The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are a welcome upgrade of the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. Their in-ear fit helps make them more stable, and they've significantly improved their audio delivery, though some may find this design less comfortable. Their active noise cancelling feature also works very well and makes them well-suited for use at work. While they're smaller than previous models thanks to their shorter stems, they offer longer battery life and have an easier-to-use touch control scheme.
The Apple AirPods Pro are decent for neutral sound. They can deliver audio very consistently, and they have a fairly flat and neutral sound profile that's well-suited for a variety of audio content. However, their low bass is a bit underemphasized, so mixes lack thump and rumble. Their passive soundstage also seems small and closed-off due to their in-ear fit.
The Apple AirPods Pro are great for commuting. These in-ears have a small and lightweight design, which makes it easy to take them with you on the go. They have an ANC system that can block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines. Unfortunately, their continuous playback time of over five hours may not be enough for long days on the road, although their carrying case holds roughly five extra charges if you need it.
The Apple AirPods Pro are great for sports. They have good stability, although it can vary depending on your ear shape, and also come with a few different tip sizes so you can find the best fit for you. They're also small, lightweight, and are certified IPX4 for protection against splashes of water. They also have a great ANC feature that helps to cut down ambient noise at the gym.
The Apple AirPods Pro are decent for office use. They're comfortable and block out a good amount of ambient chatter around you. They're very lightweight and comfortable, meaning you can wear them for a full workday without feeling too fatigued. Unfortunately, their battery won't quite last a full day of work, and they take a bit longer than previous models to fully charge, meaning you may need to take a break from your music while they charge.
The Apple AirPods Pro aren't recommended for wireless gaming. They're Bluetooth-only, so they aren't compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles. While you can connect them to a Bluetooth-enabled PC, the latency will likely be too high for gaming.
The Apple AirPods Pro are Bluetooth-only headphones, and you can't use them wired.
The Apple AirPods Pro are alright for phone calls. Unfortunately, their integrated mic does a disappointing job of capturing your voice on PCs, so it sounds muffled and a bit distorted. While the mic does a better job of noise handling, it can still be difficult for the person on the other end of the line to hear you clearly if you're in a moderately noisy environment like a busy street. That said, if you're taking a call via iPhone, the mic offers a slightly better noise handling performance when it comes to loud sounds. These headphones also have a great ANC feature, so you can focus on your call.
The Apple AirPods Pro come in one color variant: 'White'. That said, in 2021, Apple released an upgraded variant of these headphones that come with a MagSafe-compatible charging case. There wasn't an advertised change to the performance of the headphones, though. We tested the original variant, and their carrying case doesn't support this feature. However, we expect this variant to otherwise perform similarly to our model.
This review also currently reflects the performance of our original unit, which we don't have anymore. That said, we've purchased a second model, which matches the performance of our first unit. If there's a difference in performance during future retests, we will update the review accordingly. You can see our new unit's label here.
If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussions.
The Apple AirPods Pro are solid, truly wireless earbuds that look and feel premium as well as have a great ANC feature. Their sound reproduction may not be as good as some similarly-priced options from competitors, but they're a big improvement over the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. They also have an H1 chip so that you can seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices and newer models have a carrying case that supports MagSafe wireless charging.
We suggest looking at our recommendations for the best truly wireless earbuds, the best noise cancelling earbuds, and the best wireless earbuds for iPhone.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless are the next version of the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. While not a lot has changed in terms of comfort and premium build quality, there have been slight changes to their sound profile and noise isolation performance. The 2nd generation sound a little warmer than the 1st generation and can reproduce better low bass. Their ANC also does a significantly better job of blocking out background noise across the spectrum. Additionally, they have a longer continuous battery life, though they're one extra charge short of their predecessor. Their carrying case has a U1 chip, too, so you can easily locate your case if you lose it. Overall, the changes are somewhat minor, but the 2nd generation make good strides in the right places.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better overall headphones than the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless. The Apple headphones are more comfortable and feel better built, and their ANC offers a significantly better noise isolation performance. They also have a significantly better battery performance especially as their carrying case holds roughly five additional charges. However, the Beats have a more stable in-ear fit.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Apple headphones are better built, are more stable in-ear, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. As well as having better ANC and battery performance, they come with an H1 chip that lets you seamlessly pair them with other devices in your Apple ecosystem.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Truly Wireless and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer one over the other depending on your usage. The Apple headphones are more comfortable and have features like an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices and Spatial Audio on supported iOS devices. However, the Bose are slightly better balanced, their ANC blocks out a bit more noise across all frequencies, and their integrated mic has a better recording quality. The Bose also have a better companion app and a lower latency on iOS and Android, although some apps compensate for latency differently.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless. The Pro have a much more neutral sound profile and a great ANC feature. They come with differently-sized ear tips and are much more comfortable and stable once you find a good fit. On the other hand, the 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life, and their mic has a better recording quality. They also block out very little ambient sound, which you may prefer if you want to hear your surroundings.
