AirPods Pro 2: Our Honest, Criteria-Based Review
The AirPods Pro 2 have been Apple's flagship in-ear headphones for a couple of years now, and they've received significant software upgrades since launch. But do they still hold up against growing competition? We score them honestly across seven key criteria — no brand bias, no fluff.
Rating Breakdown
| Criteria | Score (out of 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 8.5 / 10 | Warm, detailed, well-balanced with Personalised Spatial Audio |
| Active Noise Cancellation | 9 / 10 | Best-in-class ANC for in-ears; handles low-frequency noise brilliantly |
| Transparency Mode | 9.5 / 10 | Genuinely the best transparency mode available — sounds natural |
| Comfort & Fit | 8 / 10 | Four ear tip sizes help, but not ideal for all ear shapes |
| Battery Life | 7.5 / 10 | ~6 hrs on earbuds, 30 hrs total with case — competitive but not leading |
| Build & Design | 8 / 10 | Premium feel, IPX4 sweat/water resistance, no radical changes |
| Value for Money | 7 / 10 | Expensive — justified only if you're in the Apple ecosystem |
Overall Score: 8.2 / 10
What the AirPods Pro 2 Get Right
Active Noise Cancellation
The ANC on the AirPods Pro 2 is exceptional for an in-ear form factor. It handles the constant drone of public transport, open offices, and aircraft cabins very well. The H2 chip processes noise in real time, and the result is noticeably better than most competitors in this size class.
Transparency Mode
This is where AirPods Pro 2 genuinely leads the market. Transparency mode sounds so natural that it can be difficult to tell you have earbuds in. Adaptive Audio — which automatically blends ANC and Transparency based on your environment — is a clever feature that works more reliably than expected.
Ecosystem Integration
If you own an iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the seamless device switching, automatic ear detection, and Siri integration are polished to a level competitors haven't matched. These are quality-of-life features you notice every day.
Where They Fall Short
Sound Quality for Audiophiles
The AirPods Pro 2 sound excellent for everyday listeners, but they're not audiophile-grade. The tuning leans slightly warm, and the soundstage is limited compared to over-ear headphones. If pure audio quality is your priority, you can find better at a lower price.
Android Compatibility
On Android, AirPods Pro 2 work as basic Bluetooth earbuds — you lose ANC controls, Spatial Audio, automatic switching, and most smart features. They're simply not worth the price outside the Apple ecosystem.
Price
At around £229 / $249, the AirPods Pro 2 are a significant investment. Sony's WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer competitive ANC at similar or lower price points and work equally well across all platforms.
Who Should Buy Them?
- Buy if: You're deeply in the Apple ecosystem and want the most seamless earbuds experience available
- Consider alternatives if: You use Android, want the best raw sound quality, or are budget-conscious
Final Verdict
The AirPods Pro 2 are among the best in-ear headphones money can buy — for Apple users. The ANC and transparency mode are class-leading, and the ecosystem integration is unrivalled. The price is steep but defensible if you live in the Apple world. If you don't, spend your money elsewhere.