It's been six months since the AirPods Pro 2 hit the market, and we've been using them almost daily. The updates were significant enough to warrant the "Pro 2" moniker, so we wanted to see if they live up to the hype. We'll break down the pros and cons based on our experience and address some of the most common concerns.
Performance:
Sound Quality:
The AirPods Pro 2 sound exceptional. The new "H2 chip" and the "Adaptive Transparency" features significantly improve the audio quality. Let's start with the sound quality. The "H2 chip" boasts enhanced audio processing capabilities, leading to a more detailed and nuanced listening experience. The bass is punchier, the highs are clearer, and the mids are more defined. This translates to a richer, more dynamic sound that's perfect for all genres of music. We also noticed a more precise soundstage that creates a more immersive and spatially aware sound.
Noise Cancellation:
We were already impressed with the noise cancellation capabilities of the original AirPods Pro, but the AirPods Pro 2 push the boundaries even further. The Adaptive Transparency feature truly shines. It's a game-changer for those who want to enjoy their music without being completely isolated from the world. This feature automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level depending on your environment. For example, it can amplify the sound of an approaching car or a nearby conversation while still keeping the background noise at bay.
Transparency Mode:
The transparency mode is also improved with the AirPods Pro 2. It's no longer that hollow and tinny sound we experienced with the original AirPods Pro. Instead, it's clearer and more natural, allowing you to hear your surroundings more clearly. This is a great feature for those who want to be aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their music or taking calls.
Features:
New Features:
Let's talk about the features that the AirPods Pro 2 have brought to the table.
Touch Controls:
The touch controls on the AirPods Pro 2 are much more responsive and intuitive than before. You can now use them to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and even access Siri. The touch controls are highly customizable, allowing you to configure them to your liking.
Find My:
The new "Find My" integration for the AirPods Pro 2 is a game-changer. It's now possible to locate your AirPods even if they're not connected to your phone. This is a huge benefit for those who often misplace their headphones. If your AirPods Pro 2 are ever lost or stolen, you can use the "Find My" app to locate them on a map and even play a sound to help you find them.
Charging Case:
The charging case is another significant improvement. It now has a built-in speaker, so you can use "Find My" to track down your case even if the AirPods aren't inside. The charging case also features a new USB-C port, making it easier to charge.
Case Speaker:
Speaking of the speaker on the charging case, it's a feature we didn't expect to love as much as we do. If you're ever searching for your charging case, you can play a sound through it. This makes it incredibly easy to find the case, even if it's buried at the bottom of a bag or in a dark corner.
Overall:
The AirPods Pro 2 is packed with features that enhance the overall user experience. It's evident that Apple has paid attention to user feedback and made significant improvements.
Fit and Comfort:
Ear Tips:
The AirPods Pro 2 comes with four sizes of ear tips, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your ears. This leads to a comfortable and secure fit, which is essential for a good listening experience. The ear tips are also made of silicone, which helps to isolate noise and create a more immersive listening experience.
Overall:
The AirPods Pro 2 are incredibly comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. They're also very secure, which is crucial for active lifestyles.
Battery Life:
Battery Life:
The AirPods Pro 2 offer up to six hours of listening time on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 30 hours of listening time. This means that you can enjoy up to 36 hours of total listening time, which is more than enough for most people.
Charging:
The AirPods Pro 2 are also very quick to charge. Just five minutes of charging will give you an hour of listening time.
Overall:
The battery life of the AirPods Pro 2 is excellent. It's easily one of the best in the market and makes it a reliable choice for long trips or commutes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Improved transparency mode
- New features, including touch controls, Find My, and a speaker in the case
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- No wireless charging case (need to purchase separately)
- Some users have reported issues with the touch controls
Comparison to the Original AirPods Pro:
Upgrade Worth It?
The AirPods Pro 2 offer significant improvements over the original AirPods Pro. The sound quality, noise cancellation, transparency mode, and features are all noticeably better. If you're looking for the best possible sound and noise cancellation experience, the AirPods Pro 2 are definitely worth the upgrade.
Original AirPods Pro Still Good?
That said, the original AirPods Pro are still a great option, especially if you're on a budget. They offer good sound quality, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit.
Price:
The price difference between the two models is significant. The AirPods Pro 2 cost $249, while the original AirPods Pro cost $199.
FAQ
Q: Are the AirPods Pro 2 worth the upgrade from the original AirPods Pro?
A: If you're looking for the best possible sound quality, noise cancellation, and features, then the AirPods Pro 2 are definitely worth the upgrade. However, the original AirPods Pro are still a good option if you're on a budget.
Q: Are the AirPods Pro 2 compatible with Android phones?
A: Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 are compatible with Android phones. However, you won't be able to access all of the features, such as spatial audio and automatic device switching.
Q: Are the AirPods Pro 2 water-resistant?
A: Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, which means they can withstand splashes of water from any direction.
Q: How do I adjust the touch controls on the AirPods Pro 2?
A: You can adjust the touch controls on the AirPods Pro 2 using the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
Q: Can I use the AirPods Pro 2 for phone calls?
A: Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 can be used for phone calls. The built-in microphones provide excellent call quality, even in noisy environments.
Conclusion:
The AirPods Pro 2 are an excellent upgrade over the original AirPods Pro. They offer exceptional sound quality, noise cancellation, and features. The comfortable fit, excellent battery life, and the addition of a speaker on the charging case make them a great option for anyone looking for a premium wireless headphone experience. However, the price is a bit steep, and the lack of a wireless charging case might be a dealbreaker for some.
While it's true that the price tag can be a barrier for some, we believe that the AirPods Pro 2 offer a high-quality listening experience that's worth the investment, especially if you're an audiophile or someone who frequently uses noise cancellation. We highly recommend them.