Apple AirPods Pro 2 Review
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a worthy successor to the original model, offering improved noise cancellation, enhanced sound quality, and a feature-rich case. While they may not reinvent the wireless earbud market, they remain the best choice for iPhone users due to seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
Design and Build
The AirPods Pro 2 retain the classic, minimalist design of their predecessors, with minor updates. The charging case now includes a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning connector. The buds remain lightweight and comfortable, ensuring a snug fit for most users.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is its enhanced ANC. It effectively reduces background noise, allowing users to focus on their audio content. While not as powerful as some dedicated noise-cancelling headphones, it offers a substantial improvement over the original AirPods Pro.
Sound Quality
Equipped with the H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver richer bass, clearer highs, and a broader soundstage. While audiophiles might find higher-end options more satisfying, these earbuds offer impressive sound quality for most listeners.
Spatial Audio
Apple’s Spatial Audio technology, supported by the AirPods Pro 2, provides an immersive listening experience with compatible content. Whether it’s Dolby Atmos music or a movie, Spatial Audio adds depth and dimension, elevating the audio experience.
Battery Life
The AirPods Pro 2 offer up to 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours with the case. This is an improvement over the first-generation model, making them ideal for extended listening sessions or travel.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Processor | H2 Chip |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Adaptive Transparency |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Spatial Audio | Yes |
| Head Tracking | Dynamic Head Tracking |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 6 hours |
| Battery Life (With Case) | 30 hours |
| Charging Case | USB-C, Wireless Charging |
| Case Charging Options | MagSafe, Qi, Apple Watch Charger |
| Earbuds Weight | 5.4g each |
| Charging Case Weight | 45.6g |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (Sweat and Water Resistant) |
| Audio Codec Support | Apple Lossless (ALAC) |
| Ear Tip Sizes | XS, S, M, L |
| Charging Time | Approximately 1 hour |
| Driver | Custom High-Excursion |
| Microphone | Dual Beamforming Microphones |
| Acoustic Vents | Optimized for Noise Reduction |
| Soundstage | Wide, Immersive |
| Call Quality | HD Voice Support |
| Touch Controls | Volume Swipe, Tap Controls |
| Siri Integration | Hands-free |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes |
| Personalized Spatial Audio | Yes, via iPhone Camera |
| Fast Charging | Yes |
| U1 Chip | Yes, Precision Finding |
| Find My Feature | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker (Case) | Yes |
| Battery Notification Sounds | Yes, via Case Speaker |
| Case Lanyard Loop | Yes |
| Compatibility | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS |
| OS Requirement | iOS 17 or later |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Environmental Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
| Custom Amplifier | Yes |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes, iOS 17 Feature |
| Conversation Awareness | Yes |
| Dual-Optical Sensors | Yes |
| Price | $279 / £249 / AU$399 |
| Date of Release | September 2022 (Lightning) |
| Updated Release | September 2023 (USB-C) |
Improved Features
The AirPods Pro 2 come packed with features like IPX4 water and sweat resistance, wireless charging, and swipe controls for easy navigation. They also support Apple Lossless (ALAC) streaming, providing high-quality audio experiences for Apple Music subscribers.
Adaptive Transparency Mode
A new feature called Adaptive Transparency dampens sudden, loud noises while maintaining environmental awareness. This is particularly useful for urban commuters who need to be aware of their surroundings but still enjoy music or podcasts.
Apple Ecosystem Integration
The AirPods Pro 2 offer seamless pairing and switching between Apple devices, further cementing their position as the go-to earbuds for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. Features like personalized Spatial Audio and conversation awareness further enhance user experience.
Charging Case Upgrades
The new charging case now has a built-in speaker, which helps locate it when lost. The inclusion of the U1 chip also enables Precision Finding with the Find My app. The case supports MagSafe, Qi, and Apple Watch charging, offering versatile charging options.
Price and Competition
Retailing at $249 / £249, the AirPods Pro 2 remain competitively priced, especially with the updated USB-C version. Competing models like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II may offer better sound quality, but the AirPods Pro 2 excel in usability and ecosystem integration.
Verdict
The AirPods Pro 2 are a solid upgrade for anyone in the Apple ecosystem. With improved ANC, better sound, and numerous smart features, they are an excellent choice for users seeking convenience, high-quality audio, and seamless device integration.
