Video: 10 Days With the AirPods Pro 2

When Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro in late September, we did an initial impressions and hands-on video, but we thought we'd check in again with a more in-depth review after spending some time with the new earbuds.



MacRumors video editor Dan Barbera has spent 10 days using the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2, and there are definite improvements over the first-generation version. Active Noise Cancellation is notably better at eliminating outside noise, and there's a clear difference in sound quality.

The on-device controls are nice to have for adjusting volume, and while Transparency works well, it's hard to tell the difference between the old Transparency mode and the new Adaptive Transparency that's supposed to quiet down loud noises like sirens.

Battery life is solid, and the built-in speaker that plays sounds for charging and Find My is beneficial, plus it's handy to be able to use the Apple Watch charger to charge up the AirPods. The lanyard loop is just okay and not super useful, especially without Apple-designed lanyards, and unfortunately, there's still no option for customizing EQ.

All in all, if you've been waiting to pick up the ‌AirPods Pro‌, now is the time to do so, and if you have the original ‌AirPods Pro‌ and have been having issues with battery life or any other aspect, the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 are worth the cost. Dan's full thoughts are in the video up above, so check that out and then let us know what you think of the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 in the comments below.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

mongobongo Avatar
28 months ago
My favourite new feature was not even mentioned in this video. It's the fact that my iPhone att all times knows and displays the battery level for both the AirPods and the case. No more bringing the case up to the phone, opening the lid and waiting for that animation to pop up. Something that would often bug out and require several attempts with the first gen AirPods Pro.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eldaerenth Faexidor Avatar
28 months ago
I’m rocking them all day long, effortlessly. Hands down my favorite piece of tech of 2022. Thank you Apple!
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
28 months ago
I wish more color options were offered by Apple.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mongobongo Avatar
28 months ago

How do you review AirPods and not discuss call/mic quality? Does anyone have any input if it has improved?

Most of my colleagues use AirPods Pro for Teams/Discord and sometimes phone calls. The mic quality is consistently bad especially if they are driving.
The other day I was on a call to Apple Support using my AirPods Pro 2 and the Apple rep was complaining about how terrible the call quality was. He said it was difficult even to understand what I was saying. I was in a completely quiet room. Oh the irony ?

But I also discovered that simply adjusting the angle of the stems in your ear can go a very long way to drastically improve call quality. I think it's best to slightly angle the stems so that they don't touch your cheeks.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheMountainLife Avatar
28 months ago
How do you review AirPods and not discuss call/mic quality? Does anyone have any input if it has improved?

Most of my colleagues use AirPods Pro for Teams/Discord and sometimes phone calls. The mic quality is consistently bad especially if they are driving.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chouseworth Avatar
28 months ago
I have had mine for about a week and I must say that the ANC and sound quality are significantly better than the original APP. Good job, Apple.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)