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 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...

Top Rated Comments

mongobongo Avatar
44 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
44 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
44 months ago
I wish more color options were offered by Apple.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mongobongo Avatar
44 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
44 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
44 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)