– AirPods Pro (2nd generation) ​​​​​​​

I have found AirPods the most ergonomic of the earbud offerings and use them for phone (extensively), audiobook and music. There is a lot of emphasis across all kit on display quality for eyes but sound quality can be overlooked. The value of privacy and not disturbing other people means that comfort when used for long periods is also important. I moved up from AirPods to AirPod Pro after finding that the former tended to fall out when walking (regardless of cup fitting) and the greater sound quality was an incidental benefit. The first generation of the Pro have been excellent and I would probably not have upgraded but the holder and pods inside did not survive a cotton hot wash when left in a jeans pocket (don’t try this at home). I tried drying them by putting them in a bowl of rice but no luck. Generation 2 was imminent and I made do with a different make for a month. Although not inexpensive, the stand ins fell well short of AirPods in terms of comfort, staying in the ear, weight and simplicity of use. I had to refer to a manual because the design was not intuitive. AirPod 2 prompted an upgrade to my Iphone OS for full functionality (you can proceed without but don’t benefit from all the enhancements). Once done, pairing completed in seconds and a brief tour popped up explaining ‘on stalk’ controls. There are all sorts of jargon reviews about spatial sound field depth and so on. All I know is that, from recollection after a month’s gap, the sound quality and immersive sense was better. This could be partly the stand ins but I used them far less because they were not up to AirPod user friendliness. I used the pro 1 for a long time and I can identify a material improvement to an already good sound stage. Phone calls and audiobooks are not much of a challenge and to put the new generation through its paces I chose a few tracks that would test out bass, high notes, quiet and wall of sound music. To my ear, these very light earbuds are high quality hi fi and on a par with a Bose unit we use. The difference with the Pro 2 seems to be a sense of openness - more akin to listening to 3D sound versus an enclosed headphone experience. Noise cancellation - good in generation 1, it is dramatic for its ability to negate external sounds in the new incarnation. It also seems to be less artificial. Rather than a cotton wool effect, it is more as if external sounds are removed and that the degree of cancellation in some way takes account of the level of ambient noise rather than a blanket effect. There is no noticeable difference in size, weight or mass of the kit and the stalk seems to be much the same. One change is a further ear cup size, accommodating to a wider range of fitting needs. Most controls (volume, pause, skip) are available on the stalks. I have always found it easier to operate these from the phone and it took a degree of practice to test out ‘stalk control’. It works and may be useful for the gym and running. I think generation 1 AirPods were waterproof but not the charging case. Both are now certified water (rather than splash) proof. I wouldn’t risk them in a long boil wash again but a waterproof case reduces the need to safeguard it when out and about. Not tried them in the shower or swimming and will leave this to anyone prepared to risk new kit in the interests of reviewing. Charging is, as per previously, possible using a charging mat and the spec states markedly improved usage per charge - 6 hours listening/4.5 talk time for the AirPods and 30/24 for the case. Slightly less with spatial audio and head tracking (?! - think ‘cinema surround sound’). Important to note - AirPods can be used with non Mac devices but some of the advanced features are not available, requiring Mac OS. The one phenomenon that I will need to wait and see to know if it has been eliminated is ‘fade’. On all AirPods I have noticed after a while that phone callers report that my voice is fading out (random occurrence) for no accountable reason. I only notice this on calls, not listening and it seemed to be a function of the microphone and software because I could hear the caller fine. It was the only (and intermittent) issue I had with previous versions. I kept software up to date and the only other cause I have read up is ‘too many apps in use). iPhones don’t close apps and I have to periodically swipe and clear a dozen or so. Could be the issue and I have only discovered this as the possible culprit when looking for problems reported on line with generation 2. The only claimed problem was an apparently continued one - connectivity between multiple devices. I haven’t noticed this but I haven’t experienced a problem when switching between my Mac, IPad and phone or a Bluetooth enabled land line phone. And finally. All told I have probably spent 3 hours over the years searching for the case, which can easily get lost in pockets (thus the washing machine incident). The number of times I have been delayed going out or forced to take a call because I had misplaced them is legion. This has been solved by being able to ask the AirPod case to emit a ping to reveal where it is in hiding. Overall. I would have hesitated to buy these if I had not machine washed version 1 and then taken a backward step with another make. However, my subjective impression is that these are a significant step forward for an already good piece of kit. If you use AirPods on a daily basis for a fair while I consider that you will find these worthwhile the upgrade. Plenty are prepared to change smart phones at each launch (I usually wait three years) but to use an analogy, better tyres can improve driving experience for far less outlay than changing a car. AirPods support quite a lot of high end kit and the outlay enhances the overall utility of that ecosphere.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation are a remarkable piece of technology that offer an unparalleled audio experience. As soon as you take them out of the box, you can see and feel the premium quality of the design. The earbuds are incredibly comfortable to wear, and the different sizes of silicone ear tips make it easy to find the perfect fit for your ears. One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro is the active noise cancellation. It works flawlessly to block out any external noise, creating a fully immersive audio experience. Whether you're listening to music, taking phone calls, or watching videos, you'll feel completely immersed in the sound. Another impressive feature is the Transparency mode, which allows you to hear the world around you while still listening to your audio. This is particularly useful for when you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as when walking on a busy street or in a crowded area. The AirPods Pro also have an impressive battery life, providing up to 4.5 hours of listening time and 1 hour of talk time on a single charge. The charging case also holds multiple charges, giving you up to 24 hours of battery life in total. Overall, the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation are an exceptional product that deliver on all fronts - sound quality, comfort, and functionality. If you're in the market for a high-quality pair of wireless earbuds, these are definitely worth considering.

