AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Review: Are they worth buying (even if you have the originals)? Here are five reasons why the answer is yes!
Last month, Apple launched the second generation of the AirPods Pro. They promised better battery life, improved noise cancellation, a better transparency mode over the original, and wireless MagSafe charging. They also indicated there would be improved sound quality compared to the first gen, more immersive Spatial Audio, along with the added option to change volume and call Siri from the earbuds.
All this sounds good, but I’m sure many original AirPods Pro owners want to know: Are AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Worth Buying? If you look at them side by side, it’s hard to see a whole lot of difference. Well, as someone with both the first and second gen models on hand, I believe they definitely are!
My first-gen AirPods Pros are working perfectly fine, but I have no regrets about swapping them out for the new model. If you want to know why then check out my list:
AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Review: 5 Reasons They’re Worth The Upgrade!
Reason #1: They Have Much Better Noise Canceling
The second generation AirPods Pro features a new H2 chip, allowing them to cancel up to twice as much ambient noise as the first generation AirPods Pro. According to Apple, this is achieved through a combination of new software algorithms and hardware components, and I can vouch for its effectiveness.
Now the ANC is just as good or better than most over-ear full-sized noise-canceling headphones, cutting out about 95-99% of external noise. The silence is startling at times.
Additionally, the second-generation AirPods Pro has a more natural-sounding transparency mode. Now you can hear what’s happening around you without the unnatural white noise and pops present in the previous model. With the second-gen AirPods Pro, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference between the transparency mode and when you take the buds out of your ears. That’s impressive.
Reason #2. They Have Much Better Sound Quality
The new H2 chip in the second generation of AirPods Pro not only affects the active noise canceling but also helps to deliver better sound quality. The new chip works in conjunction with a custom-built driver and amplifier to provide clearer highs and deeper lows. This results in a richer, fuller sound and corrects one of the first generation’s biggest weaknesses: a pronounced lack of bass depth.
The 2nd generation AirPods not only wow me with their bass depth and slam, but they also have better detail up top and more openness to the sound. The sound is a lot cleaner! The overall tonal balance or tuning is remarkably even and sounds good regardless of genre. I love wearing them at the gym because the music now has much more life!
Reason #3. They Can Alert You If You Lose Them
The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation features a new U1 chip that allows users to find their lost earphones using precision location technology. This feature works using the Find My app on their iPhone, and now that the case has a built-in speaker, it can actually make a sound similar to Apple’s Air Tags so you can hear exactly where your AirPods Pro are.
Reason #4. The Battery Lasts A Lot Longer/MagSafe Charging
The new AirPods Pro has a new MagSafe case, allowing users to charge using Apple’s MagSafe magnetic charger, which is very convenient. It also charges wirelessly when placed on top of any Qi-compatible charger and the Apple Watch charger as well!
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen also features improved battery life, which Apple claims will last up to 30 hours on a single charge using the case. That means 6 hours of playback on the buds. This is a significant improvement over the original AirPods, which only lasted about 24 hours on a single charge before needing recharging.
Reason #5. You Can Control The Volume From The Stem
The new AirPods Pro now has expanded touch controls so you can control the earbuds’ volume. Simply swipe up or down on the right side of the buds to adjust the volume up and down. This feature is remarkably responsive and probably the most elegant solution I’ve seen on a pair of wireless earphones!
AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Review: More Reasons The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Are Worth The Upgrade:
Besides the five reasons I’ve noted above, Apple has added some other thoughtful touches to the new AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, like a new lanyard loop on the case you can attach to a backpack or handbag, an all-new tones alert from the case to let you when the battery is low, or pairing is complete, and a new extra-small set of silicone tips to help those who had fit issues with the original.
At the end of the day, I have to say Apple has done a great job providing the necessary upgrades to make the AirPods Pro undoubtedly the best wireless earbuds for Apple Devices. Before, I might’ve been able to site the AirPods’ inferior sound quality and so-so noise canceling as a need for alternatives, but now I would have a hard time recommending another earbud for Apple gear. If you want to know, are AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Worth Buying? The answer is yes!
Hifitrends is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site.
I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My hunger for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
Leave a Reply