AirPods Pro 2 Review 2025: H2 Chip, ANC & Spatial Audio Tested!

 The Apple AirPods Pro 2 arrive with a promise to elevate your everyday listening experience, and for the most part, they do just that. Pocket‑sized yet brimming with advanced features, these wireless earbuds are a testament to how far Apple has come in marrying seamless connectivity with cutting‑edge audio technology. After spending several weeks with them in various settings – from bustling tube journeys to tranquil park strolls – here’s my take on whether they live up to the hype.

Design and Comfort
At first glance, the AirPods Pro 2 look almost identical to their predecessor. The familiar in‑ear stems and silicone tips return, but subtle refinements make them even more comfortable. The three sizes of ear tips ensure a snug fit, and I found the smallest ones ideal for my ears – they stay put during a brisk jog yet aren’t intrusive when worn for hours on end. The matte finish on the stems resists fingerprints better than the glossy originals, making them feel eternally fresh straight out of the case.

Setup and Connectivity
As ever with Apple’s ecosystem, setup is a breeze. A simple pop of the case near an iPhone or iPad and a friendly animation does the rest. The H2 chip within ushers in faster pairing and rock‑solid Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. I rarely noticed any dropouts, even when my phone was tucked deep in a rucksack and I wandered a fair distance away. Switching between Apple devices remains instantaneous, and pairing with non‑Apple hardware via the case’s pairing button is just as straightforward.

Sound Quality and High Fidelity
Sound quality is where the AirPods Pro 2 truly shine. Rich low‑end thumps bring basslines to life without overwhelming the mids, while vocals and acoustic instruments float crystal‑clear. High‑fidelity audio tracks streamed via Apple Music felt particularly lush and immersive. Even on lower‑bitrate streams, there’s an impressive balance—no tinny highs or muddled bass. Whether I was listening to a podcast or Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” the nuance and depth were consistently engaging.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The upgraded Active Noise Cancellation is noticeably stronger than before. On a busy train, the roar of the engine and chatter of fellow commuters faded into a hushed background hum. Apple claims twice the noise‑cancelling power over the original, and it certainly feels that way. At maximum ANC, I could barely hear the kettle boiling in my kitchen. Yet the tech doesn’t create a sense of ear‑squeezing vacuum; it remains natural and comfortable even during extended use.

Hearing Aid Feature
One of the most thoughtful additions is the new “Conversation Boost” feature, which essentially turns the earbuds into discreet hearing aids. By activating it in a face‑to‑face chat mode, the AirPods Pro 2 hone in on your conversation partner’s voice and gently amplify it. I tried this in a noisy café, and it made a real difference – voices were clearer without the need to lean in. It’s a welcome inclusion for anyone with mild hearing challenges or simply those who fancy a bit of extra vocal clarity.

Transparency Mode
Transparency mode has also seen refinements. Instead of a flat, amplified “cocktail‑party” effect, the world sounds more true‑to‑life. I could hear announcements in the station without removing an earbud, and the ambient noise didn’t feel harsh or distorted. It’s a perfect middle ground when you need situational awareness yet still want to enjoy your tunes.

Personalised Spatial Audio
Spatial Audio with dynamic head‑tracking remains one of Apple’s boldest claims, and here it works well. By scanning the shape of your ears via the TrueDepth camera on an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 2 tailor the 3D audio effect to you. Watching films on Apple TV+, explosions felt like they erupted all around, and scenes in “Gravity” literally wrapped me in sound. It’s not a gimmick if you regularly watch spatial audio–optimised content, though traditional stereo will satisfy most listeners.

Battery Life and USB‑C Charging
Battery life has improved modestly. I managed about six hours of playback with ANC enabled, up from the original’s 4.5 hours. The charging case offers roughly 30 hours in total, and swapping to occasional Transparency mode pushed me even closer to Apple’s claimed figures. The switch to USB‑C charging is overdue but welcome, and fast‑charge capability delivers around an hour of listening from just five minutes plugged in – unequivocally handy.

Where They Shine (and Stumble)
In daily use, the AirPods Pro 2 excel at versatility. From noise‑free commuting to immersive movie marathons, they adapt to your needs almost intuitively. The Hearing Aid feature is a compassionate touch, and the personalised spatial sound adds depth to entertainment. However, at their premium price point, you might expect slightly more bass power for those who favour club‑style beats. Similarly, Android users will miss some seamless integrations, though basic features remain functional.

Verdict
Overall, the AirPods Pro 2 represent a mature, well‑rounded update. They don’t reinvent the wheel but polish every aspect of Apple’s in‑ear flagship. If you live firmly within Apple’s ecosystem and desire top‑tier noise cancellation, a suite of smart features and excellent sound, these are amongst the best wireless earbuds you can buy today. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege.

 

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