It would be difficult to improve upon the ergonomics and sheer ease of use of Apple’s Airpods Pro – and providing they are being used within the Apple eco-system they offer no-hassle connectivity with class-leading active noise cancellation and adaptive transparency. Despite being unobtrusive and exceptionally comfortable (in my ears at least) what makes or breaks these in-ears for me is the sound quality. I’ve upgraded from the 2019 (Gen 1) Airpod Pros, which I’ve had for a couple of years and I’m pleased that I did. Before you read on I should offer a caveat, I’m 61 and although I have good hearing for my age it doesn’t compare to that of someone in their 20’s or 30’s, so you may a different audio experience. Sonically I felt the 2019 Airpod Pros weren’t terribly engaging. I own FiiO FD7’s and Shure SE846’s which are engaging and musical, albeit at roughly 2x and 4x the price. To draw an analogy, feeding all three in-ears with the same source material over Bluetooth, the FiiO’s deliver a musical performance akin to viewing a famous painting in an art gallery; the Shure’s offer a full-on ‘Fake or Fortune?’ experience and the Airpod Pros Gen 1’s offer a ‘looking at art through a shop window’ experience. Enter the 2022 Airpod Pro Gen 2’s. They offer a noticeably better audio experience out of the box. Not night & day, but enough - the base is tighter and more extended and there is slightly more resolution and ‘air’ around the instruments. For me however there is not enough high-end ‘sparkle‘ and the sound is still slightly sterile. I don’t use Apple Music for my audio feeds, preferring Onkyo’s HF Player app to listen to music I’ve ripped and Qobuz for streaming. The Onkyo app offers custom audio profiles and applying a small lift to the base and a more extended lift above 4 KHz I found music through the Airpod Pros (Gen 2) came alive. For anybody using Apples’ music player or a player with a built-in equaliser and listening through just one set of in-ears then I think the Airpod Pro (Gen 2’s) are a 5-star buy. Qobuz does not offer an in-app graphic equaliser on the iOS platform and Apple’s slider-switch approach to sound shaping doesn’t appeal to me - It’s generic and inconvenient when swapping between headphones with their own sound profiles. As such this was going to be a 4-star review, but I’ve found a workaround in iOS which modifies the sound profile of Airpods (and some Beats headphones), but not other brands. For anybody in the same position here’s how: the Accessibility option under Settings includes Audio/Visual controls. Turn Headphone Accommodations ‘on’ and apply the Custom Setup, selecting Audiogram. To force manual adjustments I suggest photographing an EQ curve and trying to apply this profile though the photos option. It won’t be recognised, but the software then allows the user to add a profile manually using fixed points between 125 Hz and 8 kHz. It’s clumsy but it works and I now have go-to in-ears that offer an engaging audio performance when out and about with the convenience of no-hassle connectivity and brilliant noise cancelling/transparency options.