Depending on your usage, you may prefer either the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless or the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless. The Apple are in-ears that are more portable, better built, and more stable, which makes them a solid choice for sports and fitness. They also have a more neutral sound profile and an H1 chip that allows you to seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the Sony are over-ears with a customizable sound profile, thanks to their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Their ANC also does a better job of blocking out background noise, and they support multi-device pairing so that you can connect them with up to two devices at a time.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Apple AirPods Max Wireless have different strengths, and depending on your preferences, you may prefer one over the other. The AirPods Pro are truly wireless in-ears that are more comfortable, portable, and stable. Their carrying case also holds around five charges, giving you a total battery life of over 30 hours. However, the AirPods Max are over-ear headphones. Their integrated microphone performs better, and they have a continuous battery life of about 21 hours, which is longer than the approximately five hours provided by their truly wireless counterpart. They also have a slightly better noise isolation performance.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. While both headphones are well-built, the Apple have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more ambient noise. However, the Sony have a more customizable sound profile thanks to their companion app's graphic EQ and presets, and a longer continuous battery life.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless offer similar performance to the Sony WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless but have much better ANC. Both have a neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, but the Sony have a longer battery life and are more customizable, especially as their companion app offers a full graphic EQ on both Android and iOS. The Apple, on the other hand, are more comfortable in the ear and feel significantly more stable.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS True Wireless. While both headphones offer a similarly great noise isolation performance, the Apple have a more comfortable and stable fit, are better built, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have an H1 chip that allows you to seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the JBL are more customizable, thanks to their companion app's robust customization features, and they can connect with up to two devices at a time.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Truly Wireless. The Apple feel better built and have a more neutral sound profile, and their ANC feature can reduce even more ambient noise around you. They also have a longer total battery life. However, the Samsung have EQ presets and two ANC levels via their companion app.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless have better sound reproduction than the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. The Beats also have a better control scheme, a great battery life, and a more sports-friendly ear-hook design. On the other hand, the Apple feel a bit more premium, have significantly better noise isolation thanks to their ANC, and have a much smaller and more portable design.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer one over the other. The Apple headphones have a more stable fit and neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. They're also more compact and portable, making them easier to take on the go. However, the Sony are over-ears with a more comfortable fit. Their ANC system does a significantly better job of blocking out background noise, and the Sony have a longer total battery life. Their companion app also offers a graphic EQ and presets to help adjust their sound to your liking, and you can use them passively if you run out of battery life.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are much better than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. The Pro's sound profile is much more balanced, especially in the bass range, and their in-ear design and ANC provide significantly better noise isolation. The Pro also have an easier-to-use control scheme and feel much more stable in the ear. However, the non-intrusive fit of the AirPods 2 may be more comfortable for some people, and they charge much quicker.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are significantly better earphones than the Apple EarPods. The EarPods have an open-back earbud design that delivers very little bass and isolates hardly any noise. This can actually be a good thing if you like to listen to podcasts while running outdoors, but if you prefer a better-balanced sound for listening to music and need to block out external noise, the Pro are the way to go.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the JBL TUNE 230NC TWS True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple are better built, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have a significantly better noise isolation performance. They also have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices. However, the JBL have a companion app that offers a parametric EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound to your liking. They also have significantly better battery performance.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are two great products but for different uses. The Bose's over-ear design is more comfortable, and the ANC blocks more ambient noise. On the other hand, the Apple are more portable and better for sports thanks to their better stability and breathability performances.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple are better built, and their ANC can block out slightly more ambient noise around you. They also have a significantly better battery performance, and their H1 chip allows you to seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the Samsung have EQ presets to help you adjust their sound to your liking.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless. The Apple have a great ANC feature that blocks ambient noise, and their case is noticeably smaller and more portable. The Bose are bigger, have an earbud design, and aren't quite closed-backs, meaning you can monitor your surroundings, which is great for outdoor runners. The SoundSport also sound a bit more neutral with a more accurate bass performance.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are both premium in-ears with slight differences. The Apple are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have a better noise isolation performance. They also offer a few Apple-centric features such as an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your iOS devices and Spatial Audio for a more immersive audio experience. However, the Sennheiser have a better overall battery performance, and their sound profile is more customizable. They can also be paired with up to three devices at a time.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Nothing Ear (1) Truly Wireless. While both earbuds are comfortable, the Apple are better built, have a more stable in-ear fit, and have more consistent audio delivery. Their sound profile is more neutral, their ANC can block out a superior amount of ambient noise, and their battery performance is better. However, the Nothing have a few EQ presets you can select to customize their sound.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Truly Wireless and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are both very decent pairs of truly wireless headphones. The Apple have slightly easier-to-use controls, a more premium-feeling case, much better isolation performances thanks to their ANC feature, and a slightly longer overall battery life, and they are easier to pair to Apple devices. On the other hand, the Samsung have a more accurate out-of-the-box sound profile, a significantly longer single-charge battery life, and a better app for both iOS and Android that offers EQ presets, and they are easier to pair with compatible Samsung devices.
The Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless are somewhat more versatile headphones than the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. The Bose are more comfortable, have a better noise isolation performance, and have a significantly longer continuous battery life. They also support multi-device pairing, so you can connect them to your laptop and smartphone simultaneously. However, the Apple are better built, have a more stable in-ear fit, and are more portable. They also support Spatial Audio and have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices.
