AirPods Pro 2 Review In 2024: Still worth buying 2 years later?

Summary

In this review, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are highlighted as a top choice among recent pro earbuds, praised for their excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and user-friendly features. Despite being two years old, they remain competitive, scoring high in lab tests for sound quality. However, they lack high-quality Bluetooth codecs and customizable EQ settings, which may deter some users. Additionally, fit issues can be problematic, particularly during workouts, though third-party ear hooks offer a workaround. Overall, they’re recommended for users who prioritize sound quality and integration within the Apple ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still highly regarded two years after their release due to their excellent sound quality.
• 🎧 The sound quality is especially praised for genres like EDM and hip-hop, with a good balance of bass and vocals.
• 🔊 The spatial audio feature enhances the listening experience, even with non-Dolby Atmos tracks.
• 📊 Lab tests indicate the AirPods Pro 2 score 4.8 out of 5 in overall sound quality, suggesting most users will enjoy their sound.
• 🔇 Active noise cancellation (ANC) performance of the AirPods Pro 2 outperforms many competitors, only lagging behind Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.
• 📱 Integration with Apple devices allows for features like automatic switching, enhancing user convenience within the ecosystem.
• ⚡ The AirPods Pro 2 supports USBC and wireless charging, along with a decent IPX4 water resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts.
• 🚫 However, the AirPods Pro 2 lack support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs, limiting their audio capabilities.
• 🎚️ The absence of an equalizer means users can't customize the sound profile, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
• 🤔 Fit issues may lead to discomfort for some users, as the earbuds can slip out during activities, though third-party ear hooks can provide a solution.

Q & A

What are the three key reasons the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still worth buying in 2024?

The three key reasons are sound quality, active noise cancellation performance, and additional features like good microphone quality and automatic switching with Apple devices.

How does the sound quality of the AirPods Pro 2 compare to other pro earbuds?

The AirPods Pro 2 are noted for their balanced sound profile, especially excelling in bass reproduction and spatial audio features, making them enjoyable for genres like EDM and hip-hop.

What is the significance of the lab tests mentioned in the script?

The lab tests used a testing head modeled after MRI scans of various individuals to assess sound quality accurately, resulting in a high score of 4.8 out of 5 for the AirPods Pro 2.

How does the active noise cancellation (ANC) of the AirPods Pro 2 compare to its competitors?

The ANC performance of the AirPods Pro 2 is superior to most flagship earbuds, only surpassed by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.

What limitations does the AirPods Pro 2 have regarding Bluetooth codecs?

The AirPods Pro 2 do not support high-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC, which limits their capability to stream lossless audio unless using specific devices.

What feature is missing from the AirPods Pro 2 that users might desire?

There is no built-in equalizer, which restricts users from customizing the sound profile according to their preferences.

What issues did the reviewer face with the fit of the AirPods Pro 2?

The reviewer experienced difficulty keeping the AirPods Pro 2 secure in their ears, leading to frequent adjustments and concerns during activities like workouts.

How did the reviewer address the fit issue with the AirPods Pro 2?

To remedy the fit issue, the reviewer purchased third-party ear hooks, which helped keep the earbuds secure during workouts.

What should potential buyers do before purchasing the AirPods Pro 2?

It is recommended that potential buyers try on the AirPods Pro 2 at an Apple store to ensure a proper fit before making a purchase.

What are some additional features of the AirPods Pro 2 mentioned in the review?

Additional features include wireless and USB-C charging, decent IPX4 water resistance, and good microphone quality.