Been using them for almost 3 years. Still work great. Apple quality! Noise cancellation is the best thing they have to offer and paired with silicon ear tips - it works great.

I recently got my hands on the AirPods Pro 2, and let me tell you, they have completely blown me away. These little earbuds from Apple have taken sound quality and features to a whole new level, making them an absolute treat for all the music lovers out there. Pros: Mind-Blowing Sound Quality: When I first popped in the AirPods Pro 2, I was immediately captivated by the incredible sound that filled my ears. The bass is deep and powerful, the mids are clear and detailed, and the highs are crisp and vibrant. It's like having a personal concert right inside your head. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Bye-Bye, Background Noise: The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature in the AirPods Pro 2 is a true game-changer. It effortlessly blocks out all the annoying external noises, creating a peaceful bubble where you can immerse yourself in your music without any distractions. Whether you're on a noisy commute or trying to focus in a bustling coffee shop, ANC has got your back. Stay Connected, Stay Aware: One of my favorite features is the Transparency mode. With just a simple tap, you can switch to Transparency mode and stay aware of your surroundings. It's perfect for when you need to hear announcements, have a quick chat, or simply want to enjoy your music while still being aware of what's happening around you. The transition is so smooth, it's like magic. Comfortable and Secure Fit: Apple has put in some serious effort to make sure the AirPods Pro 2 stay snugly in your ears. With different sizes of silicone ear tips, you can find the perfect fit for your ears. I've worn them during intense workouts, and they haven't budged an inch. It feels like you could sleep in them! I can lay my head on a pillow and they sit just as comfortable as without. Never Run Out of Juice: The battery life on the AirPods Pro 2 is pretty impressive. You can get up to 5 hours of continuous listening on a single charge, and the charging case extends that to a whopping 24 hours. Plus, if you're in a hurry, a quick 5-minute charge gives you about an hour of playtime. It's a lifesaver for those moments when you forget to charge them overnight. Cons: Pricey Investment: Okay, The AirPods Pro 2 do come with a higher price tag compared to other wireless earbuds out there. But in reality, you get what you pay for. The sound quality, the features, and the build quality of these earbuds are absolutely top-notch. So, if you're someone who truly values exceptional audio, the investment is worth every penny, they have a real premium feel! Limited Customization for Android Users: Now, I must mention that while these earbuds work seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem, Android users might miss out on some customization options. Some features and settings are optimized for iOS devices, so you might not have access to the full range of functionalities. It's something to keep in mind if you're an Android user. To wrap it up, the AirPods Pro 2 have completely blown me away. The sound quality is astonishing, the ANC is a game-changer, and the comfort and fit are on point. Despite the higher price tag, they are worth every cent for those who crave an extraordinary audio experience. Whether you're a music enthusiast or a casual listener, these earbuds will take your music journey to new heights.