While both sound very well-balanced and isolate a lot of noise, the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless will be better truly wireless earbuds for most people than the Jabra Elite 65t Truly Wireless. While the Jabra have more customization options on both Android and iOS, the Apple are more comfortable, and their ANC helps them isolate even more noise in the bass range, which is important when commuting.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Truly Wireless are similarly performing earbuds to the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. Their sound profile is very similar, though they are much more consistent among different users. The Samsung offer Android users a lot of customization options, including EQ presets, while the Apple have very minimal customization overall. The Samsung's battery life is also significantly better. The Apple, on the other hand, offer ANC which gives you much better noise isolation. They also provide seamless pairing for Apple users thanks to their H1 chip.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Plantronics Voyager 5200 Bluetooth Headset are designed for different uses. The Voyager 5200 is a mono Bluetooth headset that isn't meant for listening to music, while the Apple are truly wireless headphones designed for listening to music. The microphone on the Voyager does a much better job at handling noise, and the app gives you a ton of customization options for phone calls. On the other hand, the Apple come with a charging case, and two earbuds so you can listen to stereo music. Their sound profile is also much better-balanced for music.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Bose Sport Earbuds Truly Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer either. The Bose are better for sports since they come with a few differently-sized stability fins and block out much less ambient sound, which is nice if you want to stay aware of your surroundings while you exercise. On the other hand, the Apple are equipped with a great ANC feature, have a longer continuous battery life, and have a case that holds a greater number of extra charges. Also, some listeners may prefer their more neutral sound profile.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are much better truly wireless in-ears than the Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless. The Apple block significantly more background noise, thanks in part to their great ANC feature. They also have a slightly better-balanced sound profile with a bit more bass. On the other hand, the Google last longer off a single charge and have an easier-to-use control scheme.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are significantly better headphones than the Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, have a better-balanced sound profile, and have a great noise isolation performance thanks to their ANC feature. Their battery performance is better too, and they have an H1 chip so it's easy to pair with different Apple devices. However, the Sennheiser have a better-performing integrated mic, and their companion app offers a lot more customization features.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones for most uses than the Jaybird Vista 2 Truly Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Apple have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their ANC can block out more ambient noise. They also have more additional charges in their carrying case, and their H1 chip allows you to connect them to your Apple devices. However, the Jaybird are more customizable as their companion app offers a parametric EQ and presets.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple headphones are better built and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their overall battery performance is better. They also have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices. However, the Samsung headphones have a better noise isolation performance, and their companion app offers EQ presets to help you customize their sound.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless. Each set of headphones has very similar noise isolation performance, so whichever set you choose will do a great job blocking out rumbly bus engines or chatty co-workers. The Beats have a longer continuous battery life, but the AirPods have an H1 chip for easy pairing with other Apple devices. The AirPods also have a flatter, less harsh mid-range, and much more consistent sound delivery.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, better built, and more stable, and they have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have an H1 chip, so you can seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the Google headphones support multi-device pairing and support Google Fast Pair for seamless pairing with Android devices.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears for most uses than the JBL Tour Pro+ TWS True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Apple's ANC can block out significantly more ambient noise around you, and the Apple have a longer total battery life. Their H1 chip also allows you to seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the JBL have a more customizable sound, thanks to their companion app's parametric EQ and presets.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better than the Anker SoundCore Life P3 Truly Wireless. The Apple are better built and some users may prefer their more neutral out of the box sound compared to the Anker's bass-heavy sound. They also have Apple-centric features like an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices and Spatial Audio, for a more immersive audio experience. That said, the Anker come with a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization, and their ANC feature is adjustable.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer either, depending on what you're looking for. Βoth headphones have an ANC feature, but the Apple's feature blocks out much more noise. They also have a better build quality and some extra features for Apple users, like virtual surround sound and an Η1 chip for easier pairing with iOS devices. On the other hand, the Jabra have a longer continuous battery life, a much better control scheme, and a more neutral default sound profile that some may prefer. They also have sound customization features in their app.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are two very different headphones. Some may prefer the comfort of over-ears while some would prefer the portability of a truly wireless design. When it comes to noise isolation, both are great, but the Sony are better in this regard thanks to their amazing ANC feature. On the other hand, the Apple are more neutral sounding and noticeably more stable and breathable, which is great for sports.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the JBL Live Pro+ TWS True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple are better built and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have a better-performing ANC, an H1 chip to make pairing with other Apple devices easier, and a higher total battery life. However, the JBL have a companion app that offers a parametric EQ and presets so that you can customize their sound profile.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Beats Solo Pro Wireless. The Apple are in-ears that are easier to take with you on the go. They have a more comfortable and stable fit, a better noise isolation performance, and a longer total battery life. However, some users may prefer the Beats' on-ear design.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Jabra Elite 75t Truly Wireless. While they're equally comfortable, the Apple have a slightly longer overall battery life, and their sound profile is more neutral out of the box. The Apple's ANC does a better job of reducing ambient noise too. That said, the Jabra have a much better control scheme, a better microphone, and a customizable sound profile.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better than the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless for most purposes. The Apple are sturdier and have a much more comfortable, stable fit. They also have ANC and a much better noise isolation performance. On the other hand, the Sony have a longer continuous battery life. They have an app with a graphic EQ and presets, and their mic has a better recording quality.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction. The Apple are in-ears, are better built, have higher total battery life, and have active noise cancelling, which blocks out a great amount of ambient noise around you. They also have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your other Apple devices. However, you may prefer the Shokz if you want to stay aware of your surroundings while still hearing audio. They're bone conduction headphones that send vibrations along your cheekbone to your ears. While they don't block out background noise, they have a longer continuous battery life and support multi-device pairing so that you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone at the same time.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the MOONDROP Aria. The Apple are wireless headphones with noise cancelling so that they can block out background noise. They're also better built, have a built-in integrated mic to take calls on the go, and have an H1 chip to seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the MOONDROP are wired headphones that are more comfortable.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have a virtual soundstage feature and can significantly block out more ambient noise around you. However, the Sennheiser have a better battery performance, and their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound to your liking. They also support aptX Adaptive codec.
The Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2 Truly Wireless are similar truly wireless in-ears to the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, have a better case, feel better built, and have ANC. On the other hand, the Anker have better controls, a more bass-heavy sound profile, and a better-dedicated app.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the Jabra Elite 85t Truly Wireless. The Apple have a virtual soundstage feature, a significantly better noise isolation performance, and an H1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices. However, the Jabra can be paired with up to two devices at a time, and their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help adjust their sound to your liking.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro. The Apple are better built and have a more comfortable fit. They also have a more neutral sound profile, and their active noise cancelling does a better job of isolating noise around you. However, the Razer's mic offers a significantly better recording quality, and their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones for most uses than the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable and better built. They also have a more neutral sound profile out of the box and better battery performance, and they can isolate more noise. However, the Anker have a graphic EQ and presets to help customize their sound profile.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the OnePlus Buds Pro Truly Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple feel more premium and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have a significantly better noise isolation performance, a better continuous battery life, and an H1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices. However, the OnePlus have a better overall microphone performance.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro Truly Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple are better built and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have an H1 chip, which allows you to seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices, and their carrying case holds more charges. However, the Anker have a companion app that offers a graphic EQ and presets, and their ANC does a slightly better overall job of blocking out background noise.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless. The Apple are much more comfortable, are better built, and have a significantly better noise isolation performance. They offer a virtual surround sound feature with compatible iOS devices and come equipped with an Η1 chip for easier pairing with Apple devices. On the other hand, the Elite 4 have a more comprehensive onboard control scheme. They also work with a better companion app that includes sound customization features.
The AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are very different headphones. While the Apple are more traditional truly wireless in-ears, the AfterShokz use bone conduction to create sound and don't actually go inside your ears. The AfterShokz are a good choice if you want to be able to hear your music but still stay aware of your surroundings. Meanwhile, the Apple have a great ANC feature and are excellent for blocking out background sound.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are slightly better truly wireless in-ears than the Amazon Echo Buds True Wireless 2019 (1st generation). The Apple are more comfortable, feel better built, have a much smaller case, and have a better noise isolation performance, thanks to their ANC. On the other hand, the Amazon have access to a 3-band graphic EQ and charge quicker.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better wireless headphones than the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Truly Wireless. The Apple are slightly more comfortable, have better controls, and feel better built. Their sound profile is better balanced and neutral while their active noise cancelling blocks out noise around you. Although they have less continuous battery life than the Anker, they have five additional charges in their carrying case compared to Anker's three. However, the Anker have a better companion app that lets you customize their sound.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the TOZO T6 Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, feel more premium, are better built, have a more accurate and neutral sound profile, and have much better noise isolation thanks to their ANC feature. They also have a longer overall battery life. On the other hand, the TOZO are rated IPX8 for water resistance.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better Bluetooth in-ears than the Monster Clarity 101 AirLinks Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable for most people, have an active noise cancelling feature to help block out more noise, and have a much better-balanced sound profile. The Monster still isolate a decent amount of noise passively, though, and the lack of ANC helps give them a couple of extra hours of battery life too, but their dark sound profile can be a deal-breaker.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are much better truly wireless headphones than the JBL TUNE 220TWS Truly Wireless. The Apple are much more comfortable, have better controls, look and feel much more premium, have a much more accurate and balanced sound profile out of the box, isolate way better thanks to their ANC, have a better battery life, and have some customization options available on Apple devices. On the other hand, the JBL are available in a wide range of colors and have a better microphone.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better than the OnePlus Buds Z Truly Wireless. The Apple are better built and have better noise isolation thanks to their ANC feature. Also, they have a more neutral sound profile, though some listeners may prefer the OnePlus' bass-heavy sound profile.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better than the Skullcandy Indy ANC True Wireless. The Apple are better built and more comfortable. Also, their sound profile is more neutral and balanced, and they have better noise isolation. However, if you prefer a bass-heavy sound, you may like the Skullcandy instead.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 True Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they're able to isolate you from more ambient noise. They also have a better battery performance, and their H1 chip allows you to seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the Bowers & Wilkins have a carrying case that you can use as a wireless transmitter. They also support more codecs such as aptX HD and aptX-LL.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the JBL Live Free NC+ TWS True Wireless. While both have a comfortable fit, the Apple are better built, their ANC can block out more ambient noise, and they have a higher total battery life. They also have an H1 chip for seamlessly pairing them with your Apple devices. However, the JBL's companion app allows you to tweak their sound with a parametric EQ or presets.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the Google Pixel Buds A-Series Truly Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple are better built, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and can isolate you from significantly more noise. They also have a better battery performance and have an H1 chip so that you can seamlessly pair them with your other Apple devices.
The Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless have different strengths. The Jabra headphones' companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization, and the headphones themselves have a more comprehensive onboard control scheme. They also leak less audio, have a significantly better mic recording quality, and last longer off a single charge. However, the Apple headphones have an Η1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices and a virtual surround sound feature with compatible iOS devices, meaning Apple users may prefer them. Their ANC feature also blocks out more noise, especially in the bass range.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the JBL 130NC TWS Truly Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Apple are better-built, have a better noise isolation performance, and have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your other Apple devices. However, the JBL have a more neutral and customizable sound profile. Their continuous battery life is longer too.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Sony LinkΒuds Truly Wireless. The Apple have a much more comfortable, stable fit, a more neutral sound profile, and an excellent noise isolation performance. They also have lower latency via Bluetooth and an H1 chip for easier pairing with iOS devices. On the other hand, the LinkΒuds have an open design and let you hear ambient sound, which you may prefer. Their continuous battery life is also a bit longer.
