Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds with USB-C Charging, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) continue the legacy of top-tier earbuds, delivering superb sound quality, impressive active noise cancellation (ANC), and a comfortable fit. However, their seamless functionality thrives within the Apple ecosystem, making them a less optimal choice for Android users.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
Image credit: Apple
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offer a host of features that cater predominantly to users entrenched within Apple’s ecosystem, emphasizing a seamless, integrated experience. A standout feature is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which effectively minimizes ambient noise, elevating the listening experience in bustling environments. The ANC performance, although robust, might not reach its full potential when paired with non-Apple devices due to limitations in firmware updates and device compatibility.
The introduction of multiple silicone ear tips marks a substantial leap in comfort and fit customization, allowing users to find the ideal size for an enhanced, snug seal, crucial for both sound quality and noise isolation. However, the in-ear detection functionality, a convenient feature to pause playback when removing the buds, doesn’t perform as expected outside the Apple ecosystem, affecting user convenience.
Seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem showcases the AirPods Pro’s strength, allowing effortless pairing across various Apple devices and automatic switching between them. This integration streamlines the user experience, providing a level of convenience that might be unmatched for Apple device users. Yet, this feature’s absence or limited functionality on non-Apple devices hampers its appeal for a broader audience.
The spatial audio feature, when used with supported Apple devices, offers an immersive sound experience, simulating a surround-sound environment by tracking head movement for an engaging audio experience. However, this functionality remains exclusive to Apple devices, limiting its accessibility for non-Apple users.
In essence, the AirPods Pro’s feature set is geared towards enhancing the user experience within Apple’s ecosystem, emphasizing seamless connectivity, ANC, and spatial audio. However, these features lose their full potential when used outside this ecosystem, posing limitations for users not solely reliant on Apple devices.
Design & Build Quality
Image credit: Apple
The design ethos of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) mirrors the iconic aesthetics of its predecessors, blending minimalism with functionality. Retaining the classic stem-style look, these earbuds boast a sleek, unobtrusive appearance, resonating with Apple’s signature design language. The buds maintain a discreet profile with smooth curves and a lack of prominent branding, reflecting a minimalist yet recognizable style.
A notable evolution lies in the inclusion of multiple silicone ear tips, a significant departure from the one-size-fits-all design of previous AirPods iterations. This enhancement not only allows for a more personalized fit but also significantly improves noise isolation and overall comfort, catering to a wider range of users seeking a secure and tailored fit for extended usage periods.
The control mechanism of the AirPods Pro, implemented through stem squeezing and touch-sensitive panels, represents a user-friendly interface. With intuitive controls for playback, volume adjustment, and ANC toggling, the user experience is streamlined and efficient, offering seamless navigation through music and call management.
The compact, squat case of the AirPods Pro complements the earbuds’ design, featuring a pocket-friendly form factor with rounded edges for easy portability. The magnetic lid closure ensures secure storage, although it might not be entirely fail-safe if the case experiences a fall. The addition of a lanyard anchor point and a tiny speaker within the case for locating misplaced buds accentuates the thoughtful design aspects.
While maintaining the iconic Apple design, the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) notably innovate in terms of fit customization and control mechanisms, enhancing both comfort and usability. The case design, although practical and sleek, could benefit from further reinforcement for added durability and security, especially concerning accidental drops or impacts.
Power & Performance
Image credit: Apple
The second-generation Apple AirPods Pro strike a harmonious balance between audio finesse and noise cancellation prowess. Their audio quality impresses across genres, delivering rich, dynamic sound with pronounced bass and detailed clarity. Active Noise Cancellation effectively muffles external distractions, though it falls slightly short of the industry’s peak.
While firmware updates optimize performance, their automatic nature limits their accessibility to Apple devices, leaving non-Apple users at a significant disadvantage. The user interface, with intuitive touch and squeeze controls, seamlessly integrates within the Apple ecosystem but loses functionality when paired with non-Apple devices.
Battery life is decent, offering around six hours of playback with ANC and up to 30 hours with the charging case, with quick charging capabilities for added convenience. Features like Spatial Audio and hearing protection measures augment the overall experience within the Apple ecosystem, providing a simulated surround sound experience and adaptive transparency for hearing safety.
In essence, the AirPods Pro excel within the Apple ecosystem, delivering impressive audio quality, ANC, and seamless integration. However, limitations arise when used with non-Apple devices, affecting firmware updates, controls, and functionality. Prospective buyers, especially non-Apple users, should weigh these limitations against their preferences before deciding on these earbuds.
Compatibility & Connectivity
Image credit: Apple
The AirPods Pro shine within the Apple ecosystem, seamlessly pairing with Apple devices and offering a hassle-free user experience. However, their functionality significantly diminishes when used with non-Apple devices. Lack of voice assistant support, automatic device switching, and firmware updates without an Apple device dampen the experience for Android users.
What’s the Alternative?
Image credit: Sony
When deciding between the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for premium true wireless earbuds, consider their distinct strengths and target audiences. The Sony WF-1000XM5 stands out with its industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, and robust app-based customization via Sony’s Headphones Connect app. These earbuds offer exceptional battery life, rapid charging, and a sleek design tailored for comfort, making them ideal for audiophiles and users seeking superior sound quality in noisy environments. Despite its higher price tag, the WF-1000XM5 delivers unmatched ANC and codec versatility, providing an immersive audio experience.
Conversely, the Apple AirPods Pro excel in seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem, featuring automatic device switching, Siri integration, and compatibility across Apple devices. While offering good sound quality and effective ANC, they are best suited for users deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, benefiting from features like Spatial Audio and the H1 chip’s connectivity advantages. However, their functionality is limited on non-Apple devices, lacking the advanced ANC capabilities and codec support found in the WF-1000XM5. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize top-tier ANC and superior sound quality (Sony WF-1000XM5) or seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem with features like Spatial Audio (Apple AirPods Pro), considering the specific needs and preferences that align with your audio experience and device ecosystem.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)?
For devoted Apple users invested in the iOS/macOS environment, the AirPods Pro are a stellar choice. Their exceptional sound quality, robust ANC, and effortless integration within the ecosystem make these wireless earbuds an ideal companion. However, for those straddling between Apple and Android, the limitations on non-Apple devices might make them a less appealing option. If immersed in the Apple world, these earbuds will undoubtedly elevate your audio experience. Yet, for users primarily on non-Apple devices, there are other compelling options in the market offering similar or even better features without the ecosystem restrictions.
