Apple AirPods Pro 2

Design & Comfort

The AirPods Pro 2 retain the same sleek in-ear design as their predecessor but feature enhanced silicone ear tips that come in four sizes (XS, S, M, L) for a better, more customized fit. This ensures a secure seal that improves noise cancellation and overall comfort, making them ideal for long listening sessions, workouts, or travel. Unlike the standard AirPods, these earbuds create a passive noise-isolating effect by sealing off the ear canal.

Apple has also improved the touch controls on the stems. Unlike earlier models that only supported tapping, the AirPods Pro 2 now feature swipe gestures for volume control, in addition to press gestures for playback, ANC, and calls. This allows for more intuitive control without reaching for your phone.

The charging case has also been upgraded with Precision Finding via the Find My app and a built-in speaker for alerts, making it easier to locate if lost. Additionally, the case now includes a lanyard loop, offering users the option to attach it to a keychain or bag.

For durability, the IP54 dust and water resistance rating (upgraded from IPX4) ensures that both the earbuds and charging case can withstand exposure to sweat and minor splashes, making them even more suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

Audio Performance & Active Noise Cancellation

With the H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver significantly improved sound quality compared to the first-generation AirPods Pro. Users can expect richer bass, clearer mids, and crisp highs, providing a more immersive and dynamic listening experience across different music genres and media.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is now twice as effective as the previous model, using advanced algorithms and a new microphone placement to block out background noise with greater precision. Whether you’re on a plane, in a crowded café, or commuting, the H2-powered ANC ensures an undisturbed audio experience.

Apple has also introduced Adaptive Transparency Mode, which intelligently reduces the volume of sudden loud noises (such as sirens or construction sounds) while still allowing ambient sounds to pass through. This makes it ideal for situations where you need awareness of your surroundings without excessive noise intrusion.

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive surround sound experience, adapting the audio to your unique ear shape. This makes listening to Dolby Atmos music, movies, and games feel more engaging, as sound moves naturally based on your head position.

Battery Life & Charging

The AirPods Pro 2 offer up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge (with ANC enabled), an improvement over the first-generation model. With the charging case, users get a total of 30 hours of battery life, making these earbuds reliable for all-day use without frequent recharging.

Charging is now more versatile, with support for USB-C, MagSafe, Qi wireless chargers, and Apple Watch chargers. This eliminates the need for proprietary cables and ensures compatibility with a wide range of charging accessories. A 5-minute quick charge provides 1 hour of additional listening time, making it convenient for users who need a quick battery boost.

The MagSafe-compatible charging case ensures secure attachment to MagSafe chargers, offering more stability compared to traditional wireless charging. This is a small but practical upgrade for users who frequently charge on the go.

Compared to competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver comparable battery life while maintaining seamless Apple ecosystem integration that competitors lack.

Value & Who Should Buy It?

At a price of $249, the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C version) deliver top-tier noise cancellation, superior audio quality, and deep integration with Apple devices, making them a premium choice for users invested in the Apple ecosystem. Features like Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, and improved ANC set them apart from standard AirPods models.

For those who already own AirPods Pro (1st Gen), the decision to upgrade depends on how much they value improved ANC, better battery life, and enhanced transparency mode. While the first-gen model remains excellent, the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 makes a noticeable difference in performance.