Apple AirPods Pro Review

by Alex Chang
Apple AirPods Pro

Apple’s AirPods Pro has been a game-changer in the world of wireless headphones since their release in 2019. With their unique design and cutting-edge features, they have quickly become a top choice for many music enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the AirPods Pro so special and why they are worth considering as your next pair of headphones. From their sleek and comfortable design to their advanced noise-cancellation technology, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the AirPods Pro and whether they live up to the hype.

Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro

Product information:

History

The Apple AirPods Pro, a highly popular pair of truly wireless earbuds, was developed by Apple Inc., an American multinational technology company known for its iconic products and innovative designs. The AirPods Pro was officially released on October 30, 2019, building on the success of the original AirPods launched in 2016. Here is a brief history of the origin and creation of these headphones.

The initial idea for the AirPods series can be traced back to Apple’s decision to remove the headphone jack from the iPhone 7, which was announced in September 2016. This move sparked a widespread shift towards wireless audio solutions, and Apple recognized the potential for a seamless, high-quality product that would complement its ecosystem of devices.

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The original AirPods, released alongside the iPhone 7, were met with great success due to their ease of use, integration with Apple devices, and distinct design. However, users and reviewers also expressed a desire for improved sound quality, noise isolation, and customizable fit.

Taking this feedback into account, Apple’s development team began working on a more advanced version of the AirPods, incorporating new features and addressing the concerns raised by users. The key aspects of the design and development process for the AirPods Pro included:

  1. Sound quality and noise control: The AirPods Pro featured active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which used advanced algorithms and microphones to monitor and cancel out external noise. This provided users with an immersive listening experience, while also allowing for a Transparency mode that let in ambient noise when needed.
  2. Comfort and fit: Apple introduced a customizable in-ear design with silicone ear tips in three different sizes for the AirPods Pro, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for users with varying ear shapes. This design also improved passive noise isolation, further enhancing the listening experience.
  3. Additional features and refinements: The AirPods Pro were equipped with Adaptive EQ, which adjusted the sound profile based on the user’s ear shape, as well as an updated H1 chip for faster pairing, improved battery life, and hands-free “Hey Siri” support.

After several iterations, rigorous testing, and refinement, the Apple AirPods Pro was finally launched in October 2019. The product received widespread praise for its improved sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and customizable fit, solidifying its position as a leading choice for truly wireless earbuds.

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In summary, the Apple AirPods Pro originated from the company’s commitment to innovation and its efforts to address user feedback from the original AirPods. The development process prioritized sound quality, noise control, and user comfort, resulting in a highly successful and acclaimed product that has become synonymous with premium wireless audio experiences.

Specification

Headphones ModelApple AirPods Pro
Year of Manufacture2019
CompanyApple
Official Websitewww.apple.com
Fit TypeIn-Ear
Item Dimensions2.39 x 1.78 x 0.85 inches
Item Weight0.19 ounces
Special FeaturesActive Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Spatial audio, Adaptive EQ, Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
Driver SizeCustom high-excursion
Frequency Response20Hz-20kHz
ImpedanceN/A
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Range800 feet
ANC Modes2 modes
Audio CodecAAC, SBC
Battery LifeUp to 4.5 hours with ANC and Spatial audio, Up to 5 hours without ANC and Spatial audio
Charging Time2 hours
Quick Charging5 minutes for 1 hour
ControlsTouch and Siri
Price$249
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro

What is included in the delivery set?

The delivery set for the Apple AirPods Pro includes the following:

  1. Apple AirPods Pro earbuds
  2. Wireless charging case
  3. Lightning to USB-C cable
  4. Documentation

The wireless charging case allows you to charge the AirPods Pro on the go, and the Lightning to USB-C cable is used to charge the case itself. The documentation includes a quick start guide and other important information about the AirPods Pro.

What about design, materials, assembly?

The Apple AirPods Pro are designed to be small, lightweight, and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The earbuds feature a glossy white finish and a stem that extends out from the earpiece. The stem contains touch controls that allow you to interact with your device, activate Siri, and control music playback.

The AirPods Pro are made with high-quality materials and precision assembly, which is expected from an Apple product. The earbuds are made with a durable plastic material that is sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. The wireless charging case is also made with a high-quality plastic material and features a soft, matte finish.

Overall, the design, materials, and assembly of the Apple AirPods Pro are of excellent quality and are a testament to Apple’s commitment to producing high-end products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

What about ergonomics and usability Apple AirPods Pro?

The ergonomics and usability of the Apple AirPods Pro are one of their main selling points. The earbuds feature a comfortable in-ear design that is suitable for a variety of ear shapes and sizes. The AirPods Pro come with three different sizes of silicone ear tips, allowing you to choose the size that provides the best fit for your ears.

