AirPods Pro 2: technical sheet, price and opinion on wireless headphones

AirPods Pro 2 in brief:

• the best AirPods
• limited battery
• ergonomics to review
• perfect for iPhone
• very high price

1 – The design

If you already knew about the first generation AirPods Pro, you won't be surprised when you hold a pair of AirPods Pro 2 in your hand. Indeed, Apple offers us here a duo very similar to its predecessor. On the menu, you will benefit from a format with an emblematic stem of the family of wireless earphones. To fit in the ears, the manufacturer has added silicone tips but be careful: this does not mean that the new AirPods Pro are in-ear. It is therefore better to refrain from sudden movements, otherwise you risk losing your earbuds along the way.

Please note, however, that AirPods Pro 2 are water and sweat resistant. In theory, you can therefore use them poolside whenever you want. In terms of pure dimensions now, know that the second generation AirPods Pro are approximately 3 cm high by 2.2 wide and 2.5 deep. The wireless charging case, for its part, is more imposing but fits in the pocket. In total, the whole thing weighs a little over fifty grams. Colors: white only.

2 – Audio quality

Let’s move on to what you’re probably most interested in if you’re looking for “pro” headphones. Let's say it right away: Apple is not targeting you with the second generation AirPods Pro. However, the result remains honorable;our colleagues fromPresse-citron.netthus speak of a quality “improved” if we compare it to that of the first generation. It must be said that the manufacturer has focused on new transducers and new drivers, allowing the rendering to come even closer to what was recorded in the studio.

3 – Features of the second generation AirPods Pro

The second-generation AirPods Pro may be simple wireless earbuds, but they still come with a few key features. In particular the active noise reduction, again much more efficient than previously. The objective of this solution is to isolate you from ambient noise thanks to a small integrated software; similar to that which can be found in certain planes. Don't worry: it is also possible to deactivate it, if you don't want to be hit by a car...

Buying AirPods Pro 2 also means enjoying the so-called sound “Audio spatial” developed by Apple. Understand that the tracks have been reworked to give you the impression of a feeling at the heart of the music, as if the artists were installed around you. Let's face it: it's a gimmick, and little content is compatible. In fact, you have to go through Apple Music, the manufacturer's streaming service at 9.99 euros per month for the basic package.

To finish on the soft side, know that the second generation AirPods Pro pair in a few seconds thanks to Bluetooth and NFC if you have an iPhone. And the integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem is ideal: Mac, iPad, iPod touch…

4 – What performance?

The 2022 AirPods Pro are equipped with an H2 chip which is responsible for processing all surrounding information and audio streams sent by your source. No latency is to be deplored: the feedback is fluid, the tones respected, the interactions rapid. So far, so good.

For the battery however, Apple has chosen to limit its AirPods Pro 2. Indeed, while the competition often does much better, here it will be six hours maximum – and again: according to the technical sheet only. Because in real conditions, we sometimes arrive at two hours less... It's a real shame for a pair of wireless headphones of this ilk, sold as “premium” by the brand that designed them.

As for Bluetooth, the range reaches around ten meters and this is confirmed on a daily basis.

5 – AirPods Pro 2 controls

To choose which title will soon appear on your second generation AirPods Pro, you have the choice between using the touch screen of your iPhone or your Apple Watch or using the controls available directly on the earbuds. For example, simply press the small trackpad once to start playback or pause a title. It's much more practical, and you can also do it with wet fingers thanks to the water resistance.

With this, by swiping up or down you can adjust the volume. Finally, to call the voice assistant, simply say “Dis, Siri” but oral detection is not obligatory.6 – Recharging and compatibility

The AirPods Pro 2 case is equipped with a Lightning port for wired charging but also powers wirelessly with MagSafe compatibility. All Qi-certified wireless chargers are also compatible. According to the manufacturer, “5 minutes of charging in the case gives approximately 1 hour of listening time or approximately 1 hour of talk time“, in a regular setting and without turning the volume up or active noise reduction.

More expensive than ever: this is what we can say about the AirPods Pro 2, sold for 299 euros all the same. At this price, Apple of course provides you with the wireless charging case and the Lightning to USB-C cable but no power adapter. You will therefore have to purchase it separately if you do not have one; count on a few dozen euros at Apple.

To protect your second generation AirPods Pro, we also invite you to invest in a protective silicone case. This way, you will avoid scratching the case and you will be better protected in the event of an impact. A wrist strap is also welcome; Moreover, Apple has inserted a small port dedicated to this purpose on the external battery. Practical !

8 – Our opinion

So, what do you think of these AirPods Pro 2? To summarize, we can say that this is a fairly successful update of the original AirPods Pro even if the improvements are not numerous. But this is the flaw of most wireless headphones on the market; It's difficult to do better from one version to another as the technical sheets are so short.

Despite everything, it must be said, active noise reduction is more effective and this is welcome when we know that this solution pales in comparison to the competition withthe first AirPods Pro. What's more, the second generation AirPods Pro clearly promise to be the best Apple headphones of their generation, perhaps even the best altogether. The integration with other Apple products is complete and without the slightest hitch, but you will have to pay the price. At almost three hundred euros per pair, this duo is really not intended for everyone and for less money, true audiophiles will rather go to specialists like Bose or Audio Technica.

Finally, let's give a good point for the arrival of the touchpad, very practical in transport to avoid ordering the AirPods Pro 2 orally.