Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen review

The new AirPods Pro 2 block outside noise with mind-blowing efficiency, and take a big step forward in sound, too.

AirPods Pro 2 on table
(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen deliver genuinely stunning noise cancellation and a huge update to the deepness and richness of their sound. And with a new case that's so much harder to lose, but still in the same light and comfortable design, they're at the top of the earbuds game. There are some missing features we'd like to see, and they're still much better for iPhone users over Android, but it won't matter too much when you're lost in your sound.

For

  • Rich and detailed sound
  • Incredible active noise cancellation
  • Nearly un-losable case

Against

  • No noise-cancellation adjustments
  • No lossless or Bluetooth LE Audio support
  • Extra features locked to Apple devices

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The Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are the much-awaited follow-up to the original AirPods Pro, which debuted in 2019. On the outside, they look borderline identical; on the inside, they're effectively 100% new, from the speaker driver to the wireless chip to the battery.

The real star of the AirPods Pro 2's show is the Apple H2 chip, which enables a 50% increase in battery life, and powers the truly astounding active noise cancellation, which can make the average office or home environment become so silent that it's eerie. They're absolutely one of the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the world today.

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The Verdict
9

out of 10

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen review

The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen deliver genuinely stunning noise cancellation and a huge update to the deepness and richness of their sound. And with a new case that's so much harder to lose, but still in the same light and comfortable design, they're at the top of the earbuds game. There are some missing features we'd like to see, and they're still much better for iPhone users over Android, but it won't matter too much when you're lost in your sound.

Matt Bolton

Matt is Managing Editor at TechRadar.com, and previously worked on T3, MacLife and MacFormat. He's been testing technology for over a decade, working in specialist Apple publications as well general technology and creative journalism, and has charted Apple’s ups and downs since his student days (but still hopes to hear “one more thing”). By day, you can find him covering TV, audio, smart home gear and more at T3.com, as Home Tech Editor. By night, he's probably updating or pairing or installing some new piece of technology in the quest for the perfect setup.