The touch controls on the stem of each earbud are easy to use and allow you to perform a variety of tasks, such as playing or pausing music, skipping tracks, and activating Siri. You can also control the noise cancellation and transparency modes by pressing and holding the stem.

The AirPods Pro also feature advanced sensors that allow them to detect when they are in your ears and automatically pause music playback when you remove them. They also have an accelerometer that can detect when you are speaking and use beamforming microphones to reduce background noise and enhance the clarity of your voice.

Overall, the ergonomics and usability of the Apple AirPods Pro are excellent, and they are a great option for anyone looking for a comfortable, easy-to-use pair of wireless earbuds.

What about connection, control and software?

The Apple AirPods Pro connect to your devices via Bluetooth 5.0 and feature automatic pairing with all your Apple devices signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID. They can also be paired with non-Apple devices using the standard Bluetooth pairing process.

The AirPods Pro are controlled through touch gestures on the stem of each earbud. You can double-tap to play or pause music, triple-tap to skip to the next track, and press and hold to switch between noise cancellation and transparency modes. You can also activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or by pressing and holding the stem.

The AirPods Pro come with a companion app called “AirPods Pro” that allows you to customize the controls and settings for the earbuds. In the app, you can choose which gestures you want to use for different tasks, adjust the noise cancellation and transparency levels, and check the battery life of the earbuds and the charging case.

The AirPods Pro are also compatible with Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, which allows you to control your music and other functions using voice commands. Additionally, they support audio sharing, which allows you to share audio with another pair of AirPods or Beats headphones.

Overall, the connection, control, and software capabilities of the Apple AirPods Pro are very good and offer a lot of customization options and functionality for users.

How’s the sound quality?

The sound quality of the Apple AirPods Pro is very good, and they offer a well-balanced and detailed audio experience. The earbuds feature custom high-excursion drivers that deliver powerful bass and clear mid and high frequencies.

The AirPods Pro also feature active noise cancellation technology, which uses advanced algorithms to block out background noise and provide a more immersive listening experience. The noise cancellation can be adjusted to three different levels, including a Transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings when needed.

In addition, the AirPods Pro feature Adaptive EQ, which automatically tunes the audio based on the shape of your ear and the fit of the ear tips. This ensures that you get the best possible sound quality and clarity, regardless of your ear shape or size.

Overall, the sound quality of the Apple AirPods Pro is excellent, and they offer a very enjoyable listening experience for a wide range of music genres and audio content.

What about the energy efficiency and battery life?

The Apple AirPods Pro are very energy-efficient, and they feature a low-power mode that extends their battery life. When you’re not using the AirPods Pro, they will automatically enter a low-power mode to conserve battery life.

The AirPods Pro have a battery life of up to 4.5 hours with active noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled, or up to 5 hours with those features disabled. The wireless charging case provides multiple additional charges, giving you up to 24 hours of total listening time.

The AirPods Pro also feature quick charging, which allows you to get up to 1 hour of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging. The earbuds and the charging case can be charged using the included Lightning to USB-C cable, and the charging case is also compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers.

Overall, the energy efficiency and battery life of the Apple AirPods Pro are very good, and they offer a convenient and reliable listening experience for extended periods of time.

Apple AirPods Pro

Comparison & Review:

What are similar headphones in features and cost?

Here are five similar headphones to the Apple AirPods Pro in terms of features and cost:

  1. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro – Similar to the AirPods Pro, the Galaxy Buds Pro feature active noise cancellation, touch controls, and a wireless charging case. They also offer a long battery life and are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
  2. Sony WF-1000XM4 – These earbuds offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and touch controls, as well as a comfortable in-ear design. They also feature an impressive battery life and are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
  3. Jabra Elite 85t – The Elite 85t earbuds offer active noise cancellation, touch controls, and a comfortable in-ear design. They also feature a long battery life and are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
  4. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds – These earbuds offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, touch controls, and a comfortable in-ear design. They also feature a long battery life and are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
  5. Beats Studio Buds – Similar to the AirPods Pro, the Studio Buds feature active noise cancellation, touch controls, and a comfortable in-ear design. They also offer a long battery life and are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Compare with similar items