It's been a while since I bought myself a pair of in-ear buds. I always found the sound of those pretty underwhelming so I didn't bother with them during the last 10 years. Now, more than a decade later, I decided to buy Apple's latest and greatest and was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality and features. Sound quality: It's surprisingly neutral, with full bass sound that doesn't drown out the details in the mids or highs. I found the sound very detailed and much better than what I remember in-ear buds to sound like. Especially when watching movies, I found the surround sound (with and without headtracking) a total surprise with how big the soundstage can be. Apps like, Netflix/DisneyPlus/Prime video all support surround sound and it's glorious. I can't wait to use them on my upcoming flight to Italy. I'm no audiophile or anything but these sound genuinely great and much better than what I expected. Active Noise cancellation This was another surprise with how good this works. At home I have an Airco that makes a reasonable amount of noise. When I turn on ANC the noise is almost completely gone. Of course, you can still hear it if there's no sound playing through the AirPods but it's heavily supressed and sounds as if you're very far away from it. Other background noises are all supressed with varying success but it's definitely not just a gimmick. This allows you to keep the volume low for your music, while still being able to hear all the details because there's almost no background noise coming through. Impressive, to say the least. Head Tracking Another surprisingly great function. It makes it seem as if the sound is coming directly from your phone. The soundscape shifts when you turn your head, giving you the illusion that the sound comes from a fixed speaker setup. Very nice to have. Other features: Touch controls are fantastic. The way you hear this slight 'click' sound if you press the stems. I was genuinely convinced there was a button on the stems until I inspected it closer. It's truly bizarre but great at the same time. You can also 'swipe' on the stems for volume control which is the least impressive feature for me. It takes some fiddling and getting used to but at least it works. There's also a sensor that detects whether you have your AirPods in your ears or not and pause playback accordingly. Also a great feature. Charging case: Comes with a build-in battery and Airtag. That way you can always find your AirPods in the most convenient way possible (if you have an iPhone at least). I loved the build quality and metal hinge that looks like it's build for durability. Conclusion: These are definitely pricey but at least you get a lot in return. If they're worth it for you, I cannot tell. They are worth it to me though and I'm happy with my purchase. If you own an iPhone, these seem like a no-brainer. Integration with the Apple ecosystem is always one of Apple's strong points and these AirPods are no exception.

Contrairement à ce que certains affirment, pas besoin d'un iPhone pour profiter de ces Airpods ! Les écouteurs se connectent en bluetooth comme n'importe quel appareil de ce type, le son est vraiment très bon et très propre aussi bien dans lais aigus, médiums et basses, le réducteur de bruit est très efficace, les appels fonctionnent parfaitement bien et on peut régler le volume directement avec les branches tactiles. Côté logiciel, j'ai installé une application appelée "MaterialPods" qui permet d'afficher le niveau de la batterie des écouteurs et du boitier et de gérer les options (reprise auto de la musique quand on met les écouteurs, etc...). Le son spatial est effectivement absent mais bien que cette technologie soit intéressante dans son concept, j'y vois peu d'intérêt dans la pratique et ce n'est pas ça qui va me faire acheter un iPhone (je pense que même si j'en avais un je n'utiliserais pas cette fonction). J'étais précédemment équipé des Sony WF-1000XM3 (j'ai dû les remplacer car la batterie ne tenait plus). La qualité sonore est supérieure sur ces airpods, ils sont plus agréables à porter et tiennent mieux dans les oreilles (il m'arrivait régulièrement de faire tomber les Sony en me penchant). Le seul négatif que je vois aux airpods par rapport au Sony est que la batterie du boîtier permet moins de recharges mais étant donné que le boîtier des Sony était bien plus gros c'est assez logique. Pour conclure, en tant que non utilisateur des produits Apple je conseille ce produit même si vous n'avez pas d'iPhone. Contrairement à la croyance populaire il n'est absolument pas nécessaire d'être dans un environnement Apple pour en profiter. Je l'ai choisi tout simplement pour ses qualités et contrairement aux autres produits Apple, je trouve que le prix n'est pas abusif (même ordre de prix que mes anciens Sony pour une meilleure qualité).

Zeer blij mee. Blijven goed zitten tijdens het hardlopen en filteren ongewenst geluid goed weg. Gaan lang mee op een batterijduur. Het geluid is zeer fijn.