After six months of daily use, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver a compelling audio experience deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem. This review dives into the earbuds' strengths and weaknesses, offering a balanced perspective for potential buyers. We’ll explore the seamless connectivity across iPhones, Macs, Apple TVs, and even the Vision Pro, examining the impact of the H2 chip on audio quality and the effectiveness of features like spatial audio and active noise cancellation. Comfort, battery life, and microphone performance will also be assessed.Beyond the technical specifications, we’ll discuss the user experience, addressing the practicality of the charging case, the intuitiveness of the controls, and the overall comfort during extended use. We’ll weigh the pros and cons, such as the premium sound quality versus the lack of replaceable batteries and the scratch-prone case. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of whether the AirPods Pro 2 live up to the hype and are a worthwhile investment for you.
Pros And Cons
- Excellent Apple ecosystem integration (seamless switching between devices)
- Excellent spatial audio
- Good sound quality with clear sound and wide soundstage
- Good noise cancellation for lower frequency noise
- Good transparency mode
- Comfortable for extended wear
- USBC charging case with Find My integration and loud integrated speaker
- IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant
- Good physical controls
- Integration with Apple's digital assistant (hands-free)
- Automatic noise reduction to protect ears from damage
- Easy to find settings in the settings app on Apple devices
- Cannot adjust EQ
- Less pronounced bass in mid to low range compared to AirPods 4
- Noise cancellation not perfect for higher pitched noises
- Potential for ear ringing after extended use
- Case scratches easily and is slippery
- Occasional connection and sound balance issues after physical damage
- Assistant defaults to AirPods when controlling home devices, requiring room specification
- Non-replaceable battery
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Apple Ecosystem Integration: A Seamless Experience
The AirPods Pro 2 seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem. Pairing is effortless across all your Apple devices—iPhone, Mac, Apple TV, and even the Vision Pro. Switching between devices is rapid and intuitive; I've experienced no hiccups in the six months I've used them. This effortless connectivity enhances productivity and entertainment.
The inclusion of the USB-C charging case further elevates the experience, particularly with the lossless audio connection for the Vision Pro. This, coupled with the H2 chip in both the earbuds and the Vision Pro, delivers pure, uncompressed audio in real-time. A truly premium audio experience.
Exceptional Spatial Audio and Sound Quality
Spatial audio on the AirPods Pro 2 is exceptional, surpassing other earbuds I've tested. The immersive, theater-like sound is a significant advantage, especially when enjoying Dolby Atmos music. The sound is more dynamic and engaging than what I’ve experienced from competitors.
The overall sound profile is excellent, with detailed highs and a wide soundstage. While the bass isn't as pronounced as in some other models, the seal created in the ear delivers satisfyingly deep bass notes. The lack of EQ adjustment to boost bass is a minor drawback, however.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Active noise cancellation effectively blocks out low-frequency noise, perfect for flights and noisy commutes. However, higher-pitched sounds, like those in a kitchen, do leak through. While generally effective, I noticed more instances of ear ringing after extended use compared to my Sony WF-1000XM5s, potentially due to less effective passive noise isolation.
Transparency mode is a standout feature, excellent for situational awareness. It allows for natural conversation while still listening to audio, enhancing the overall user experience. Though impressive, it's not quite as seamless as the AirPods Max's transparency mode.
Comfort, Design, and Case Features
Surprisingly, comfort is a highlight. Unlike my experience with the first-generation AirPods Pro, these are comfortable for extended wear—hours without discomfort. Your experience may vary based on ear shape and size, of course.
The charging case boasts several excellent features: Find My integration for easy location tracking, a loud integrated speaker, USB-C charging, and compatibility with MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers. The included lanyard loop is practical and convenient.
Battery Life, Microphone Quality, and Controls
Battery life is decent, lasting about 6 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. The case provides an additional 30 hours of listening time. Microphone quality is generally good, though some distortion can occur during recordings.
The physical controls, while innovative, require some adjustment. The touch-sensitive stems provide haptic feedback mimicking a click, but adjusting the volume requires a precise swipe and sometimes needs a second attempt. Integration with Apple's digital assistant works seamlessly.
Additional Features and Downsides
Features like adaptive audio, personalized volume, conversation boost, and background sounds are available but weren't heavily used during my testing. Hearing aid functionality, while noteworthy, requires a hearing test and may not be for everyone.
Some downsides include a scratch-prone and slippery case. After a fall, I experienced intermittent connection and sound balance issues. The defaulting of Siri responses to AirPods Pro 2 instead of HomePods in the home environment is annoying and unfixable. Lack of replaceable batteries is also a significant drawback.
Conclusion: Are AirPods Pro 2 Worth It?
The AirPods Pro 2 are excellent earbuds, especially for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. Seamless integration, fantastic spatial audio, and effective (though not perfect) noise cancellation are significant highlights. Comfort has also significantly improved over the first generation.
However, the scratch-prone case, potential connection issues, and lack of replaceable batteries are downsides to consider. While they're not perfect, particularly for noisy environments where high-pitched sounds are prominent, the overall package makes them a worthwhile purchase for most Apple users.