I wasn't really a fan of the Earpods, but they were cheap and sounded fine for $20. The Airpods do this wirelessly while sounding worse for $180. The fact that they reserve comfort-fit ear tips for their premium headphones is an insult to every user at that price point, and it sabotages any chance they had at sounding balanced or natural.

Airpods Pro are much nicer, but should be the standard. The Airpods 1 (and frankly the Airpods 2 as well) sound thin and are borderline unacceptable for what they cost. Just my $0.02 though, audio and comfort are ultimately subjective.