The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless are practically the same as the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless, with slight differences. They have a similar sound profile that lacks low bass, and their design is the same as the older model, but you can now purchase them with a case that supports wireless Qi charging, which is nice. Their one-size-fits-all design isn't ideal for everyone, but if you do manage a good fit, they're very comfortable. They're also open-back earbuds, meaning they won’t block out ambient noise but are suitable for outdoor sports like jogging because they allow you to hear your surroundings. However, some may find they don't have the most stable fit. Overall, the AirPods 2 aren’t worth the upgrade if you already have the first model.
Our Verdict
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen are adequate for neutral sound. Instruments and vocals are present and detailed, but an overemphasized treble range makes them sound bright and harsh. The bass range, although punchy, lacks low-end thump and rumble. However, their sound delivery varies depending on how they fit you, meaning you may have a different experience. Like most in-ears, they have an awful soundstage. Also, unfortunately, they don't work with an app or software that gives you access to an EQ, so you can't fine-tune their sound if you don't like it out-of-the-box.
- Great build quality.
- Fairly well-balanced mid and treble ranges.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users.
- No EQ or presets.
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen are mediocre for commuting. Their open-back design means that they don’t block out much outside noise, and they don't isolate you from any low-frequency noises like engine rumbles, which isn't ideal for commuting. On the upside, they're very portable, light, and comfortable to wear if you can get a good fit. Their four-hour battery life is long enough for most commutes. You might have to take a break to charge them when on a long flight, but they only take 30 minutes to fully charge.
- Great build quality.
- Fast charging time.
- Unique and distinguishable design.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Limited control scheme.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users.
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen are very good for sports. Their one-size-fits-all design is fairly comfortable, but it isn’t the most stable for everyone. How they fit greatly depends on the size and shape of your ear. Their open-back design is suitable for people who run or work out outside and want to be aware of their surroundings but won't help those who want to block out the noise of a crowded gym. Also, unfortunately, they don’t have a great control scheme, so it's not easy to adjust your playlist or volume when you're on the move.
- Great build quality.
- Fast charging time.
- Unique and distinguishable design.
- Very light and portable.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Limited control scheme.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users.
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen are mediocre for office use. While they're very lightweight and quite comfortable for most, their open-back design means they don’t block any ambient chatter or other office-type noises and leak some audio at high volumes, which could bother your co-workers. Their roughly four-hour continuous battery life isn't enough to last through a 9-5 workday. That said, they recharge very quickly, so you can charge them fully during lunchtime and get another four hours for the second half of your day.
- Fast charging time.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Limited control scheme.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users.
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen are Βluetooth-only headphones, so they aren't compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles. They're compatible with Bluetooth-enabled PCs, but their latency is likely too high to be suitable for gaming. Their latency with Android phones is also high. It's lower with iOS devices but may still be too high for mobile gaming.
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen aren't suitable for wired gaming, as you can't use them wired.
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen are sub-par for phone calls when connected via PC. Their microphone recording quality can make voices sound thin and lacking in presence. However, their noise handling performance is alright. Your voice is separated from moderate ambient sound so that you're heard clearly. However, your voice can be drowned out by louder sounds. When connected via an iPhone, your voice sounds a bit clearer, but the mic offers a slightly worse noise handling performance.
- Fast charging time.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Limited control scheme.
Changelog
- Updated Jan 17, 2023: We've added a comparison with these headphones and the Nothing Ear (stick) Truly Wireless in Sound Profile.
- Updated Dec 22, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
- Updated Nov 26, 2021: Tested microphone performance with AAC codec. Also retested 'Noise Handling' and reevaluated the 'Case' and 'Comfort' scores.
- Updated Jul 22, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Apple AirPods 2nd generation are available in one color variant: 'White'. They're sold with either the same case that came with the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless, which charges via Lightning cable or with one that supports Qi wireless charging. We tested the Qi wireless charging case variant, but we expect the other variant to perform similarly to our model. If you come across another variant or your headphones are different, please let us know in the discussions below so we can update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
Like the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless and the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless, the Apple AirPods 2nd Generation stand out for their open-back design, which means they struggle to reproduce low-bass and don't really isolate you from ambient noise. Compared to the 3rd generation, they have shorter continuous battery life and lack some features, like virtual surround sound. Ηowever, depending on the shape of your ears, you may prefer the 2nd generation's slimmer earbud shape, which some find more comfortable. If you like their design but want headphones that block out ambient sound, closed-back models like the Anker Soundcore Life P3 Truly Wireless or earbuds with ANC like the JBL Live Pro+ TWS True Wireless have a similar look and better noise isolation.
We also suggest taking a look at our recommendations for the best truly wireless earbuds, the best noise cancelling earbuds, and the best Bluetooth earbuds.
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) have different strengths, so you may prefer either depending on what you're looking for. The 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life and button-like controls that are easier to use than the 2nd generation's touch-sensitive surfaces. With iOS devices, they support Spatial Audio and head tracking for virtual surround sound, and their 'Adaptive EQ' adjusts the sound profile depending on how they fit you. Their bulkier design may put pressure on the inside of your ears, but both versions have a one-size-fits-all design, meaning you may prefer either, depending on the shape of your ears. On the other hand, the 2nd generation have a better overall mic performance.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are better than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation). The AirPods Pro 3 pack more advanced features and the flexibility of noise cancelling, thanks to their ear tips. They can also reproduce a much fuller low-end, giving your music a more balanced bass response. Plus, their battery life extends longer, and they have a much more durable IP57 rating. The AirPods (2nd generation) use an unsealed fit, leaving your ear canals open to hear everything around you, but they don't block any noise. That said, they still pair well with other devices by the brand with OS-exclusive features like 'Find My.'
The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and the first model, the Apple AirPods (1st generation), are practically the same headphones. There are very few differences between the two models. The second-generation model now uses the H1 chip, has better wireless range, and should have less latency, although we measured the opposite. They pretty much have the same sound profile, but the biggest difference is that you can now buy them with a case that supports Qi wireless charging.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are better headphones than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation). The Beats are more geared towards sports, thanks to their very stable ear-hook design, and they deliver sound more consistently among users. They also have much better bass accuracy and offer more than twice the battery life of the Apple headphones on a single charge, although the Apple case holds more additional charges. The Beats also have a very bulky case that isn't as portable as the Apple case. However, the Beats have a better and more complete control scheme with volume control.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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