The AirPods Pro 2: Still the King of Noise Cancellation?
Apple’s AirPods Pro have long been the benchmark for premium wireless earbuds, particularly when it comes to active noise cancellation (ANC). The second generation, released in 2022, promised significant upgrades across the board. But do they live up to the hype, and more importantly, are they worth the upgrade if you already own the original AirPods Pro? Let’s dive in.
The headline feature remains the incredible noise cancellation. Apple claims a 2x improvement over the original, and real-world testing largely backs this up. The AirPods Pro 2 obliterate distractions, silencing everything from the hum of airplane engines to the clatter of a busy coffee shop. This is largely thanks to the new H2 chip, which not only powers the ANC but also optimizes sound processing in real-time. Transparency mode is also noticeably improved, sounding far more natural and less digitally processed than its predecessor. You can actually hold a conversation without feeling like you’re speaking through a tin can.
Sound quality sees a welcome bump as well. The AirPods Pro 2 deliver a richer, more detailed audio experience with improved clarity across the frequency spectrum. Bass is punchier without being overpowering, and the highs are crisp and clear. While audiophiles might still find room for improvement, the vast majority of users will be thoroughly impressed with the sound signature. The addition of Personalized Spatial Audio, which uses the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to map your head and ears, further enhances the immersive listening experience, creating a wider soundstage and more accurate sound placement.
Design-wise, the AirPods Pro 2 remain largely unchanged, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. They retain the iconic stem design and offer a comfortable, secure fit with a selection of four ear tip sizes (an extra small size is a welcome addition). The charging case, however, receives a significant upgrade with the addition of a built-in speaker and a lanyard loop. The speaker emits a sound when locating the case through the Find My app, making it much easier to track down misplaced AirPods.
Battery life is also improved, offering up to six hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and up to 30 hours with the charging case. This is a solid improvement and should be sufficient for most users. However, the charging case still relies on a Lightning port, which feels outdated in a world increasingly dominated by USB-C. Wireless charging is supported, including MagSafe, which is a convenient alternative.
The AirPods Pro 2 are undeniably impressive, but they aren’t perfect. The price point is still premium, making them a significant investment. While the improvements over the original AirPods Pro are substantial, users who primarily listen in quiet environments may not find the upgrade essential. Finally, while the improved audio quality is noticeable, they still lack the customization options offered by some competitors.
Ultimately, the AirPods Pro 2 are the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market, offering a blend of exceptional ANC, improved sound quality, and thoughtful design refinements. They’re perfect for frequent travelers, commuters, and anyone who wants to escape the distractions of the world and immerse themselves in their music.
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Apple AirPods Pro 2 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 92%
- Design: 94%
- Performance: 93%
- Quality: 93%
- Popularity: 95%
Top Pros
- ✅ Active noise cancellation is exceptionally powerful, blocking out nearly all ambient sounds.
- ✅ Transparency mode sounds remarkably natural, allowing clear awareness of surroundings.
- ✅ Improved sound quality delivers a richer and more detailed audio experience.
Key Cons
- ❌ Charging case still uses a Lightning port instead of the more modern USB-C.
- ❌ The price is relatively high compared to many competitive earbuds.
- ❌ Customization options for sound profiles are fairly limited compared to some rivals.
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