If you can afford them, the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the Anker SoundCore Life P2 Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, feel much more premium, and have ANC to help block ambient noises. On the other hand, the Anker have a similarly well-balanced sound profile and offer good overall value if you don't want to pay the premium price for the Apple.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Jabra Elite Active 75t Truly Wireless are both very well-rounded truly wireless earbuds that each have their strengths and weaknesses. The Apple have a great active noise cancelling feature that makes them great for commuting and a very neutral, versatile sound profile. While the Jabra have quite a bit of bass by default, you can customize how they sound with their companion app. They also have a more durable design for sports, better microphone quality, and a longer continuous battery life.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are slightly better truly wireless in-ears than the JBL LIVE 300TWS Truly Wireless. The Apple look a lot more premium, feel a bit more durable, last longer off a single charge, and hold more charges in their case. They block much more background noise thanks to their ANC feature, and their sound profile isn't quite as bass-heavy, though they don't have a companion app for EQ options like the JBL. The JBL also have a better mic recording quality and may represent better value to some people.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better all-around headphones than the Skullcandy Indy Fuel Truly Wireless. The Apple headphones have a more comfortable fit, a better build quality, a more neutral sound profile, and a far superior noise isolation capability. However, the Skullcandy are far more affordable and have lower wireless latency on Android devices.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better for mixed usage than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Truly Wireless. The Apple in-ears are more comfortable, feel sturdier, provide a more consistent and neutral listening experience, and have a superior ANC system. However, the Samsung have a far more comprehensive companion app, generate a more spacious and open listening experience, and provide much lower wireless latency. They also last longer off of a single charge, though the Apple have a longer total battery life, with twice the number of extra charges in their carrying case.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are slightly better headphones for mixed usage than the JBL CLUB PRO+ TWS True Wireless, thanks to their better noise isolation performance. However, the JBL are a bit better for neutral sound, as they have a better-balanced sound profile and more sound customization features.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the EarFun Air Pro True Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer either depending on what you're looking for. While both buds have great ANC performances, the Apple have a more premium build quality and comfortable fit. They also have an H1 chip for easier, seamless pairing with Apple devices. However, they lack low bass. The EarFun have a more thumpy sound, which some listeners may prefer. The EarFun's battery also lasts much longer on a single charge, and they're better for phone calls, thanks to their better microphone performance.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Amazon Echo Buds True Wireless 2021 (2nd generation). The Apple have a better build quality and a more compact case that holds a greater number of extra charges. They also have a significantly better noise isolation performance. The Amazon are more customizable since they have a graphic EQ in their companion app. Their integrated mic also has a much better recording quality.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ear headphones than the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless 2021. The Apple are more comfortable, feel better built, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have a significantly better noise isolation performance and a longer continuous battery life, and they even have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices. However, the Razer have a 'Gaming Mode' that can help reduce latency.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Jabra Elite 3 Truly Wireless. The Apple are better built and can block out a significant amount of ambient noise. They also have an H1 chip, which allows you to seamlessly connect them with other devices in your Apple ecosystem. However, the Jabra have a better battery performance and support aptX codec.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are more versatile in-ears than the MOONDROP KATO. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Apple are wireless headphones with a lot more features. The Apple headphones have a similarly neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer; have a virtual soundstage feature to help give you a more immersive audio experience; and have an ANC system to block out a significant amount of ambient sound when you're on the go. They also have a mic and an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices. However, the MOONDROP are wired in-ear monitors with a swappable nozzle design.
The Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are very different headphones that are both great for their intended purposes. The Astro are comfortable wired headphones for low-latency gaming, while the Apple have a more portable, casual design with great active noise cancelling for everyday use.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable and have a great ANC feature that blocks ambient noise. They also have a more neutral out-of-the-box sound profile. The Sennheiser look a bit more high-end and barely leak any noise at high volume. They also have volume control, which the Apple lack.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless in-ears than the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless 2019. The Apple are much more comfortable, feel more premium, and have a much better-balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the listening experience is slightly more consistent among users with the Razer, and with gaming mode enabled, their latency is lower on non-iOS devices.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better, more versatile Bluetooth earbuds than the Bang & Olufsen E8 3.0 True Wireless. The Apple have a more balanced treble reproduction, a great active noise cancelling feature, and a more comfortable design. However, the Bang & Olufsen last longer on a single charge, and they leak less sound but feel less fully-featured overall.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the Mpow Flame Pro Truly Wireless. The Apple feel much more premium and have a smaller and more portable case. They also have a much more accurate sound profile and have ANC for significantly better noise isolation, and their case features wireless charging. On the other hand, the Mpow have a much better battery life and may represent better value for people just looking for a pair of wireless headphones to take to the gym.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless in-ears than the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79 Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, look and feel more premium, pair much easier to Apple devices, and have a slightly better-balanced sound profile with less bass. They also have active noise cancelling which helps them block out significantly more background noise. On the other hand, the TaoTronics have a slightly longer single-charge battery life and may represent better value overall for some people.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better overall in-ear headphones than the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2. The Apple are more comfortable and have a better-balanced and more neutral sound profile, and their ANC is more effective at reducing background noise. Their battery life is also longer, and their charging case provides two additional charges over the Sennheiser. However, the Sennheiser have a slightly better performing microphone.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are significantly better truly wireless headphones than the Microsoft Surface Earbuds Truly Wireless. The Apple headphones are much more comfortable, look and feel more premium, and hold way more charges in their case. They block out drastically more background noise than the Microsoft thanks to their great ANC feature, and their sound profile is also much better balanced. On the other hand, the Microsoft don't have an in-ear fit that enters deep into the ear canal, which some people may prefer. Their companion app also allows you to customize how the headphones sound via a graphic EQ or presets, which the Apple in-ears lack.