AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Review: Experience unmatched sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, and longer battery life. These headphones are perfect for immersive audio and seamless connectivity on the go.
They are absolutely amazing!
After relying on the Google Pixel Buds Pro as my primary earbuds for over a year, I decided it was time for a change.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the Pixel Buds Pro and the clever features they bring to the table. However, as I’ve returned to using the Apple ecosystem, I felt it was the right moment to upgrade.
Initially, I wasn’t planning to go for the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). My attention was actually on the Beats Studio Buds Plus, particularly the transparent design that I found appealing, not to mention my preference for earbuds without stems.
In my opinion, earbuds without stems generally look sleeker and more contemporary, though the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), launched in September 2023, are a notable exception.
Besides, having used the first-generation AirPods Pro a few years ago, I was keen on something more thrilling, though I now realize my perspective then might have been misguided. Let me explain why…
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Review about Exceptional Active Noise Cancellation
Navigating public transport is often a noisy and unpleasant experience. Since I frequently travel by public transit, having earbuds with strong active noise cancellation (ANC) has become a necessity for me.
Some people might dismiss ANC as just a fancy add-on, but once you experience a quality implementation, it’s hard to return to ordinary earbuds.
The Pixel Buds Pro does offer decent noise-canceling capabilities, but during longer journeys, I often opted for the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC instead. In fact, I even used the Liberty 4 NC as my daily earbuds for a short period!
Ultimately, I returned to the Pixel Buds Pro because of their smart features.
As for the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), they deliver a truly outstanding level of ANC. I can easily sit on a noisy train and focus on work or unwind without being disturbed by crying children or chatter-filled carriages.
These earbuds also perform exceptionally well in cafes or other bustling environments! I often wear them at my job in an open-plan office, where the ambient noise can become overwhelming during busy times.
Additionally, the Adaptive Audio feature, which seamlessly blends ANC with Transparency mode and adjusts to the surrounding noise, is an incredible innovation.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Review about Transparency Mode That Impresses
If your earbuds include ANC, having an effective transparency mode becomes equally important.
Transparency mode is invaluable for tasks like placing an order at a coffee shop or showing your ticket to a train inspector.
In this aspect, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro excels.
I can easily hold conversations with people, even if they speak in a quieter tone.
Technology occasionally fails us, and train announcements are no exception—often too faint or unclear.
Recently, I encountered this issue on a platform where announcements were barely audible. Using the AirPods Pro in transparency mode, I could hear the platform change announcement clearly, avoiding any confusion.
Another feature I appreciate is Conversation Awareness, which lowers the volume of your audio and amplifies nearby voices when someone starts speaking to you.
This is particularly handy in an office setting, where coworkers may come over to discuss something while you’re wearing your earbuds.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Review about Superior Sound Quality
When it comes to audio performance, everyone’s preferences differ; some like balanced sound, others favor bass-heavy tunes, and some prefer a blend of both.
Defining “good sound quality” is subjective and varies from person to person. That’s why I always share my personal experience when discussing audio products.
Personally, I enjoy a sound profile that highlights clarity and allows every instrument to stand out, while also delivering impactful bass.
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) ticks all those boxes for me, providing a rich, satisfying audio experience.
Vocals are particularly crisp, which enhances calls, podcasts, and audiobooks—activities I engage in frequently during my travels.
I’d even say that listening to audiobooks with these has been transformative for me!
In my opinion, these earbuds cater perfectly to my audio preferences.
Packed with Practical Features
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) comes with a host of useful functionalities that complement their premium sound and ANC capabilities.
For instance, the built-in speaker on the charging case helps you locate it if misplaced, and the integration with the Find My app is incredibly handy.
You can even use this feature to locate an individual earbud, though the alarm isn’t as loud as it is for the case.
While I haven’t had to rely on Find My in a real-world scenario yet, I tested it in my office, and it worked seamlessly.
Another fun feature is Spatial Audio with head tracking, which might seem gimmicky to some, but I find it enhances the experience of watching movies.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up my thoughts on the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), I think they’re absolutely fantastic.
Although I’ve only been using them for a month, they’ve already become my go-to earbuds, and I expect that to remain the case for a long time.
I’m genuinely surprised I didn’t consider them sooner, as they fit my lifestyle perfectly.
That’s the thing with tech—everyone has their own preferences, and that’s completely fine, given the abundance of great wireless earbuds available!