Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C

The iPhone owner's obvious choice – but is obvious always best?

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C represent the company's most accomplished wireless earbuds yet, packing genuinely impressive active noise cancellation into a familiar form factor. These are squarely aimed at iPhone users who want the path of least resistance to premium audio, complete with all the iOS-specific bells and whistles that make Apple's ecosystem so sticky.

Design and Build Quality

Apple hasn't reinvented the wheel here, and frankly, they didn't need to. The stem design remains polarising – some find it distinctive, others think it looks like dangling cotton buds – but there's no denying the ergonomic benefits. At 5.3g per earbud, they're pleasantly light, and the three silicone tip sizes ensure most ears will find a secure fit.

The real improvement lies in the charging case. The switch to USB-C finally brings Apple in line with the rest of the tech world (thanks, EU legislation), and the addition of a built-in speaker for Find My alerts is genuinely useful. The lanyard loop might seem trivial, but it addresses a real pain point – these cases have a habit of disappearing into bag depths. IP54 rating on both earbuds and case provides decent protection against British weather, though it's not quite as robust as some rivals.

Performance That Justifies the Hype

The Apple H2 chip delivers where it matters most. Active noise cancellation is genuinely excellent – Apple's claim of "2x more effective processing" isn't just marketing fluff. On a busy London tube, the ANC creates an almost unsettling bubble of quiet, easily matching Sony's WF-1000XM5s which cost £10 less. The adaptive EQ adjusts sound in real-time based on your ear shape, and whilst you can't manually tweak the sound signature like you can with the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2, most users will find Apple's tuning pleasantly balanced.

Spatial Audio with head tracking works brilliantly – when you've got compatible content. The effect is genuinely immersive, creating a convincing surround sound experience that stays locked to your device as you move your head. However, this remains largely an Apple Music and select streaming service benefit.

Battery life hits the claimed 6 hours with ANC enabled, extending to 30 hours total with the case. That's competitive but not class-leading – Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro squeeze out slightly more juice for £50 less.

Features That Make the Difference

Conversation Awareness is the standout new addition. When the earbuds detect you're speaking, they automatically lower your music volume and enhance ambient sound. It works surprisingly well, eliminating that awkward dance of removing an earbud when someone approaches. The feature feels properly useful rather than gimmicky.

Adaptive Audio attempts to blend transparency mode with ANC based on your environment. In practice, it's hit and miss – sometimes it nails the balance, other times you'll find yourself manually switching modes anyway. The touch controls on the stem remain Apple's most intuitive implementation, with squeeze gestures feeling more natural than the tap-heavy interfaces on most rivals.

Call quality deserves particular praise. The combination of the H2 chip and improved microphone positioning means you'll sound clearer than on most competitors, including the premium Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.

Value: Premium Price for Premium Experience

At £229, these aren't cheap. Sony's WF-1000XM5 offer comparable ANC for £10 less, whilst Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro undercut by a significant £50. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 splits the difference at £199.99 and arguably offers better customisation options.

However, raw price comparisons miss the point for iPhone users. The seamless pairing, automatic device switching, and deep iOS integration create a user experience that's genuinely superior if you're embedded in Apple's ecosystem. Android users should look elsewhere – you'll pay a premium for features you can't fully utilise.

The lack of high-resolution codec support (just SBC and AAC) feels increasingly dated at this price point. Sony includes LDAC, whilst several competitors offer aptX support. Apple's AAC implementation is admittedly excellent, but audiophiles might feel shortchanged.

The Verdict: Expensive Excellence

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C deliver on their promises. The noise cancellation genuinely impresses, the iOS integration remains unmatched, and features like Conversation Awareness show thoughtful innovation. For iPhone users who prioritise convenience and ecosystem integration over value, these represent the logical choice.

But that £229 price tag stings, especially when excellent alternatives exist for less money. Android users should definitely look elsewhere, whilst even iPhone owners might question whether the premium is justified over strong competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5.

These remain the benchmark for iOS integration and ease of use, but Apple's pricing means they're a luxury rather than an obvious recommendation.