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are much better Bluetooth in-ears than the Nura NuraLoop Wireless. The Apple are a lot more comfortable, have a slightly more accurate default sound profile, and have a much more portable truly wireless design. On the other hand, the Nura's app offers a unique automatic EQ that creates a personalized listening experience. The Nura also have better ANC that does an excellent job at blocking out background noise, and they last a lot longer off a single charge.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better overall headphones than the Boltune BT-BH024 Truly Wireless. The Apple has an ANC feature, so they do a better job isolating background noise. They're also more comfortable, and their control scheme is easier to use. They have a more neutral and better-balanced sound profile than the Boltune too. That being said, the Boltune boast a longer battery life.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the JLab Audio JBuds Air ANC Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable and feel better built. They also have a more neutral sound profile, and their ANC can isolate more noise. However, the JLab have a somewhat better performing integrated mic and battery performance.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better wireless headphones than the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 95 Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable and stable, and they have a better build quality. Their sound profile is better balanced too, and they have a great active noise cancelling feature that helps reduce ambient noise around you. They also have an H1 chip so that you can seamlessly pair with Apple devices, and their carrying case also holds five additional charges.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better overall than the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 94 Truly Wireless. The Apple AirPods are more comfortable, are better-built, have a better-balanced sound profile, and have longer overall battery life. Their ANC system also blocks out more ambient noise in the mid-range, though the TaoTronics do a better job of filtering out bass-range ambient noise like the rumble of bus engines. The TaoTronics also have lower audio latency on mobile devices and have a more comprehensive control scheme.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better than the Mpow X5 Truly Wireless. The Apple AirPods are better built, have a much more neutral sound profile, have a superior ANC feature, and have a charging case that supplies roughly five additional charges compared to the Mpow's two. On the other hand, the Mpow last longer on a single charge, leak less audio, and offer superior mic recording quality.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are more versatile than the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Truly Wireless. The Apple headphones have a noise-canceling feature that blocks out significantly more background noise. They also have a longer total battery life, courtesy of a charging case that supplies roughly five additional charges. However, the EPOS have a broader range of customization features. Their mic also offers superior recording quality and noise-handling capability.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Cowin Apex Elite Truly Wireless. The Apple are better built and have a more balanced sound profile. Also, their ANC feature performs much better than the Cowin's. That said, the Cowin's mic has a better recording quality.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better than the Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Truly Wireless. The Apple have a more intuitive control scheme, better build quality, a more effective ANC system, and a standby mode to conserve power. Meanwhile, the Anker have a companion app with a broader range of customization features, a superior microphone noise handling capability, and a longer continuous and total battery life.
The Apple Airpods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones for most uses than the TOZO NC2 Truly Wireless. The Apple have a more neutral sound profile, deliver sound more consistently, and have a great ANC feature. They also have a more stable fit and a better build quality. On the other hand, the TOZO give you almost twice the battery life from a single charge, and they have a sound profile that adds extra rumble and thump to mixes, which some users may prefer.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Ultimate Ears FITS Truly Wireless. The Apple are better built, have an ANC feature and a much better noise isolation performance, and support virtual surround sound. They also have a more neutral sound profile that some may prefer. On the other hand, the Ultimate Ears have a much more comfortable, stable fit. They have in-app sound customization features, have a better overall mic performance, and last longer off of a single charge.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better truly wireless headphones than the Skullcandy Dime True Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, feel better built, have an ANC feature that does a great job of blocking out noise around you, and have a better battery performance. They also have an H1 chip to seamlessly pair them with Apple devices. However, the Skullcandy's mic has a better recording quality.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Wyze Buds Pro Truly Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, feel better built, and have a significantly better noise isolation performance. They have a longer continuous battery life, and their H1 chip allows you to seamlessly pair them with other Apple devices. However, the Wyze have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ True Wireless. The Apple are more comfortable, feel better built, and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have active noise cancelling, which helps isolate you from a great amount of ambient noise, and significantly better battery performance, and they have an H1 chip so that you can seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the Cambridge Audio have a companion app with a graphic EQ and presets.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better than the Sennheiser CX True Wireless. The Apple in-ears have a more comfortable fit, have a better-balanced out-of-the-box sound profile, and block out a greater degree of ambient noise thanks to their ANC system. They also have a spatial audio feature on compatible devices. Meanwhile, the Sennheiser leak less audio, deliver better overall mic performance, have a longer single-charge battery life, and support a wider range of sound customization features through their companion app.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and the Skullcandy Grind Fuel True Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer either depending on what you're looking for. The Apple have an ANC feature and a much better noise isolation performance. They also have a much better build quality and features for Apple users like virtual surround sound and an Η1 chip for easy pairing. On the other hand, the Skullcandy's continuous battery life is longer. They have a much better app that includes sound customization features, and a more comprehensive control scheme. They also have 'Skull-iQ', so you can control the headphones with built-in voice commands.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC. The Apple are more comfortable and feel better built. They also have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, a significantly better noise isolation performance, and an H1 chip to seamlessly pair them to your Apple devices. However, the Klipsch have unique features like built-in Bragi Moves, which allows you to register commands using head movements. They also have a companion app that offers graphic EQ and presets so you can adjust their sound to your liking.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the EarFun Air Pro 2 True Wireless 2021. The Apple have a more comfortable, better build quality and can block out significantly more ambient noise. They also have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices. However, the EarFun have a better battery performance and a slightly more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Wyze Βuds Truly Wireless. They're much more comfortable and well-built, their controls are easier to use, and they have ANC and a significantly better noise isolation performance. They also have a more neutral sound profile that some may prefer, plus virtual surround sound features on supported iOS devices. On the other hand, the Wyze have a longer continuous battery life and a graphic EQ and presets in their companion app for sound customization.
