Why the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Are the Best Wireless Earbuds for Apple Users
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We judge all headphones and earbuds on a scale of 10, analyzing the categories we think are most important: sound, comfort, design, battery performance, and, if applicable, special features. Here's how the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) stack up.
The second-generation AirPods Pro have finally arrived — and they were well worth the wait. Almost 3 years after the iconic original, the new Airpods Pro feature a slew of upgrades and improvements, making their $249 price tag worth investing in if your budget allows. The sequel has next-level audio performance and noise cancellation, thanks to its new H2 chip, along with improved ergonomics and longer battery life.
Apple unveiled the range-topping true wireless earphones during its September “Far Out” keynote event. After 2 weeks as my go-to set of wireless earbuds, the new AirPods Pro impressed me and across the board — and they were noticeably better than the legendary original. Here’s why the design and performance upgrades make the second-generation AirPods Pro the best audio sidekick for your iPhone.
SCORES
Sound: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10
Design: 9/10
Battery Performance: 8/10
Overall Score: 9/10
APPLE AIRPODS (2ND GENERATION) AT A GLANCE
Excellent sound and noise cancellation
Exceptional comfort and convenient controls
Up to 6 hours of battery life
IPX4 water-resistant
SOUND: 9/10
The audio quality of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is nothing short of excellent. The earphones’ new audio hardware delivered enjoyable sound throughout the entire frequency range, making their sound quality fitting for their price point. Throughout my testing, the combination of a rich bass, a balanced midrange, and a vibrant treble brought out the very best of every track I played.
Every AirPods iteration is designed to appeal to a broad range of music tastes, and the latest Pro is no exception. Their audio delivery— from live jazz recordings through downtempo tracks, all the way to podcasts — was always stellar, making the new AirPods Pro’s sound quality undoubtedly superior to the first generation’s.
The Airpods Pro also offer spatial audio capabilities for even more immersive listening. I enjoyed using the dynamic head tracking feature for a lifelike acoustic experience. This feature allows audio to shift from the left to the right earbud as you move your head, which gives you the feeling of being in a live audience or even sitting in the artists’ recording studio.
Powered by the new Apple H2 chip, the noise cancellation of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is outstanding and a legit best-in-class contender. During my testing, the buds produced almost complete silence — an expression I have reserved for just a few sets of noise-canceling headphones and earbuds over the years.
Conveniently, while I was testing the AirPods Pro, the traffic in my neighborhood was louder than usual, presenting me with an extra noisy environment to really put this feature to the test. Thankfully, the latest AirPods excelled in these conditions, allowing me to enjoy a disruption-free workflow.
In addition to vastly better noise cancellation, the H2 chip also improved the transparency mode of the new AirPods Pro. The must-have functionality made jarring noises (e.g., emergency vehicle sirens, honking, etc.) more bearable without disconnecting me from the world around me. The improved functionality was a lifesaver during my morning rush hour walks to the office.
To no surprise, the second-generation AirPods Pro delivered phenomenal call quality during my testing, regardless of whether I was indoors or outside. Participants in FaceTime, telephone, and Zoom calls heard me clearly, and so did I.
Apple equipped the new AirPods Pro with Bluetooth 5.3 — the latest version of the wireless connectivity standard. While I put them through their paces, the earbuds maintained an impeccable link to an iPhone 14 Pro, an Apple Watch Series 8, and a MacBook Pro.
COMFORT: 10/10
The upgraded AirPods Pro are the comfiest stem earbuds I've ever experienced. I used the buds through entire battery charges without feeling discomfort, fatigue, or needing to take a break from wearing them. Their retail package includes several sets of super soft ear tips for finding a perfect fit.
Weighing just a tad above 5 grams each, the AirPods Pro are some of the lightest earbuds on the market. Pricier top-shelf product rivals like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the Sony WF-1000XM4 are bulkier and more unwieldy in comparison.
The earphones’ touch controls, like their noise cancellation and comfort, are also fantastic. Playback and call controls take place via single or multiple gentle presses on either bud, while toggling between noise cancellation and transparency mode needs longer ones.
Previously, you could only locally adjust the volume on the AirPods Max wireless cans. Apple’s true wireless earphones required interactions with the audio source or “Hey Siri” voice commands, so it’s great to see the handy feature arrive on the new AirPods Pro.
You can access AirPods Pro’s settings and customize their controls by simply going into your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings — no extra apps needed. The menu options include an ear tip test and the ability to create a personalized spatial audio experience by scanning your ears with the iPhone’s True Depth camera.
Pairing the AirPods is as easy as bringing the earphones close to your iPhone and opening their case’s lid. Once the seconds-long process is complete, the buds will connect to all Apple devices that use the same iCloud account.
DESIGN: 9/10
The new AirPods Pro are almost indistinguishable from the first generation. Save for the different placement of a set of vents, the two product iterations are practically identical, sporting an instantly recognizable stem silhouette and the iconic glossy white finish. Telling the Pro apart from the similarly shaped third-generation AirPods is easier because the latter has no silicone tips.
An IPX4 rating for water resistance and the secure fit brought by the silicone ear tips make the AirPods Pro suitable for exercising like the outgoing model. Unless you plan to run in heavy rain or through ultramarathons, you don’t need to look for a set of earbuds with a higher durability rating.
I tip my hat to Apple for treating the latest AirPods Pro to the most high-tech charging case in the industry. The essential accessory’s novelties include Apple’s U1 chip for tracking it like an AirTag, an integrated speaker for playing sounds to locate it, and an integrated lanyard look for safekeeping and customization. To top things off, the bundled gadget is IPX4 water-resistant like the earbuds, so it can handle spills and splashes of water.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE: 8/10
The 6-hour maximum battery life of the new AirPods Pro is excellent, considering the earbuds’ size, comfort, and onboard tech features. It’s also a significant improvement over the endurance of the previous generation. However, chatty users who plan to take many calls on the new Pro might wish the 4.5-hour maximum talk time were a bit longer.
Big-name rivals with longer battery life are bulkier and less comfy. I didn’t mind trading more frequent charging trips for a seamless fit and no fatigue.
The feature-packed charging case of the AirPods Pro holds four additional charges for up to 30 hours of freedom between charging sessions. When it comes to charging options, the accessory is also in a league of its own. You can power the earphones using a Lightning cable, a wireless or a MagSafe charger, and the charging dock of your Apple Watch.
OVERALL: 9/10
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are an excellent pair of earbuds and are worth every penny of their hefty price tag. They’re your best option if you’re looking for a great set of wireless earphones for your shiny new iPhone and any other Apple gadget your own. The combination of performance and hardware integration that you get with the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is second to none.
Like all Apple products, the AirPods are infinitely customizable via an incredible selection of protective cases.
Shop AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
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