was still a little bit of sweat on them, even after I wiped them. That eventually eroded one of the connections on the dock & I knew that was the problem because I just purchased a new pair & charged the old ones on the new charging dock!

…another tip is to NOT close the charging case when you place the buds in to charge. The charging case design is flawed.

Thank you for this video. Have purchased 3, one for a gift, and the same problems with all 3

I just returned a pair to the store because the left bud was not charging. The second pair I got today are doing the same thing. The left bud will only charge to 61%. I went through the exact same thing you just talked about. I will return them tomorrow and not get a third pair. Thank you

I just received my Power-Pro Beats yesterday and today I tried to use them, the RH one was at 0% and LH at 100%. Thanks for your video. If I don’t get them work, I will send them back although I had them via some kind of recognition awards from my job, so no sure how to send them back and to who.

I wish I saw this video year ago, I have the same problem with my left one won’t charge, but the right one works! It seems to be a on going issue!!

Yeah. Me too. I bought mine in May ‘21 from Best Buy. It’s past the 30 day return period. Same issues. Apple sent them back to be fixed for the charging issue and the connection issue. Connection issue was fine but now left bud is dead and won’t charge. So frustrating. I want to review on Apple Store page to see if that gets traction.

I contacted Apple support about the same issue. They mailed me a box to send them in. Within 2 days they were returned to me with a new charging case. So far so good.

Wow I just bought beats pro a week ago and so happy with them then I bump into this video. I hope I haven't made an expensive mistake. I'll pray mine stay fine for as long as possible.

I am having the same issues, mainly from throwing the case and buds into my gym bag and if it does not sit flat one bud does not charge. Tempted to return them while I can. This seems like a terrible process to start. Last year I had my Bose earbuds fail (due to my toddler using them for a whistle), still in warranty, all I had to do is chat to them on WhatsApp, send the buds back and I got a brand new pair back, no questions asked. This is the way. Will try to fill the case with stuff as these are the best buds to run lift ride and just not think of ever having them fall out. Thanks for the tips.

Y’all aren’t the only ones, I’m going through this right now. I believe it is the second time. I’ve gone through this and at this point I’m pretty much done. I even bought a replacement case to see if that would help and it doesn’t. I’ve been told that mine is out of warranty and I’m unwilling to just go and pay for the repair. I’ll try what was recommended but another beats product would have to come out before I buy any more from them

I’ve had mine for a few years and have never once experienced any connection or charging issues……until today. I noticed my left headphone just seemed like it was dead. Went to charge it and left it overnight to find it still not charged but the right one at 100%. For some reason it doesn’t even show my left headphone when I have the case open. It’s like it doesn’t even exist. I have tried cleaning the case and the buds themselves and then repairing and nothing has worked so far. But I love these headphones so much and clearly I’m out of warranty so not sure what I can do to fix them.

Really wish i'd seen this before i bought mine 6 months ago. Sent them into apple 3 times at this point, one complete replacement, and one case replacement, but they still have so many problems, most notably one of them will still be connected to my phone after i put them into the case. Maybe i'll try the little tape-mod here to see if that helps. it's infuriating because as you said, i bought them knowing Apples track-record for "it just works", plus their supposedly stellar customer service. I've now been asking them to just please refund these as they are clearly a defective productline, but they will have none of it. I'm already an android user, and i think this has permanently soured me on any apple product.

Same issue got it replaced when it was under the 1yr warranty. The replacement worked really well for about 10 months, before having the same issue. I even got a third party charging case to see if that would fix it. Still the same issue. Which sucks because of all the earphones I have tried for running, powerbeats pro was amazing. Now I am using the latest powerbeats they work fine and have port for lightning cable, no issues with charging except in sub zero temperatures they shut down prematurely.

Yup! You nailed it🔨

Im having the same issue - keeps disconnecting even though they are charged. Very frustrating!

Im here because mine lasted for over 1 year, then my left earpiece won’t hold a charge. It last like 30 minutes then dies. The right one now is holding for about 2 hours. I remember they use to hold for 9hrs plus which was great, but now it’s just frustrating.

Thanks for the update. I saw your original review because I had the same issues with my PBPs, as well as one ear bud disconnecting when it still has 55% battery life remaining. Are you going to do a review of the new Bests Fit Pro? I think they are intended to be a replacement for the Powerbeats Pro and that the Powerbeats Pro will probably be discontinued. What are your thoughts?

I"ve had my Beats Wireless Pros for almost 2yrs and they've begun to have connection issues just this year. Yes, the case doesn't always charge properly due to poor contact of the charging port....Additionally, my right earbud has begun to disconnect from my phone/PC once it gets down to 55% battery power. Very strange. I have no problems with my left earbud. It COULD be due to normal wear and tear, but after seeing this video and realizing that many others are experiencing similar connectivity issues it's a bit discouraging to think that maybe I just bought a poorly constructed product. Now I may have to find another brand to buy. Bummed.