The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are more versatile headphones than the 7HZ Timeless. The Apple are wireless headphones that are more comfortable, are better built, and have active noise cancelling to help block out a lot of noise around you. They also have an integrated mic, although it offers a sub-par overall performance, and they have an H1 chip for seamless pairing with your Apple devices. However, the 7HZ are wired headphones with a more stable fit.
The Apple AirPods Pro are comfortable for in-ear headphones. They come with three sizes of silicone tips and don't enter too deep into the ear canal. They're very lightweight and don't pressure on your ears, meaning they're barely noticeable. That said, like their successor, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, some users find that the buds wiggle out of their ears over time, which can be a little annoying as you'll need to adjust their fit each time this happens.
Update 11/26/2021: We have changed 'OS Compatibility' from 'iOS' to 'Not OS specific' as the call and music controls work on both Android and iOS devices. However, Android users can't use the voice assistant feature. As a result, we have updated our review to reflect this change.
The Apple AirPods Pro have passable controls. They have an indented 'force sensor' on each stem, but they don't provide any tactile feedback. However, the buds play a sound when you register a command. The controls are very straightforward, and they even work on Android devices, although you can't configure them to activate a non-Siri voice assistant. Although they don't have physical volume controls, you can request Siri to raise or lower the volume. You can also remap the 'Press and Hold' command if you want voice assistant control instead of ANC.
On either stem's force sensor:
Lightweight and smaller than previous models, the Apple AirPods Pro are very portable and will easily fit into most bags or pockets without too much of an issue, even when they're in their carrying case.
Update 12/14/2021: Apple silently released a new variant of these headphones, which have a case that's compatible with the MagSafe wireless charger. We tested the original variant, which have a case that doesn't support this technology. However, there otherwise isn't any difference between this model and our model.
Update 11/26/2021: After testing the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless, we noticed that the scoring of the Pro's case needed to be re-evaluated. The case feels great, but there are similar cases that are as good, if not better than this one. While it's small, lightweight, and supports wireless charging, our model doesn't support MagSafe charging, although Apple now retails a variant that comes with this feature. The one indicator light doesn't do much to tell you the level of the case or buds either. As a result, we're lowering the scoring of this test from 9.0 to 8.5.
Their case is excellent. It's extremely small and portable, measuring only slightly larger than previous models. It'll also protect the headphones well against minor falls and scratches, but not against water damage. Like the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, it has a Lightning port so that you can charge it with the included cable. It also supports Qi wireless charging. In 2021, Apple released a new variant of these headphones, which come with a carrying case that supports MagSafe Wireless charging. However, we tested the original model, which doesn't have this feature.
The Apple AirPods Pro have great build quality. They're made from high-quality plastic and will survive a couple of accidental drops without too much damage. Unlike the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, these headphones are also certified IPX4 for protection against splashes of water.
Update 12/03/2021: After user feedback and online reports, we've reevaluated their stability. While they still performed well on our stability test, we've lowered their score from 8.0 to 7.5 because many users report having a different experience.
The Apple AirPods Pro have good stability. They don't have stability fins but will stay in place when you're walking around and during light workouts. That said, their stability can vary depending on the user. There are a lot of online reports from people who say their AirPods wiggle out of place very easily when they go out for a walk or even talk while wearing them.
The Apple AirPods Pro have a fairly neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of audio content. While they struggle to produce thump and rumble, they lack less bass than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, which have an open-back design.
These headphones support Adaptive EQ, a feature that adjusts the sound based on the fit and seal of the headphones on your head. However, you can't turn it off or adjust it. If you're using a fully up-to-date iOS or iPadOS device, you can also access limited EQ settings under the Accessibility settings tab.
The Apple AirPods Pro's frequency response consistency is outstanding. Assuming you achieve a proper fit with the included tips, you'll experience the same sound reproduction every time you use the headphones.
The Apple AirPods Pro's bass accuracy is excellent. Thanks to their closed-back design, they don't have as severe low-bass issues like the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless and Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. However, the response is still a bit under our target curve, meaning some people may feel like they're a bit light on the low-bass.
The Apple AirPods Pro have excellent mid accuracy. There's a bit of overemphasis coming from the bass range into the low-mid, which somewhat clutters your mixes. However, the rest of the range is very flat and neutral, so vocals and lead instruments are present and detailed.
The Apple AirPods Pro have excellent treble accuracy. While the response is slightly underemphasized across the range, it's still fairly even. Vocals and lead instruments are slightly veiled, while sibilants like cymbals are a bit dulled, though.
These headphones have excellent peaks and dips performance that's fairly flat and even. There's a small peak in the low-mid, which slightly clutters vocals and lead instruments, but it's unequally distributed between the left and right drivers. There's also a small dip between the low to mid-treble, which dulls sibilants, but this won't be too noticeable to most listeners.
The Apple AirPods Pro's stereo imaging is great. The group delay graph shows it's under the audibility threshold, resulting in a tight bass and treble reproduction. The L/R drivers of our unit are also well-matched in frequency, and phase response, which is important for the accurate placement and localization of objects and instruments (like voices and footsteps) in the stereo image. Although there's a small bump in the phase response's low-mid, it may be hard to hear with real-life content. There's also a very minor mismatch in amplitude, but most people wouldn't notice it with real-life content as well. Note that these results are only valid for our unit, and yours may perform differently.
The Apple AirPods Pro have a bad passive soundstage, which is to be expected from in-ears. One important factor for creating an out-of-head and speaker-like soundstage is the activation of the outer ear by different resonances. Since in-ears bypass the outer ear altogether, their soundstage is perceived as being small and enclosed in your head. If you prefer a slightly more spacious in-ear experience, try out the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Truly Wireless, which feature a semi-open design.
