AirPods Pro 2 offer significant noise cancellation, reducing low-frequency sounds by up to 35 dB and averaging around 27 dB across frequencies, making them excellent at muting drones like engines or dishwashers, with Apple claiming up to 2x more ANC than the original Pro model, though they're less effective against sudden, high-pitched sounds. Their performance relies on a good fit for passive isolation, and the Apple H2 chip and processing create inverse sound waves for effective cancellation.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling, Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone.
The AirPods Pro 2 are incredibly effective at noise blocking when it comes to any mid- or low-pitched sounds. Any low drone noise (dishwasher, microwave) are removed totally, and with something less predictable like traffic, it stamps on and suppresses the sound extremely well -- and with consistency.
Overview: Yes, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with the MagSafe Case (USB-C) are equipped with advanced noise-canceling technology and enhanced microphones that help reduce background noise during calls, whether on the phone or in Zoom meetings.
No, 100% noise cancellation is not possible with current technology, but high-quality noise-canceling headphones can significantly reduce noise by 20-40dB (cutting it down to 1/4 or 1/16th of its original level), especially for constant sounds like airplane engines. Total silence is unattainable because sound travels through bone, and sudden or high-pitched sounds are harder to cancel perfectly, so the best results come from combining Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with passive noise isolation (good ear cup seal) and even earplugs.
For most general noise protection needs, an NRR of 20 dB to 30 dB is considered good. However, the actual level of protection achieved often depends on a number of factors. Hearing protection devices are lab-tested to determine NRR—but a controlled lab setting isn't always as loud as the real world.
The "60/60 rule" for headphones is a hearing safety guideline: listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time, then take a break to let your ears rest and recover, helping prevent noise-induced hearing loss. This simple habit protects hearing by managing sound intensity and duration, with noise-cancelling headphones helping by reducing the need to turn up the volume in noisy environments.
Check your AirPods settings
With your AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4 (ANC) in your ears and connected to your device, make sure that Active Noise Cancellation is turned on. Make sure that Adaptive Audio isn't enabled. Adaptive Audio adjusts noise-control settings based on your surroundings.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 with ANC (100dB) is ranked #24 of all 56 earplugs tested by HearAdvisor, placing it in the top 50% of products tested. Our lab tests suggest that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with ANC (100dB) offers poor Sound Quality and good Loudness Reduction.
Yes, noise-canceling AirPods (specifically the AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods Pro models) are generally considered worth the extra cost if you frequent noisy environments like commutes, offices, or cafes, offering significant noise reduction and improved audio for calls and music, though the sealed AirPods Pro offer superior isolation compared to the open-fit AirPods 4 ANC. The decision depends on your budget and usage, with ANC models being a great upgrade for focus and travel but standard models being fine for casual, quieter use.
The AirPods Pro 2 offers excellent noise cancellation and sound, but the newer AirPods Pro 3 (or the latest gen, depending on the date of review) brings significant upgrades like enhanced ANC, improved sound quality with deeper bass, longer single-charge battery life (8 hrs vs 6 hrs), heart rate tracking, more water resistance, and USB-C charging, making the Pro 3 better for workouts and serious listeners, while the Pro 2 remains a strong value.
The AirPods Pro 2 are the hands-down winners here. Sealed-off ear canals make for better audio balance and bass response, period. But, the AirPods 4 models both deliver rich bass and clear highs, continuing to improve upon what is already the best open-earbud audio performance we've tested.
Enabling ANC on your headphones will consume more battery power. So if you don't care too much about noise when on a long journey, you can turn ANC off to save battery life.
Our Verdict. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 gives you something no AirPod has before: a comfortable earbud with impressive sound quality, noise cancellation, and stellar call quality. This version includes soft silicone ear tips that create a comfortable and secure fit.
Allow more or less noise when using Adaptive Audio with AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3. Adaptive Audio responds to your environment and cancels or allows noise around you. You can customize Adaptive Audio to allow more or less noise. Wear your AirPods, and make sure they're connected to your device.
Volume was set to 50% and Active Noise Cancellation was enabled. With Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled, listening time was up to 5.5 hours.
Active noise cancelling works best for low frequency (“deeper”) sounds and reduces incoming noise to the ear by around 30 dB, potentially reducing harmful noise exposure by a significant margin.
That's why ANC typically reduces noise by 20-40 dB. It means the background noise can be cut between one-quarter to one-sixteenth of its original level. While it is not a complete cancellation, it can be dramatically helpful to listen to clearer sound.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 have remarkable noise isolation. Their best-in-class ANC attenuates noise from fridge compressors to raspy exhausts. In the other direction, sound barely leaks from the earbuds; at worst, neighbors will hear a thin, quiet reproduction of your music.
With the active Hearing Protection feature, you can use your AirPods to help protect your hearing in loud environments. If you're in a loud environment like a live sporting event or fitness class, you can use your AirPods to help reduce your exposure to loud sounds around you.
This adaptability provides a more seamless listening experience, letting you stay focused or relaxed without manually adjusting your settings. But even adaptive technology has its limits. It can adjust to noise, sure, but it takes a minute.
Fit the headphones to your ears firmly.
Adjust the length of the headband to allow the headphones to hold the entire ear inside the earpad. Note: The Noise Canceling function may become weaker if the ear is outside the of the earpad.
70 decibels is not considered too loud. It is a moderate noise level, under the level of 85 dB that is considered damaging to human hearing. However, 70 decibels also represents the upper limit of the EPA recommended 24-hour average noise level exposure.
YOU'RE BEING TOO LOUD: Ear doctors recommend wearing hearing protection for the Taylor Swift concert (and any concert) which can hit more than 100 decibels. At that level, it can cause damage to your ears both in the short term and long term.
Gen Z likes wired headphones for a mix of nostalgia, anti-mainstream style (rejecting AirPods' "tech bro" vibe), and practical benefits like better sound quality, no charging, lower cost, and greater sustainability/longevity, tapping into retro aesthetics and a desire for simpler, more reliable tech, influenced by celebrities like Bella Hadid.