Airpods Pro 2nd Generation Review: Tech-Savvy Wireless Earbuds for Music Lovers

As someone who listens to music roughly 10 hours a day while I’m exercising, working, and running errands, having the proper headphones is a necessity. I’ve used my wired headphones for as long as I can remember, but I figured it was time to change it up. I tested out the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) for a week to see whether they deserved a permanent spot in my collection.

Unboxing and first impressions

Since the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) were a loaned media sample for review, they arrived differently than how you would normally get them. They arrived at my doorstep in a cardboard box wrapped in a soft brown fabric for additional protection. As for the AirPods Pro themselves, they arrived just as I expected—in a tiny white box.

Upon opening the box, I found a tiny instructional paper pamphlet with graphics, a USB-C cable, and four different pairs of silicone tips (extra-small, small, medium, and large). I consider myself tech savvy, so I didn’t have a hard time setting up the AirPods Pro.

To connect them, I made sure the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings were powered on. Then, as instructed, I opened the case approximately two inches away from the device. The phrase “AirPods Pro” popped up under my Bluetooth section and I selected them to pair. The process took all of five minutes.

Pros and cons

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation price

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) retail for $249 in-store and on Apple’s website. (Apple also sells through Amazon, and occasionally, you can find the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation on sale—particularly during Amazon Prime Day events.) For a pair of wireless headphones, it’s definitely more on the expensive side, however, they do come equipped with features such as adaptive mode, personalized volume, conversation awareness, and spatial audio.

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation specifications

• Drivers: 11mm
• Active noise cancellation: Yes
• Battery life: Six hours to 30 hours (depending on settings)
• Size: 1.22 inches
• Weight: 0.19 ounces
• Frequency range: Not available
• Waterproofing: IP54 rating (splash-proof, but not waterproof)
• Other features: Dust-, sweat-, and water-resistant, H2 chip, touch control

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation key features

Adaptive mode

Adaptive mode responds to your environment and cancels or allows external noise as necessary. According to Apple’s website, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) reduces noise at 48,000 times per second.

Spatial audio

Personalized spatial audio works with the camera on your phone to create a profile based on your head’s geometry. This process helps make it seem like the sound is coming directly from the source itself which is helpful when watching YouTube videos and television shows.

To set this up, you follow the prompts and turn your head to the left and right. It’s a quick process and can make a world of difference in your viewing experience.

Personalized volume

As with many devices these days, the AirPods Pro becomes accustomed to your listening habits. According to Apple, they use machine learning to understand your listening preferences in different environments, and automatically adapt sound based on your patterns.

Conversation awareness

You may need to talk to someone with your headphones on, whether at the gym or on the street. The conversation awareness feature automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing, enhances the voices in front of you, and quiets ambient sounds. Also, if you take out the headphones, the noise will turn off so you can be fully attentive and then resumes when placed back inside the ear.

Touch control system

When managing volume, skipping songs, and answering and declining calls, each AirPod has a touch control swipe and button on the stem. This can take some time to get used to, however, it can come in handy if you don’t want to keep constantly touching your device.

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: Are these the wireless earbuds for you?

I was impressed by the quality of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) from the noise-reduction capabilities to the sound performance. While I can admire the wireless design, I think I am more comfortable and better suited to traditional wire headphones. Not only are they easier for me to keep track of, but also don’t require much thought when it comes to buttons, sensors, etc.

Related: Apple AirPods 3 Review: Are They Worth the Hype?

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation performance

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) performed well in a variety of environments, from a crowded amusement park to a loud gym. I could hear the music well through the speakers and could take phone calls without any feedback or muffled noise. I appreciated the adaptive mode since it worked with me, whether my environment was noisy or quiet.

Sound

The sound was crisp and clean while listening to music, taking a call, or watching Netflix. I didn’t need to have the volume turned up all the way to hear it clearly, which wasn’t something I was used to doing with my previous wired pairs.

The AirPods Pro uses an H2 chip to process sound quickly which lends itself to more precise results. In my case, I could actually hear the instruments in songs like “Monster” by Ben Platt and background noises on television shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Battery life

From a complete charge to total drainage, it took my wireless headphones approximately six hours. I don’t usually let them go completely dead, but the six-hour battery life as advertised by the brand was pretty accurate. It was even longer when the active noise cancellation mode (ANC) was disabled.

In terms of charging, it was pretty easy with a USB-C cable. I already have one for my iPhone Pro Max and MacBook Air so I didn’t need a separate wire, which was helpful. It took approximately an hour to get the case to fully charge. I didn’t get to use the MagSafe charging case since I don’t have a dock, however, I heard it works well too.

Bluetooth range

I was most impressed by the Bluetooth range of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). They seamlessly connect when right next to my phone, and continued to play even when I was talking out the trash.

According to Apple, Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet under ideal conditions, however, this may vary based on factors such as walls and additional interference.

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation design and build quality

Style and comfort

I liked the sleek, white look and shape of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) compared to the more old-school wired version I’m used to having. They were also comfortable and didn’t leave my ears sore after long wear. My favorite part was that they didn’t fall out when I ran or while making swift movements. The only way they would come out is if I applied pressure and purposefully took them off.

Controls

In terms of functionality, it was easy to alter the volume and skip songs without touching a phone or computer. To pause and play, you click the sensors on the side of the headphones one time. To fast forward, click twice. To rewind, press three times. When you’re going to take a FaceTime or phone call, you click them once to answer, once to turn mute on/off, and twice to end the call.

Portability

As with any pair of headphones, portability is key. The wireless nature makes it easy to move freely without worry of a tangled wire. As for size, the case was small enough to put in my purse and leggings pocket without trouble, which I appreciated.

Final verdict

Overall, I think the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are a worthwhile investment if you listen to music and watch television. With a price tag of $249, you’ll receive tech-savvy noise-canceling headphones that work with you to provide an optimal listening experience. There’s no doubt they’re expensive, and you can find a pair of cheaper Bluetooth headphones at Walmart for $50, but you’re paying for an Apple product and the simplicity that comes with that.