The Apple AirPods Pro have a spatial audio feature, but it's only available on iOS/iPadOS 14 or later. You can turn this feature on and off by going into your iPhone's Bluetooth settings. Turning this feature on also turns on head tracking, which reorients the virtual soundstage to follow your head movements.
The Apple AirPods Pro's weighted harmonic distortion performance is great. It results in a clean and pure audio reproduction, and the bump in the treble range won't be audible for most people. There isn't a big jump under heavier loads either, which is good.
These are the settings we used to test these headphones, and our results are only valid using this configuration. We also used the Adaptive EQ feature during testing, which can't be turned off or changed.
Users asked us to verify the noise isolation performance using firmware 5B58. Unfortunately, we encountered a couple of issues during our retest and are currently investigating them. These buds were originally tested in 2019. Even though we've replaced our unit a few times in the last few years, we've always confirmed that our pair were consistent with our original results. The newest pair was checked in April 2022, but the last time we updated our noise isolation results was in November 2021, using FW 4A400. Since then, there have been four firmware updates.
We've been looking into this issue since October 2022 and compared the noise isolation performance of these buds across the last three firmware updates. Although FW 5B58's ANC results are consistent with the past three firmware results, there's a change between the last time we checked them and now. At the moment, we can't confirm what's causing this change. We'll continue to look further into this issue and will update our review with our results.
The noise isolation of these headphones is great. They do a decent job isolating the low rumble of bus or plane engines, making them a solid choice for commuting. Their mid-range performance is better, making them excellent for blocking out ambient chatter. They can also cut down a lot of high-pitched hum of AC units. That said, if you're looking for an even better noise isolating performance, check out the Apple AirPods Max Wireless.
The Apple AirPods Pro have a great leakage performance. They leak the most sound in the treble range, meaning the leaking sounds thin. It's unlikely that these headphones will bother those around you.
Update 11/26/2021: Due to user interest, we have retested 'Recording Quality' and 'Noise Handling' to see if there's a difference in performance between Bluetooth AAC and SBC codecs. Our testing PC doesn't support AAC, which is the license-free standard for Apple devices. However, we conducted this microphone retest while the headphones were placed on our test head and connected to an iPhone 11, which supports AAC. To retest 'Recording Quality', we played the same 'Recorded Speech' audio clip through our test head. While Bluetooth codecs aren't the sole factor in microphone performance, using the AAC codec, the voice sounds clearer than when connected to our test PC and using SBC codec. You can hear our results here.
For 'Noise Handling', we played the 'Speech + Pink Noise' and 'Speech + Subway Noise' audio clips. Using the AAC codec, we didn't notice much of a difference in performance when it comes to blocking out pink noise from speech. That said, the mic can block more loud noise in the subway recording when connected to an iPhone versus a PC. However, it also cuts out some speech in the process.
We have updated our review, but there hasn't been a change in the scoring of our microphone tests. To ensure comparability between different reviews, we test the mic of Bluetooth headphones using SBC codec as it's almost universally used by these devices.
The recording quality of the Apple AirPods Pro's microphone is disappointing. Recorded speech lacks body and sounds muffled as well as distorted, though you'll still make out what's being said.
The noise handling of the Apple AirPods Pro's microphone is passable. It struggles to separate your voice from ambient noise, even in moderately noisy environments like a busy street. You won't have a problem in a quieter space like at home, though.
The Apple AirPods Pro have an alright battery performance. They last over five hours on a single charge with their ANC on, which isn't as long as the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. Luckily, their carrying case offers five additional charges if you need it. They charge very quickly, and they're even advertised to give you three to four hours of continuous playback on a half-hour charge. They even come with a standby mode that activates when they detect that they aren't in your ears to conserve battery life. However, battery life varies depending on usage, and your real-life experience may vary. If you're looking for truly wireless headphones with even longer continuous battery life, consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Truly Wireless.
The Apple AirPods Pro don't have a companion app, just a settings screen on iOS devices. They have slightly more customization options than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, with ANC and transparency mode toggle, and the ability to change long-press on each earbud to either ANC control or Siri activation. The settings screen also allows you to do a Fit Tip Test to help find which size tips give the best fit, though we had mixed results. If you're using an iOS or iPadOS 14 or later, you can also access Headphone Accommodations in your device's Accessibility tab. This section offers a couple of EQ presets as well as a customized setup based on selecting audio samples that sound best. You can also choose whether these settings are applied to media, calls, or both. However, we don't consider this an EQ since this is out of the app interface. Keep in mind that there are also no customization options for Android devices. However, if you prefer more customization, check out the Denon PerL Pro True Wireless' custom EQ feature or the Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2 Truly Wireless with their 20 available presets.
The Apple AirPods Pro have fair Bluetooth connectivity. They don't support multi-device or NFC pairing. However, like the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless, they have an H1 chip that allows you to seamlessly pair them with other devices in your Apple ecosystem. They also have low latency on iOS and Android devices, which is great if you stream video. However, their latency is higher on PCs, so you may encounter slight issues with audio and visual synching. Some apps and devices compensate for latency differently, though, so your real-life experience may vary. If you want more gaming-oriented, truly wireless headphones for non-iOS devices, check out the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless 2021.
You can't use these headphones wired, which is expected with truly wireless headphones. They charge via the included USB-C to Lightning cable, and the manufacturer doesn't include a charging power brick in the box.
These headphones are fully compatible with Bluetooth-enabled PCs. However, you can't connect them to your PC in any other way.
The Apple AirPods Pro's charging case is very premium-feeling and is rather small considering its battery capacity. It charges via Apple's Lightning port or any wireless Qi charging pad. However, only the newer model of these headphones support MagSafe charging.