Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re an iOS user looking for compact, high-quality headphones, your search may just end at Apple AirPods Pro. Following the original AirPods’ massive success, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro in 2019, promising significant upgrades, including noise cancellation and sweat resistance. I gave these features a try, and it’s safe to say that the AirPods Pro largely live up to the hype.
Right off the bat, the AirPods Pro’s design is a subtle yet significant improvement over their predecessor. They are robustly built, with a sleeker and shorter stem that sits comfortably in the ear. Balanced and lightweight, these earbuds are easy to keep plugged in for hours on end, and their ergonomic design built with a customizable eartip fit test will surely minimize ear fatigue.
While the audio quality of the previous AirPods left something to be desired for the discerning listener, the AirPods Pro is an appreciable step up. Apple’s Adaptive EQ tailors music to the shape of your ears, delivering a rich, immersive sound experience. The highs are clear and crisp, the mids are sturdy, and the bass has sufficient depth without overwhelming the soundstage.
Undoubtedly, the AirPods Pro’s standout feature is Active Noise Cancellation. Using an outward-facing microphone that detects external sound and an inward-facing microphone that “listens” inside your ears, these earbuds intelligently adapt to your environment and cancel out noise. It works brilliantly, dramatically reducing the sound of everything from noisy streets to rumbling trains.
Switching to Transparency mode, which allows outside sound in, is effortless, with a simple press on the stem. However, long pressure commands on the stem for shifting modes may seem confusing initially for some users. I also missed the volume control, which is still only accessible through the connected device’s interface or Siri.
Battery life is also impressive with around 24 hours of listening time and 18 hours of talk time, thanks to the wireless charging case. However, using active noise-cancellation reduces the listening time to only 4.5 hours of use on a single charge, which could have been better.
Furthermore, Apple Airpods Pro’s connectivity is seamless with Apple devices, thanks to the H1 chip—but they also function perfectly fine with Android devices. They also support spatial audio, providing an immersive, theater-like surround sound experience, especially when watching movies or playing games.
The sweat and water resistance is another welcome addition, making AirPods Pro suitable for workouts and light rain. However, keep in mind that they are not designed for swimming or water sports.
Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro sits on the higher end of the spectrum when compared to other truly wireless earbuds. They are indeed a significant investment. Still, when you consider the features packed within – active noise cancellation, spatial audio, sweat resistance, and exceptional iOS integration – it’s an investment that’s well worth it for Apple users who want the best available.
If you’re an audiophile looking for exceptional quality sound or an everyday user who prioritizes convenience, the Apple AirPods Pro will serve you well.
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