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Apple AirPods Pro: More Than Just Earbuds
When Apple launched the first AirPods in 2016, they redefined the wireless earbud category overnight. But the company’s real audio milestone came in 2019 with the introduction of the AirPods Pro. For the first time, Apple combined its ecosystem polish with in-ear comfort, active noise cancellation, and adaptive features that felt years ahead of the competition.
Fast forward to today, and the second-generation AirPods Pro (released in 2022, updated with a USB‑C case in 2023) continue to dominate the premium wireless earbud market. But do they live up to the hype in 2025? And should you still buy them—with AirPods Pro 3 likely on the horizon?
Let’s dive into the full experience, from sound to sustainability.
Sound Quality: Apple’s Signature Tuning
Apple AirPods Pro Sound quality is one of the Pro’s strongest suits. Apple doesn’t go for excessive bass or sharp treble—what you get is a balanced, clean sound tuned to appeal to a wide audience.
The second-generation model includes a custom-built amplifier and driver system, powered by Apple’s H2 chip. The result is crisper highs, deeper bass, and more detailed mid-tones than the first generation. Vocals are clearer. Instruments feel more distinct. And everything is dynamically tuned based on your ear’s shape using Adaptive EQ.
Spatial Audio with head tracking is a standout, especially when watching Dolby Atmos content. It creates an immersive experience that simulates surround sound—ideal for movies or select tracks on Apple Music.
That said, audiophiles may note a limitation: AirPods Pro don’t support high-res Bluetooth codecs like LDAC or aptX HD. Audio is streamed over AAC, which sounds good—but not lossless—over Bluetooth. For true high-res audio, you’ll need to pair them with the Apple Vision Pro, which enables a special lossless mode.
Design and Comfort: Form Meets Function
At a glance, the AirPods Pro 2 look nearly identical to the original. But small refinements reveal Apple’s attention to detail. The earbuds retain the same short-stem design and come with silicone tips in four sizes (XS to L), offering a far better seal than the original open-fit AirPods.
Comfort is exceptional, especially during long listening sessions. They’re light, unobtrusive, and secure in the ear—even during workouts or commutes. Sweat and water resistance (IPX4) helps, though these aren’t designed for swimming or extreme conditions.
The charging case got a notable upgrade: now featuring a built-in speaker (for Find My alerts), lanyard loop, U1 chip for Precision Finding, and a shift to USB‑C. The finish feels more premium than previous models, and overall durability is solid, though scratches do show over time.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency
This is where the AirPods Pro 2 really shine.
The H2 chip enables noise cancellation that’s approximately twice as effective as the original AirPods Pro. In practice, it blocks out the low rumble of trains, background chatter in coffee shops, and even the hum of an office AC unit. While not quite at the level of over-ear headphones like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Apple’s AirPods Max, it’s astonishing for earbuds this size.
Transparency mode is equally impressive. It doesn’t just pass through ambient noise—it intelligently adapts to loud environments. If a siren blares nearby, Adaptive Transparency reduces the volume while maintaining clarity. The result is a natural, almost “superhuman” hearing experience.
With iOS 17 and now iOS 18, users also benefit from Adaptive Audio, which blends ANC and transparency based on your environment. You can also enable Conversation Awareness, where voices in front of you are automatically enhanced during a chat—another feature that makes these earbuds feel smarter than the competition.
Call Quality and Microphones
Call quality is solid. Wind handling is much improved over the original, and the beam-forming microphones do a good job isolating your voice. For Zoom calls, FaceTime, or taking meetings on the go, the AirPods Pro 2 remain one of the better true wireless options.
However, in extremely noisy environments (like busy streets or concerts), voice clarity can still suffer. It’s not flawless, but it’s more than good enough for daily use.
Battery Life and Charging
Apple AirPods Pro Battery life is decent—not exceptional. You’ll get about 6 hours of listening with ANC on, or up to 30 hours total with the charging case. This puts it roughly on par with competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Fast charging helps: 5 minutes in the case gives about an hour of listening. The case itself supports USB‑C, MagSafe, Qi wireless charging, and Lightning (for older models). It’s one of the most versatile charging experiences on the market.
One downside: battery degradation. Like most true wireless earbuds, AirPods Pro use tiny lithium-ion batteries that start losing capacity after 2–3 years. Apple offers battery service, but it’s expensive—and for many, replacement becomes the only real option. This has sustainability implications that Apple hasn’t fully addressed.
Integration and Ecosystem Benefits
If you own an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac, the AirPods Pro 2 make sense. Setup is instant. Switching between devices is seamless. Siri works hands-free. Find My lets you locate lost earbuds with precision. You can even get firmware updates over-the-air.
New with iOS 18, Apple is also rolling out new accessibility features like custom hearing profiles and FDA-approved support for over-the-counter hearing aid functionality. It’s a big step for accessibility—and a way to make AirPods more than just audio accessories.
However, integration outside the Apple ecosystem is limited. On Android, you lose Spatial Audio, Find My, automatic switching, and even firmware updates. If you’re not deep into Apple’s world, better options exist.
Apple AirPods Pro Pricing and Value
At launch, AirPods Pro 2 retailed for around $249/€299. In 2025, prices vary widely—typically between $140–$180 in the U.S. and €180–€250 in Europe, depending on retailer and discount cycles.
Considering their feature set, comfort, and sound quality, they offer excellent value—especially if you can find them on sale. They’re not cheap, but you’re paying for seamless integration and premium build quality.
| Criterion | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Audio & ANC | Excellent for iPhone users—clean, immersive sound; market-leading ANC. |
| Battery & Repair | Good battery now; poor repairability and eventual decline. |
| Ecosystem | Top-tier Apple integration; restrictive on other platforms. |
| Sustainability | Concern: sealed design limits lifespan and repair. |
| Upcoming Pro 3 | Likely brings health sensors and refinements; timeline uncertain. |
| Conclusion | Pro 2 is a solid, premium buy today—especially on sale. Waiting til 2025/2026 may be worth it if you’re after innovation. |
What’s Next? AirPods Pro 3 Rumors
Apple is expected to unveil the AirPods Pro 3 soon—possibly as early as late 2025 or early 2026. Rumors suggest modest hardware updates: heart-rate monitoring, a smaller case, better ANC, and possibly even gesture controls or health-tracking integration.
If those features matter to you, it might be worth waiting. But Apple’s track record with audio products suggests that even when the new model arrives, the second-gen will remain supported and relevant for years to come.
Verdict: Should You Buy Them in 2025?
If you’re an Apple user looking for high-quality wireless earbuds with premium noise cancellation, great comfort, and advanced smart features, the AirPods Pro 2 remain one of the best choices available.
They’re not perfect. Battery longevity is a concern. Android support is lacking. And true audiophiles might find the lack of hi-res codec support limiting. But for 95% of users, they offer an unmatched blend of simplicity, performance, and polish.
Whether you pick them up on sale now or wait for the next generation, one thing’s clear: the AirPods Pro have earned their place as Apple’s most important audio product since the iPod.
You can buy Apple AirPods Pro in Heapod website.
