Apple’s AirPods have long been a favorite among audiophiles and casual listeners alike, but with the release of the second-generation AirPods Pro, the company has taken its premium audio experience to the next level. With a focus on improved sound quality, better noise cancellation, and refined design, the AirPods Pro 2 are poised to offer a superior listening experience. However, at a premium price point, it’s important to ask: Is the noise cancellation worth the price?
In this comprehensive Apple AirPods Pro 2 review, we will explore the features, performance, and pricing to help you determine whether these wireless earbuds are right for you.
What’s New with the Apple AirPods Pro 2?
Before diving into the review, let’s first look at what sets the AirPods Pro 2 apart from the original model and the competition.
Enhanced Noise Cancellation: Apple claims that the AirPods Pro 2 have “double the noise cancellation” of the original AirPods Pro, thanks to new custom drivers and advanced algorithms.
Improved Sound Quality: With a new custom-built H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 2 promise richer, more detailed sound, with a focus on deep bass and clearer mids and highs.
Better Fit and Comfort: Apple has added more silicone ear tip sizes, ensuring a better fit for a wider range of ear shapes and sizes.
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: For an immersive listening experience, the AirPods Pro 2 support spatial audio, which gives a 3D sound effect that adjusts as you move your head.
Longer Battery Life: Apple has improved the battery life, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on, compared to the 4.5 hours of the original AirPods Pro.
Find My Integration and Improved Charging Case: The new charging case is more feature-rich, with a built-in speaker for easy location tracking via the Find My app. It also features a lightning port, MagSafe charging, and wireless charging support.
Touch Control: The AirPods Pro 2 now allow for volume control directly on the stem via a touch-sensitive area, making it more intuitive to adjust audio on the go.
Design and Comfort
Design
At first glance, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 look very similar to the original AirPods Pro, with their signature in-ear design and small, compact case. However, there are a few subtle design changes that make a noticeable difference in terms of fit and functionality.
The second-generation AirPods Pro come with a more secure and comfortable fit, thanks to the inclusion of additional silicone ear tips. While the previous version only offered three sizes of tips, the AirPods Pro 2 now come with four sizes, catering to a wider range of ear shapes. The smaller sizes, in particular, offer a much more snug fit for those with smaller ears, ensuring a better seal and, therefore, better noise cancellation.
The earbuds themselves are lightweight, and the stem is slightly shorter compared to the original, giving them a sleeker, more refined appearance. The case also received a design overhaul, now featuring a built-in speaker to help you locate it easily if misplaced. The case is also slightly more compact and has a new lanyard loop, making it even easier to attach to bags or keychains for added convenience.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the AirPods Pro 2 truly shine. The new ear tips, combined with the customizable fit, help create a more comfortable experience for extended listening sessions. The silicone tips create a secure seal in your ear, which not only enhances the noise-canceling capabilities but also ensures that they stay in place during activities like walking, jogging, or working out.
While the in-ear design might not be ideal for everyone, those who are used to in-ear headphones will appreciate the comfortable fit and the lightweight design of the AirPods Pro 2. The extra ear tip options also help reduce discomfort during prolonged use.
Performance and Sound Quality
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
One of the key selling points of the AirPods Pro 2 is their enhanced noise cancellation, which Apple claims is twice as effective as the original AirPods Pro. This is a significant improvement for those who frequently find themselves in noisy environments, such as on public transportation or at a busy coffee shop.
The AirPods Pro 2 feature a custom H2 chip that works in tandem with advanced algorithms to block out more external noise. In practical terms, this means that you’ll experience a much quieter environment, whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. The noise cancellation is incredibly effective, especially in mid-range frequencies like the hum of an airplane or the chatter of a crowded room.
Apple has also included a “Transparency Mode,” which allows you to hear the world around you while still enjoying your audio. This is perfect for situations like walking outside, where you may need to be aware of your surroundings, but still want to listen to music or take a call.
Sound Quality
The AirPods Pro 2 offer a substantial improvement in sound quality over the original model. The new H2 chip enables a richer, more dynamic sound experience, with more detailed bass and clearer mids and highs. The sound is well-balanced, offering the full spectrum of audio frequencies without distortion or imbalance.
The bass, in particular, stands out. The deep, punchy lows are perfect for genres like hip hop, EDM, or rock, while the mids and highs shine with vocals and acoustic music. This makes the AirPods Pro 2 versatile for a wide range of listening preferences, from casual music enjoyment to more discerning audiophile tastes.
Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 support spatial audio, which creates a more immersive listening experience by simulating a surround sound effect. This is particularly noticeable when watching movies or TV shows with Dolby Atmos support, as the sound seems to come from all around you. The dynamic head tracking ensures that the sound adjusts as you move your head, making it feel as if the audio is coming from the screen.
Call Quality
Apple’s AirPods have always been known for their exceptional call quality, and the AirPods Pro 2 are no exception. Thanks to improved microphones and noise reduction technology, your voice comes through crystal clear, even in noisy environments. Whether you're on a call in a busy street or a crowded cafe, the AirPods Pro 2 do an excellent job of isolating your voice from background noise.
Battery Life
One of the most notable improvements in the AirPods Pro 2 is the increase in battery life. With noise cancellation turned on, you can expect up to 6 hours of listening time, a significant boost from the original AirPods Pro's 4.5 hours. This makes the AirPods Pro 2 a better choice for long listening sessions, especially when you’re traveling or commuting.
The charging case also provides additional battery life, offering up to 30 hours of total listening time. The case supports both wireless and wired charging, and with the addition of a MagSafe charger, it’s easier than ever to keep your AirPods Pro 2 topped up.
Connectivity and Compatibility
As with all Apple products, the AirPods Pro 2 offer seamless connectivity with Apple devices. Thanks to the H2 chip, pairing with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is quick and effortless. Once connected, you’ll have access to features like automatic device switching, which allows the AirPods Pro 2 to switch between your devices without needing to manually disconnect and reconnect.
The AirPods Pro 2 also support the “Find My” feature, so you can easily locate them using the Find My app on your iPhone or Mac. Additionally, if you misplace your charging case, the built-in speaker can play a sound to help you locate it, a small but useful feature.
Pricing: Is It Worth the Money?
The AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249, which is a significant jump from the regular AirPods, which start at $159. However, considering the improvements in noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery life, many will find the premium price tag justified.
While the AirPods Pro 2 are undoubtedly expensive, they offer a lot of value for those who prioritize high-quality sound, excellent noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. If you already own the first-generation AirPods Pro, the second generation may be worth the upgrade, particularly if you’re looking for better noise cancellation and improved sound.
Pros and Cons of the Apple AirPods Pro 2
Pros:
- Enhanced active noise cancellation
- Improved sound quality with deeper bass and clearer mids
- Comfortable fit with additional ear tip sizes
- Longer battery life (up to 6 hours with ANC)
- Support for spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Seamless integration with Apple devices and Find My features
Cons:
- High price point at $249
- In-ear design may not be comfortable for everyone
- No significant design overhaul (similar to the original AirPods Pro)
Conclusion: Are the AirPods Pro 2 Worth It?
If you’re looking for a pair of premium wireless earbuds with top-tier noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are definitely worth considering. The improvements over the original model, especially in noise cancellation and sound quality, make them a compelling choice for anyone willing to invest in high-end audio technology.
While the price is steep, the AirPods Pro 2 offer an exceptional listening experience, especially if you’re already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. For those who are in the market for a premium, feature-rich pair of earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 are hard to beat.
Ultimately, if noise cancellation and immersive sound are your priorities, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver, making them a worthy purchase for those who can justify the cost.
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