Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) review: the best earbuds for iPhone users, full stop
Apple's H2-powered AirPods Pro 2 turned six this year. They've gotten cheaper, picked up Adaptive Audio, and now do hearing aid duty. They're still the best earbuds you can buy if your phone is an iPhone — and the worst value if it isn't.
The verdict
If your phone is an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 2 are a no-brainer. They pair instantly, hand off to your iPad and Mac, switch automatically, and the new Adaptive Audio is genuinely useful. If your phone runs Android, you lose 70% of the features and you should buy almost anything else.
- Instant pairing and seamless device switching across all Apple devices
- Adaptive Audio is the first version of this feature that actually works well
- Hearing aid mode is a game-changer for mild hearing loss
- Tiny case, comfortable fit for most ears, no winged tips needed
- Best-in-class voice call quality among true wireless earbuds
What we liked
- Most features are useless on Android — the AAC codec and basic playback only
- Battery life is 6 hours per bud, well behind the Pixel Buds Pro 2's 8
- No LDAC or aptX — even on iPhone, you're stuck with AAC
- Tiny charging port flap on the case is fragile
What we didn't
Key specs
- Battery (per bud, ANC on)
- 6 hours
- Battery (with case)
- 30 hours
- Bluetooth
- 5.3, single-device on iPhone
- Codecs
- AAC, SBC
- Water resistance
- IP54 (buds + case)
- Charging
- USB-C, MagSafe, Qi
- Warranty
- 1 year (AppleCare extends to 2)
Who this is for
Anyone with an iPhone who wants the most-frictionless wireless earbud experience and doesn't mind paying Apple's premium. If you're on Android, look elsewhere — the Sony WF-1000XM5, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and even the Anker Q45 over-ear are all better choices for non-Apple users.
What changed in the USB-C revision
Same buds, USB-C case (finally), Lightning is dead. If you already have the original Pro 2, there's no reason to upgrade — but the USB-C version is the one to buy new.
Adaptive Audio
The headline feature. ANC dynamically adjusts based on your environment — quiets down a noisy commute, lets traffic through when you're walking, ducks for nearby voices. It mostly works. The only edge case where it stumbles is sudden loud single events (a door slam) — it briefly disables ANC and the contrast is jarring. Useful enough that we leave it on.
Hearing aid mode
This is the unsung hero of the 2026 firmware. With a quick hearing test in the iPhone Health app, the AirPods Pro 2 become a clinical-grade hearing aid for mild-to-moderate loss. We tested with a reviewer who has age-related high-frequency loss and it transformed their phone-call clarity in restaurants. This feature alone justifies the price for the right person.
Sound and ANC
Both are good, neither is class-leading. ANC is roughly tied with the Anker Q45, behind the Sony WH-1000XM5. Sound is balanced and slightly warm — pleasant, not exciting. No LDAC.
Bottom line
If you have an iPhone, get them. If you don't, see our best wireless earbuds list for better-value alternatives.