On my second pair now. I love them - Think they sound great but they're horribly flaky. My first set became useless when the left one wouldn't hold a charge. The new pair have an issue that I had with the first pair too, which is when you put them in one ear won't work. Putting both back in the case resets it but it's a complete pain. Sometimes one won't charge as it's moved about a bit in the case and the connectors are not connected. I'd get another brand but frankly I've got one ear that no earbud ever stays in so I need the hanger bit. The alternatives don't sound as good either.... This is all totally shoddy from Apple but it's true to form.... Wetting the contacts is not a good idea; it can corrode it. Just use some isopropyl on a cotton bud to clean the contacts and it'll make sure there's no residual oil from your skin (ugh) stopping it charging.

I got mine as a gift. Loved them at first, but now having the same issue as everyone else. Just thankful I didn't spend my own money for them.

I’ve had it with these things. Same boat as you, originally they were amazing…. And then the issues started… One side would not charge, get frustrated, fix it, then a few weeks later the other. Rinse and repeat. Factory resets etc, special cleaning techniques, etc. The final straw for me now is I cannot get one side to play audio - at all. It’s charged, it responds to button clicks, but won’t emit audio under any circumstances. I use these for workouts and at night while my better half sleeps and I can’t tell you the number of times these things have failed and ruined my plans. Now with the audio only coming from a single channel I’ve had my “I’ve had it moment”

Ive tried like a thousand earbuds / headphones during the last 10 years. Not just for training but, I love trying sound devices and tech. The Powerbeats pro are GREAT in so many aspects and still in 2024 I think are your best workout-oriented earphones: great analog noise cancelling, amazing battery, great sound (if you dont care about the extra Dre's bass)... but man, the last months have been awful with exactly the same issue. Just the right one charges. Then the right one doesnt pair.. etc etc.

My right Powerbeat never charges, I have to make sure it is placed at a certain angle or it won’t charge

I have had the same experience . When working great, but 40% of time no good. Tried everything from KZfaqrs except taking apart and replacing battery.

Had them for several years, no problems at all. Then all of a sudden the left bud would drop out after roughly 45 min and make the battery empy sound!

The worst earbuds I’ve ever owned no question.

6 months, and just a few days ago charging issue began. Only single bud charging (right for me) while the other stays at 0, the app will register the left earbud as have a 2% charge while in the case but a 0% when taken out. All online instructional fixes tell me to ensure contact with the charging pins is made; which from what i can tell has never been a problem. I hear the click every time I place the earbud in the case, the other earbud doesn't interfere with it at all, and even with the case left open the earbud won't charge. I've spent $1,000 if not more over the past two years trying to land on a solid set of earbuds, but each come with their own world breaking problem after about 6 months

Hey I’m currently dealing with the connectivity issue. LS just stopped working. I did all KZfaq techniques, from reset to forget this item and repair. The Left side is not working at all. Really frustrated.

Same issues. Just got them a month ago so product fix has not yet been implemented. My specific issue is with the right bud loosing connection or not connecting

Holy shit, the fluffy Velcro seems to be working!!!

Have the same issue. left one doesn't charge properly and always run out of the battery. super frustrating the problem started to occured around the fourth months or so. at first i thought it was due to high moisture level in my house but after doing online research i figured out other people have the same problem. Apple should be ashamed to launch product like this. Good technology and good design should not cause frustration.

Exactly same issue. Get up to run, fight to get myself to put the shoes on and then- no music!

I've had my Power Beats Pro ear buds for 3 months and yes one of the ear buds dropped out; sometimes the left and occasionally the right side. I returned them to Costco and bought a new pair. Now they won't sync to my I Phone and I can't even tell if they're charged! Very frustrating!

Had the same problem with one not charging from the case alone, but both would charge fine if the case was pluged in.

Worked fine for about 5 months apart from some occasional annoying connection issues. It was usually localized to right when I started using them, and after they were both connected fine they'd work perfectly for hours. Then I started running into that screeching issue you mentioned - definitely annoying but fixable by unpairing then repairing with the case. Finally my right earbud just completely died out of the blue a few weeks later. It won't connect, it won't charge, and the case won't even acknowledge its existence no matter how much I mess with the contacts. Saw some advice online about completely killing the battery for a potential fix, but I'm not optimistic. Nor am I optimistic about getting fair support from Apple with the limited warranty. Would not have bought these if I had known about this issue beforehand - definitely not worth the hassle.

Hate to sound the same worn out record but my experience matches yours... it's obviously not a fluke but endemic

Yep. Add me to the list. Bought a new case still not working. Cleaned connections nah. So sad I loved these things.

Same problem with right earbud it charges but dies in about 20 minutes

So far I have been able to get them to work when I need to. The process is not consistent but it clearly ties into my iPhone Bluetooth. If you check on the headphones periodically during the day you will see that your Powerbeats have connected (most of the time) for no reason. It might be when someone calls you. If you go to Bluetooth under general and tap on the serial number you will notice there are a few serial numbers. One for L and one for R and one for "general". While getting ready for my run I plug them in to charge and can get enough to get through my run (about 20% for the left bud which is the bad one). I disconnect Bluetooth a few times and switch to the serial number with the L. After a few minutes of fiddling I can get them to work. Obviously this is a pain but I can use them. I have a $40 of brand pair of ear hooks that do exactly the same thing which makes me wonder if it isn't something in Bluetooth. Any ideas?

