AirPods Pro are wireless earbuds developed by Apple that offer a range of features including active noise cancellation, superior sound experience, and convenient controls. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider such as the expensive price tag and limited compatibility. Here are the key takeaways from the pros and cons of AirPods Pro:
Key Takeaways
- Superior sound experience
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Convenient controls
- Expensive price tag
What are AirPods Pro?
Design and Comfort
When it comes to design and comfort, the AirPods Pro offer a sleek and modern look that is both stylish and functional. The earbuds are designed to fit snugly in the ear, providing a secure and comfortable fit for extended periods of use. The lightweight design of the AirPods Pro makes them easy to wear for long periods without causing discomfort or fatigue. Additionally, the AirPods Pro come with three different sizes of silicone ear tips, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. This ensures a personalized and comfortable listening experience.
Active Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation is a key feature of AirPods Pro that enables new capabilities, including superior noise reduction. With noise-cancelling microphones and a rear vent, AirPods Pro can detect and counter incoming sound before it reaches the ear. Apple claims that the second-generation AirPods Pro reduce noise by sampling incoming sound at 48,000 times per second. Additionally, the Adaptive Transparency feature in Transparency mode helps reduce loud environmental noise without completely blocking out all sound. This allows you to still hear important announcements and conversations while minimizing distractions.
Audio Quality
The audio quality of AirPods Pro is exceptional, thanks to the advanced technology and components used by Apple. The second-generation AirPods Pro feature an updated custom high-excursion low-distortion Apple driver and a custom high dynamic range amplifier. This combination brings richer, deeper bass and crystal-clear sound at all volume levels. Additionally, the AirPods Pro are equipped with two dual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone for Active Noise Cancellation purposes. The Adaptive EQ feature further enhances the sound quality by taking into account the shape of the ear, optimizing the sound for each individual. With real-time tuning and high-fidelity sound processing, the AirPods Pro deliver an immersive audio experience.
Battery Life
The battery life of AirPods Pro is a significant consideration for potential buyers. On their own, the AirPods Pro offer up to six hours of listening time, or 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled. When used for talking, the battery lasts for a total of 4.5 hours. The AirPods Pro earbuds feature a battery capacity of 49.7 mAh, up 15 percent from the prior-generation AirPods Pro earbuds. This increase in capacity contributes to the improved battery life. Additionally, the MagSafe Charging Case provides up to 30 hours of listening time and 24 hours of talk time before needing to be recharged. Charging can be done using a MagSafe charger, a Lightning cable, a Qi-based charger, or the Apple Watch charger.
Pros of AirPods Pro
Superior Sound Experience
The AirPods Pro offer a superior sound experience with their updated custom high-excursion low-distortion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifier. These enhancements bring richer, deeper bass and crystal-clear sound at all volume levels. The dual beamforming microphones and inward-facing microphone contribute to the Active Noise Cancellation feature, allowing users to enjoy their music without distractions from the surrounding environment. Additionally, the Adaptive EQ feature takes into account the shape of the ear, optimizing sound quality for each individual. With the new H2 chip, the AirPods Pro provide higher-fidelity sound and more natural phone calls. Apple has also introduced Spatial Audio, which creates a surround sound-like experience for Apple Music and other supported apps, immersing users in a multi-dimensional audio environment.
Effective Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro are equipped with advanced Active Noise Cancellation technology that effectively reduces background noise for a more immersive listening experience. Apple claims that the second-generation AirPods Pro are up to two times as effective as the original AirPods Pro in canceling out external sounds. This improvement is achieved through noise-cancelling microphones and a rear vent that detect incoming sound and counter it before it reaches the ear. The AirPods Pro also feature an Adaptive Transparency feature that reduces loud environmental noise without completely blocking out all sound. This allows users to have some situational awareness while still enjoying their music or podcasts. It can be particularly useful in environments like the city or public transportation, where it cuts out harsh noises like passing ambulances or trains, while still allowing you to hear important announcements and conversations.
If you’re concerned about the effectiveness of Active Noise Cancellation, it’s important to note that it can be affected if debris or earwax builds up. This may result in a loss of bass sound and an increase in background noise. To ensure optimal performance, make sure to clean your AirPods Pro regularly and refer to Apple’s support resources if you encounter any issues.
Overall, the effective noise cancellation of the AirPods Pro enhances the listening experience by minimizing distractions and immersing users in their audio content.
