Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C are a solid choice for Apple users who value easy integration and the new hearing health features. But the audio performance is average at best, with sound quality at the 29th percentile and ANC at the 31st percentile in our database. Call quality is a real weak spot at the 12th percentile. If you're not locked into Apple's ecosystem, the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Technics EAH-AZ100 deliver better sound and noise cancellation for similar money.

Let's talk about what the numbers actually say. The sound quality sits at the 29th percentile in our database, which is mediocre for earbuds in this price class. The H2 chip does a lot of computational audio work, and the custom driver delivers crisp highs and decent bass, but it's not going to blow away anyone who's spent time with high-end Sony or Technics buds. The sound signature is pleasant and balanced, just not exceptional.

Battery life lands at the 45th percentile, which is about average. Apple claims up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on and 30 hours total with the case. That's fine for daily use, but plenty of competitors now push 8 to 10 hours per charge. The ANC performance is also underwhelming at the 31st percentile. Apple's marketing says up to 2x more noise cancellation than the original AirPods Pro, but our data shows it's middle of the pack compared to the current market. The adaptive audio feature that blends ANC and transparency mode is genuinely useful in practice, but the raw noise reduction isn't class-leading anymore.

The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the obvious alternative and it beats the AirPods Pro 2 in nearly every audio metric we track. Sony's ANC is consistently top-tier, sound quality is richer and more detailed, and battery life is better. The trade-off is that Sony's multipoint connectivity can be finicky and the fit isn't for everyone. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is another strong contender with excellent sound and ANC, plus a more premium build quality. Both of these outperform the AirPods Pro 2 on pure audio performance.

The Soundcore P31i and EarFun Air Pro 4+ are the budget alternatives. They don't match the AirPods Pro 2 on integration or the hearing health features, but they deliver surprisingly good sound and ANC for a fraction of the price. If you're not locked into the Apple ecosystem, these are worth a serious look. The AirPods Pro 3rd Generation is also on the horizon, which makes buying the 2nd gen right now a bit of a timing question.

Pricing is tricky here since the listing doesn't include a current price. But we can talk about the value proposition based on what this product is. The AirPods Pro 2 typically sells in the $200 to $250 range, and at that price, the value depends entirely on how much you care about Apple integration. For an iPhone user, the convenience factor is real and hard to quantify. For everyone else, there are better-sounding, better-cancelling options for less money.

The problem is that the core audio performance metrics don't justify the premium. Sound quality, ANC, and battery life are all average or below average in our database. You're paying for the Apple logo, the H2 chip's computational tricks, and the friction-free pairing experience. If those things matter to you, fine. If you're just looking for great earbuds, you can do better elsewhere.

The OLKIEQZ MTJV3LL/A is, for all intents and purposes, an Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation with a USB-C case. The listing name is a mouthful, but the product itself is familiar territory. You get the H2 chip, active noise cancellation, adaptive audio, and all the integration tricks Apple users have come to expect. At 45 grams for the buds and case, it's light enough to disappear in a pocket.

Who's this for? Someone already living in the Apple ecosystem who wants wireless earbuds that just work with their iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch. The easy pairing and automatic device switching are the real selling points here, not raw audio performance. If you've ever fought with Bluetooth pairing on a third-party set of buds, you know exactly what that convenience is worth.

What makes this interesting is the hearing health angle. Apple baked in a scientifically validated hearing test and clinical-grade hearing protection features. That's genuinely novel for consumer earbuds. But the spec sheet also reveals some rough edges, especially around call quality and connectivity, which we'll get into below.

Android users should skip these without a second thought. You lose the integration that justifies the price premium, and you're left with average sound quality and mediocre ANC. The Sony WF-1000XM6 or Technics EAH-AZ100 will serve you much better. People who take a lot of phone calls on their earbuds should also look elsewhere. The mic performance at the 12th percentile is a real problem for call-heavy users.

Audiophiles and anyone who prioritizes sound quality above all else should also pass. The 29th percentile sound ranking means these are fine for casual listening, but they won't satisfy critical listeners. If you want the best audio quality in wireless earbuds, check out the Technics EAH-AZ100 or Sony WF-1000XM6 instead.

If you're an iPhone user who wants earbuds that just work, the AirPods Pro 2 are still a solid choice. The easy pairing, automatic device switching, and the new hearing health features are genuinely valuable. The adaptive audio that blends ANC and transparency mode is also more useful in daily life than spec sheets suggest. You'll be happy with these if convenience and integration are your top priorities.

But if you care about raw audio performance, call quality, or getting the best value for your money, look elsewhere. The Sony WF-1000XM6 and Technics EAH-AZ100 both deliver better sound and ANC. And if you're on a budget, the Soundcore P31i gets you 80% of the experience for a lot less cash. The AirPods Pro 2 are good earbuds, but they're no longer the best earbuds.