Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have landed, and the hype is real – but does it live up to the billing? These aren’t just incremental improvements; they represent a significant step forward in audio fidelity, noise cancellation, and overall user experience. We’ve put them through their paces to see if they truly reign supreme in the crowded premium earbud market.
The H2 chip is the heart of this upgrade, enabling a noticeable leap in audio performance. Expect richer bass, clearer highs, and a more detailed soundstage than the original AirPods Pro. Adaptive EQ is now even smarter, finely tuning the sound to the unique shape of your ear canal in real-time. The result? A consistently impressive listening experience across various music genres.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is where the AirPods Pro 2 truly shine. Apple claims double the noise cancellation of the previous generation, and in our testing, this claim largely holds true. Loud ambient sounds, from rumbling trains to bustling city streets, are effectively silenced. Transparency mode also receives a substantial upgrade, sounding remarkably natural and allowing you to hear your surroundings with impressive clarity. It’s so good, you might forget you’re wearing earbuds.
The design remains largely unchanged, but subtle tweaks enhance comfort. An extra-small ear tip is now included, catering to a wider range of ear sizes. The charging case gets a welcome addition: a built-in speaker for precise Find My tracking and audible alerts, and a lanyard loop. While the overall aesthetic is familiar, these subtle improvements make a tangible difference in everyday use. Battery life is also improved, offering up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 24 hours.
However, the AirPods Pro 2 aren’t perfect. While the ANC is excellent, it still struggles slightly with sudden, high-pitched noises. The Find My integration, while improved, still relies on proximity and can be less effective in densely populated areas. And, despite the enhanced audio quality, audiophiles may still find themselves reaching for dedicated headphones for critical listening.
For those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and seeking a premium, feature-rich earbud experience, the AirPods Pro 2 are a clear winner. The improved audio, best-in-class noise cancellation, and enhanced usability make them a worthy upgrade.
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 95%
- Design: 89%
- Performance: 90%
- Quality: 89%
- Popularity: 91%
Top Pros
- ✅ Audio quality is significantly improved with richer bass and clearer highs.
- ✅ Active Noise Cancellation is remarkably effective in silencing ambient noise.
- ✅ Transparency mode sounds natural and allows clear environmental awareness.
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Key Cons
- ❌ The design is aesthetically similar to the previous generation.
- ❌ Active Noise Cancellation is not perfect with sudden high-pitched noises.
- ❌ The price point may be prohibitive for budget-conscious consumers.
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