4.3$249

The verdict

The obvious pick for iPhone owners; Android users get better value elsewhere.

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Pros

  • Best-in-class for iPhone users
  • Excellent ANC and transparency
  • Compact, pocketable case

Cons

  • Limited features on Android
  • Battery life trails over-ear rivals
  • No wired option

Best for

  • iPhone and Apple users
  • Commuters wanting something pocketable

Not ideal for

  • Android users
  • Anyone needing all-day battery

The AirPods Pro 2 are the default wireless earbuds for anyone in the Apple ecosystem. Here’s how they hold up.

Noise cancellation

Active noise cancellation is excellent for earbuds of this size, and the transparency mode is among the most natural-sounding available on any pair of earbuds.

Sound quality

The tuning is balanced and forgiving, with a clear mid-range that suits podcasts and calls as well as music. Adaptive EQ adjusts the sound automatically.

Battery & case

Expect around 6 hours per charge with ANC on, with the case providing several top-ups. The case is small enough to disappear in a pocket.

Should you buy them?

Yes, if you use an iPhone. Android users get more from comparably priced earbuds with codec support and deeper customisation.