It’s always my left one. Very annoying getting to the gym and having one bud that’s about to die.

exactly the same thing happended to me, after one month, I always had to fight with the right ear bud for charging, until it stopped charging completely, I bought a replacement charger, worked fine again for a couple of weeks but after that the right earbud won't always charge, love the earphones except the charging problem causes me to hate them, looking for another option to buy for exercising, any reccs? wont buy these again unless the company makes a public statement that that the charging problem has been fixed and I dont find any other better set of earbuds

Same problem for me. Almost 2 years old now... Left bud just wont do anything anymore. Don't buy them, even though they sound good, it's just not worth the problems!

I’ve been using them for a little over a year now. There are some annoyances when I do want to charge them because I had similar issues in the past. But for the most part, I’ve been fortunate for mine to be working pretty well. The right side will charge with no issues, but whenever I charge the left side, I have to hear an audible clicking noise in order for me to know that it is charging. I also get occasional connection issues between my phone (iPhone) and the headphones, which can also be annoying, but it is easy to fix. Overall, I’ve enjoyed using these.

I returned mine once already. I didn’t know it was an ongoing issue. They replaced them. I’ve had the replacements about six months and now charging issues again, and as an added bonus the power status no longer pops up on my phone. But wait…there’s more. The left bud…he who fails to charge…also fails to connect to my phone (constantly). So frustrating.

I've had issues with these as well. Sent them to Apple and they said there was nothing wrong with them. Best Buy actually was willing to exchange them for me because I complained so much. I got a new pair and they did the same thing. Because I love them so much for working out, I bought another pair. I learned how to tinker with them when I put them in the case to make sure they're connected but it's always a concern. Before I start a workout with them, I make sure they are charged and test them to see if both will connect. Very frustrating. Why can't Apple make a version of the Airpods that hook around the ear?

Same issues luckily I brought mine renewed and didn’t spend over two I think maybe 130 and I’m having that issue with the right bud tries everything

Mine still can charge, but it always dies at 55% battery, I've tried every way like update the firmware, reset but it still happening. Anybody having the same issue?

Both of mine ain’t working. As soon as I cut em on it say power on. Battery low power off. They been charging for 5 hours and still not working.

I bought them a week ago and so far the only issue I notice is that I need to pay better attention when putting the earbuds away to make sure the connection pins are lined up correctly but now I'm thinking about returning them before any issues come up. I might just roll the dice on these. I also got them on sale.

Same issues here, and now one of the buds is not even connecting at all; tried forgetting device, and now I can not link them because iPhone or computer doesn't detect them at all.

Thank you for a great video that doesn't just repeat what's in the user manual 👍👍

I have been through 3 pairs of there Powerbeats and that 3rd pair is now at Apple being worked on for the left earbud not working at all... won’t even reset

I have the same problems with mine Powerbeats Pro. They are only 1 monts old. 😢

What you are talking about is true I only experienced the battery issues other than that everything works fine and sometimes when I talk to people over the phone people can’t hear me what I’m saying to them

Never had connection issues. Battery and charging has been terrible! Right bud now says fully charged and then dies 5 minutes after leaving the box. Put it on charge and instantly jumps back to nearly full. Thought you get what you paid for but on this occasion we really didn’t.

Same.problem here... Right bud not charging at all..

I am just now, about a year and a half into owning these, seeing these issues. It really seems to be something with the ability for the magnetic holder to remain contact. I really have to jostle them right into the exact perfect place and then they charge. I'll try the pad solution and also cleaning them to see what happens. Can't say I've had any connection issues but the charging is getting frustrating.

Just discovered that the 65w CHARGER i use was tripping my Powerbeats Pro case. DONT USE a 65w CHARGER 👍 switched to a normal charger and now the Powerbeats Pro case is charging fine 😁

I have had mine for 6 months and just now i cant get my left bud to work. I charged the box but my right bud has 100% and the % on my left one doesn’t even show. I cant get them to connect. All of this just happen for no reason

Have the same issues it's ridicules if it didn't they would be so good but without dependability they suck. I have the beats fit pros now and they charge and connect awesome but the wing tips break after a while what's up with this, although I glued them together you can't even replace the tips easy. by the way I glued them with Shoe Bond Glue it's like superglue.

I’m have the same charging problem ugh. I did the whole wetting the end part and nothing

I've had the exact same experience with the left one not charging. I bought them on 2/4/22, The charging case actually has the 2 areas at the top now are part of the case to help push down for a good contact, but the left one still has charging issues exactly like you've described. The one bud losing the connection has happened once and the reset fixed that issue, but the charging issue still remains a consistent problem. Maybe because I have Apple Care, I just received an email reply from Best Buy saying I can bring them in to exchange, so we'll see. But I agree with you in the sound and comfort of them. Hopefully the next version will be improved. These are $179.00 at Best Buy which usually when the price drops, they're trying to sell through the current inventory before maybe launching the next model?!