Headphones · 2023 · Apple
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) are Apple’s noise-cancelling in-ear earbuds with the H2 chip. They offer Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, personalised Spatial Audio, IP54 earbuds and case, and a USB-C case with a speaker and lanyard loop. Testing found sound and ANC much better than the first generation; features are limited on Android and only the AAC codec is supported.
AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C); 2023 version. The 2022 Lightning-case version has the same earbuds but a different case; AirPods Pro 3 is a separate model.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 in the earbuds; Apple U1 in the case |
| Sound and noise control | Custom high-excursion Apple driver and amplifier; Active Noise Cancellation; Adaptive Audio; Transparency mode; Conversation Awareness; Voice Isolation |
| Spatial audio and EQ | Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; vent system for pressure equalisation |
| Hearing health | Hearing Test; Loud Sound Reduction |
| Microphones and sensors | Dual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; skin-detect sensor; motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers; touch control |
| Controls | Press once: play/pause, calls; twice: skip forward; three times: skip back; press and hold: switch modes; swipe: volume |
| Battery life | Up to 6 hours per charge with ANC (5.5 hours with Spatial Audio); up to 30 hours total with the case; about 1 hour from 5 minutes of charging |
| Case charging | MagSafe charger, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified chargers or USB-C |
| Durability | Earbuds and case rated IP54 for dust, sweat and water |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Size and weight | Earbud 30.9 × 21.8 × 24.0 mm, 5.3 g; case 45.2 × 60.6 × 21.7 mm, 50.8 g |
| Ear tips | Silicone; XS, S, M, L |
Apple presents AirPods Pro 2 with up to twice the active noise cancellation of the first generation and hearing health features. Apple Support
What Hi-Fi? finds the sound much richer and more powerful than the original AirPods Pro, with natural vocals and an open presentation. They trail the Sony WF-1000XM5 for detail and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for balance. ANC is effective in daily use but not as strong as Bose, and its level cannot be adjusted manually. Adaptive Audio is responsive and subtle, and Conversation Awareness triggers less easily than Sony’s. Call voice sounds a little thin; there is no Android app, only the AAC codec is supported, and the Spatial Audio personalisation process was frustrating. The USB-C case version is said to sound identical to the original.
What Hi-Fi?: Apple AirPods Pro 2 reviewVisible Best Buy reviews praise sound, ANC, Transparency mode, fit and fast pairing; toomuuch23 and LucyM like the speaker in the case and the extra XS tip, and TimN says they stay in while running. Price is the most common criticism; toomuuch23 and AnshulS say they are less useful without Apple devices. RagedPuppet sees about 4.5 hours with ANC, and Michi occasionally has to re-seat the buds. No visible review reports crackling or drop-outs; that does not mean such issues never occur.
Best Buy: AirPods Pro 2 (SKU 6447382) customer reviews