SpecificationApple AirPods ProSamsung Galaxy Buds ProSony WF-1000XM4
Year of Manufacture201920212021
CompanyAppleSamsungSony
Official Websitewww.apple.comwww.samsung.comwww.sony.com
Fit TypeIn-EarIn-EarIn-Ear
Item Dimensions2.39 x 1.78 x 0.85 inches0.81 x 0.77 x 0.82 inches0.83 x 0.94 x 0.87 inches
Item Weight0.19 ounces0.2 ounces0.3 ounces
Special FeaturesActive Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Spatial audio, Adaptive EQ, Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)Active Noise Cancellation, 360 Audio, Ambient Sound Mode, Voice Detect, Wireless charging caseActive Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sound Mode, Speak-to-Chat, Wireless charging case
Driver SizeCustom high-excursionN/A6mm
Frequency Response20Hz-20kHz20Hz-20kHz20Hz-20kHz
ImpedanceN/AN/AN/A
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth Range800 feet800 feet30 feet
ANC Modes2 modes2 modes2 modes
Audio CodecAAC, SBCScalable (Samsung Codec), AAC, SBCLDAC, AAC, SBC
Battery LifeUp to 4.5 hours with ANC and Spatial audio, Up to 5 hours without ANC and Spatial audioUp to 5 hours with ANC, Up to 18 hours with charging caseUp to 8 hours with ANC, Up to 24 hours with charging case
Charging Time2 hours1 hour1.5 hours
Quick Charging5 minutes for 1 hour5 minutes for 1 hour5 minutes for 1.5 hours
ControlsTouch and SiriTouch and Voice commandsTouch and Voice commands
Price$249$199.99$279.99

How do Apple AirPods Pro users describe their experience with these headphones? 

Apple AirPods Pro users generally describe their experience with these headphones as very positive. Here are some common comments and feedback from AirPods Pro users:

  1. Comfortable fit: Users praise the AirPods Pro for their comfortable in-ear design and customizable silicone ear tips that provide a secure fit for a wide range of ear shapes and sizes.
  2. Excellent noise cancellation: Users appreciate the active noise cancellation feature, which is effective at blocking out background noise and providing a more immersive listening experience. They also appreciate the Transparency mode, which allows them to hear their surroundings when needed.
  3. Good sound quality: Many users report that the AirPods Pro offer good sound quality, with balanced and detailed audio across a range of music genres and audio content.
  4. Convenient controls: Users appreciate the touch controls on the stem of each earbud, which allow them to control their music, activate Siri, and switch between noise cancellation and transparency modes.
  5. Long battery life: Users are generally satisfied with the battery life of the AirPods Pro, which provide up to 4.5 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled, or up to 5 hours with those features disabled. They also appreciate the convenience of the wireless charging case.

Overall, AirPods Pro users describe their experience with these headphones as convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable, with many praising the advanced features and functionality that they offer.

Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro

Conclusions

The Apple AirPods Pro are a premium pair of wireless earbuds that offer advanced features such as active noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, and adaptive EQ. They feature a comfortable in-ear design with customizable silicone ear tips, touch controls on the stem of each earbud, and a wireless charging case. The AirPods Pro offer excellent sound quality, long battery life, and easy connectivity with all Apple devices. Overall, the AirPods Pro are a popular choice among consumers looking for a high-end pair of wireless earbuds that offer advanced features and functionality.

Our Review

  • Is AirPods Pro worth buying?

    The Apple AirPods Pro are a premium pair of wireless earbuds that offer advanced features and excellent sound quality. They are comfortable to wear, have a long battery life, and offer easy connectivity with all Apple devices. However, they are also relatively expensive compared to other wireless earbuds on the market. Ultimately, whether the AirPods Pro are worth buying depends on your personal preferences, budget, and intended use. It may be helpful to read reviews and compare them to other options before making a decision.

  • Are the AirPods Pro waterproof?

    The Apple AirPods Pro are not fully waterproof, but they are sweat and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating. This means they are designed to resist water splashes and sweat, but they are not designed to be submerged in water. It is important to note that while the AirPods Pro are water-resistant, the wireless charging case is not water-resistant, and care should be taken to keep it dry. If your AirPods Pro or charging case come into contact with water, it is recommended to dry them thoroughly before using them again.

  • Do the AirPods Pro support accessibility features?

    Yes, the Apple AirPods Pro support several accessibility features to make them more usable for people with hearing impairments or other disabilities. Some of these features include:
    1. Live Listen: This feature allows you to use your iPhone or iPad as a remote microphone and hear conversations more clearly in noisy environments.
    2. Audio Sharing: This feature allows you to share audio between two pairs of AirPods or compatible Beats headphones, making it easier to share audio content with others.
    3. VoiceOver: This feature provides audio descriptions of what’s happening on your iPhone or iPad, making it easier for people with visual impairments to navigate and use their devices.
    4. Transparency mode: This feature allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to audio through your AirPods Pro, making it easier to communicate with others and stay aware of your environment.
    5. Siri: This voice assistant can be used to control your AirPods Pro hands-free, making it easier for people with physical disabilities to use them.

    Overall, the AirPods Pro support a range of accessibility features to make them more usable for people with different needs and abilities.

Last Updated on September 29, 2023

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