Comfortable Fit
The AirPods Pro are designed with a focus on providing a comfortable fit for users. Apple has designed the silicone tips to conform to the contours of each individual ear, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. This is particularly important for the active noise cancellation feature, as a good seal is necessary to effectively block out external noise. The AirPods Pro come with four different sizes of silicone tips, ranging from extra small to large, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. The tips click into place on the AirPods Pro, making it easy to swap them out if needed.
Convenient Controls
The AirPods Pro (2nd-Gen) come with convenient on-device touch volume controls, which are a standout feature. With a brief swipe, you can easily lower or raise the volume by a notch or two without the need to take out your iPhone. The controls are marked with a slight clicking noise, indicating their activation. During my time with the AirPods Pro, I didn’t experience any accidental presses, even when using long-presses or double-presses to toggle Active Noise Cancellation or switch between songs. The convenience and ease of use of these touch controls make adjusting volume levels a seamless experience.
Cons of AirPods Pro
Expensive Price Tag
While the AirPods Pro come with a higher price tag compared to some of its competitors, it’s important to consider the value they offer. The H2 chips inside the AirPods Pro provide a seamless and fully integrated pairing and device-switching experience for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV users, which is unmatched by other brands. Additionally, the H2 chips enable features like Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, making the AirPods Pro a top choice for those seeking advanced features. If the AirPods Pro are out of budget, there are other options available such as the second-generation AirPods or Beats headphones, which still offer Apple’s seamless pairing and device-switching experience.
Limited Compatibility
One of the drawbacks of AirPods Pro is its limited compatibility. The feature of Conversation Boost, which enhances speech for people with hearing disabilities, is only available to iPhone users. This means that Android users, even if they have AirPods Pro, cannot benefit from this feature. Additionally, the models of AirPods Pro that support Conversation Boost are not inexpensive. While AirPods Pro themselves may be more affordable than hearing aids, the cost of an iPhone may be a barrier for some users. It’s important to consider these compatibility limitations before purchasing AirPods Pro.
Short Battery Life
One of the drawbacks of AirPods Pro is their relatively short battery life. On their own, the AirPods Pro offer up to six hours of listening time, or 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled. When used for talking, the battery lasts for a total of 4.5 hours. While this may be sufficient for a short break or a workday, it falls behind some competitors that offer longer battery life. However, it’s worth noting that the battery life of the AirPods Pro is an improvement over the previous generation, which lasted for 4.5 hours. Apple’s MagSafe Charging Case can provide up to 30 hours of listening time and 24 hours of talk time before needing to be recharged. Charging can be done using a MagSafe charger, a Lightning cable, a Qi-based charger, or the Apple Watch charger. Overall, while the battery life of AirPods Pro may not be the longest, it offers a decent amount of usage time and convenient charging options.
Lack of Customization
While AirPods Pro offer a range of impressive features, one area where they fall short is customization. Unlike some other wireless earbuds on the market, AirPods Pro lack the ability to customize sound settings or adjust equalizer settings. This means that users are limited to the default sound profile, which may not suit everyone’s preferences. Additionally, AirPods Pro do not offer the option to change the touch controls or customize the gestures. This lack of customization can be frustrating for users who prefer a more personalized experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AirPods Pro 2 offer significant improvements over the original AirPods Pro. With enhanced noise cancellation and spatial audio, they provide an immersive listening experience. The USB-C model is recommended for most users, while the Lightning model is a great option for iPhone 14 or older users. The AirPods Pro 2 are also more affordable compared to traditional hearing aids, making them accessible to a wider audience. Overall, the AirPods Pro 2 are a worthwhile investment for those seeking high-quality wireless earbuds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the design and comfort of AirPods Pro?
AirPods Pro have a sleek and compact design that fits comfortably in the ears. They come with interchangeable ear tips to ensure a secure and customizable fit.
How does the active noise cancellation feature of AirPods Pro work?
AirPods Pro use built-in microphones to detect external noise and then generate anti-noise to cancel it out, providing a quiet and immersive listening experience.
What is the audio quality like on AirPods Pro?
AirPods Pro deliver high-quality audio with rich bass, clear vocals, and detailed sound across a wide range of genres. They support spatial audio for an immersive 3D audio experience.
How long does the battery of AirPods Pro last?
AirPods Pro offer up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge with active noise cancellation enabled. With the charging case, you can get up to 24 hours of total listening time.
Are AirPods Pro compatible with all devices?
AirPods Pro are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices running iOS 14 or later. They also support Bluetooth connectivity for use with other devices.
Can I customize the settings of AirPods Pro?
Yes, you can customize the settings of AirPods Pro through the Bluetooth settings on your Apple device. You can adjust the active noise cancellation, control playback, and more.
