The Apple AirPods Pro 2, the next iteration of Apple’s premium true wireless earbuds, offers significant upgrades over the original model while maintaining the signature features that made the first generation a success. Let’s dive into the key aspects of the AirPods Pro 2:
Design:
Apple hasn’t changed much in the design department. The AirPods Pro 2 retain the same iconic look—compact, lightweight, and with the recognizable white finish. The earbuds are comfortable to wear, offering a snug fit with customizable silicone ear tips (available in four sizes now) to ensure a secure seal. The stem is still short, and the overall aesthetic remains sleek and minimalist.
Audio Quality:
One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the improved sound quality. The new H2 chip enhances audio performance, offering richer bass and clearer highs, along with a more balanced overall sound. This generation provides a more immersive experience, with greater clarity and depth to music, podcasts, and calls. The addition of Adaptive EQ ensures that audio is tuned in real time based on the shape of your ear, offering a more personalized listening experience.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode:
The ANC in AirPods Pro 2 has been significantly improved. Apple claims it’s twice as effective as the first generation, and in real-world use, it delivers better noise isolation, especially in loud environments like airplanes, busy streets, or public transportation. The enhanced Transparency Mode is another strong feature. It lets you hear ambient sounds with greater clarity while still enjoying your music or making calls. This is ideal for staying aware of your surroundings without having to remove the earbuds.
Spatial Audio:
The AirPods Pro 2 take full advantage of Apple’s Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature enhances the immersive experience when watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. It feels like the sound is coming from all around you, providing a surround-sound-like experience. With the Personalize Spatial Audio option, the sound can be customized even further by using your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to map the shape of your ears.
Battery Life:
Battery life has been improved with the AirPods Pro 2. You now get up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge (with ANC on), which is an improvement over the 4.5 hours offered by the original. With the MagSafe charging case, you can get up to 30 hours of total listening time. The case itself has received some upgrades, including a built-in speaker for Find My alerts and a lanyard loop for easier portability.
Connectivity and Controls:
Thanks to the H2 chip, pairing the AirPods Pro 2 with Apple devices is seamless. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection and low-latency performance. The touch controls have been refined as well, allowing you to adjust volume by sliding your finger along the stem, a new feature that wasn’t available in the first version. As always, voice control with Siri remains easy and intuitive.
Durability:
The AirPods Pro 2 are rated IPX4, meaning they are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. While they can handle splashes and sweat, they’re not designed to be submerged in water.
Price:
The AirPods Pro 2 are priced at a premium, consistent with Apple’s product line. While they may be expensive compared to other wireless earbuds, the performance and features you get justify the price. For users invested in the Apple ecosystem, they are an excellent choice, offering a seamless experience with iOS devices.
Pros of Apple AirPods Pro 2:
- Improved sound quality with richer bass and clarity
- Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
- Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Longer battery life (up to 30 hours with case)
- Touch volume controls and seamless Apple device integration
- Comfortable fit with four ear tip sizes
- MagSafe charging case with Find My support
Cons:
- Expensive compared to non-Apple alternatives
- Limited customization options for non-Apple users
- IPX4 rating could be higher for better water resistance
Verdict:
The AirPods Pro 2 are an outstanding upgrade for anyone looking for a premium wireless earbud experience, especially those within the Apple ecosystem. With improved sound quality, better noise cancellation, and enhanced battery life, they offer a significant step up from the original model. The seamless integration with Apple devices, combined with features like Spatial Audio and Adaptive Transparency Mode, makes them one of the best wireless earbuds on the market, particularly for iPhone users. If you’re looking for comfort, top-tier performance, and ecosystem benefits, the AirPods Pro 2 are hard to beat.