Yes, AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Generation) are generally considered loud and powerful, with many users finding they only need to turn the volume up to 50-60% even in noisy environments, thanks to strong Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the new Adaptive Transparency feature, which efficiently blocks loud sounds while maintaining audio clarity, making them very capable for immersive listening and hearing protection.
These findings demonstrate that the new Adaptive Transparency feature in the AirPods Pro 2 reduces ambient noise exceeding 85 dBA when in Transparency mode, bringing the volume down to around 82-85 dB and resulting in a more comfortable and safer listening experience.
To make your AirPods louder, clean the speaker grilles, check and adjust your device's volume settings, disable Low Power Mode, and recalibrate the Bluetooth volume. You can also try adjusting the Music EQ settings for a louder sound.
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.
AirPods Pro 2 provides a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and a Media Assist feature, which enhances the clarity of music, video, and calls.
They're not an option for every type of hearing loss.
Like all over-the-counter hearing aids, the AirPods are intended strictly for adults 18+ with mild to moderate hearing loss. People with more severe hearing loss should see an audiologist, Palmer says.
The AirPods 3rd Gen offers significant upgrades over the 2nd Gen, including a contoured design, Spatial Audio, MagSafe charging, IPX4 water resistance, and longer battery life, while the 2nd Gen maintains a classic look and lower price but lacks these newer features; the 3rd Gen is generally considered a worthwhile upgrade for better sound, fit, and features, though the 2nd Gen remains a solid budget option.
No, the AirPods Pro 2 are generally better for features and sound quality, offering superior noise cancellation, transparency mode, and deeper bass due to their in-ear seal, while the AirPods 4 are better for those who prefer an open-ear fit, value comfort over ANC, and want a more balanced sound with features like Adaptive Audio at a lower price point, especially the ANC-equipped version. Pro 2 wins on ANC and sound isolation; AirPods 4 wins on open-fit comfort and good value.
Yes, Apple released the AirPods Pro 3 on September 9, 2025, with availability starting September 19, 2025, featuring significant upgrades like heart rate sensing for fitness tracking, Live Translation, improved noise cancellation, better battery life, and a redesigned, more secure fit. These new earbuds offer enhanced audio quality, better bass/treble, and new hearing aid capabilities, making them a substantial upgrade over the previous generation.
AirPods Pro 2 - featuring pro-level Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, and a breakthrough in hearing health with a scientifically validated Hearing Test, clinical-grade Hearing Aid capability, and active Hearing Protection.
Dust, debris, or earwax accumulation can interfere with the AirPods' audio performance. Follow these steps to clean them: Use a soft, dry, and lint-free cloth to gently clean the exterior and interior of the AirPods.
With Active Noise Cancellation, an outward-facing microphone or microphones detect external sounds, which your AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro 1, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max then counter with anti-noise, cancelling the external sounds before you hear them.
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.
Nothing ruins a listening session quite like AirPods that are too quiet at full volume. This widespread problem typically results from clogged speaker mesh, hidden iOS volume restrictions, or misconfigured audio balance settings that automatically reduce output levels.
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 AirPods Pro 3 offer a more flexible fit because they include five different sizes of ear tips. They also deliver better sound with more bass in a noise-isolating design (the AirPods Pro 3's excellent noise canceling is significantly better than that of the AirPods 4 with ANC).
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 are generally considered worth it for most Apple users, offering significant upgrades in noise cancellation, sound quality, battery life, and comfort over previous generations, plus new features like heart rate tracking, making them a strong upgrade for those with older models or regular AirPods, though perhaps not essential for Pro 2 owners unless those specific new features are crucial.
Yes, AirPods Pro 2 are worth it for most Apple users due to their stellar Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), excellent sound quality, seamless Apple ecosystem integration, great call clarity, and useful features like Find My integration for the case, offering significant upgrades over the first gen and a premium experience, though they're pricier than non-Apple options and have newer models now available.
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.
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.
AirPods Pro and charging case are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise. AirPods Pro and charging case were tested under controlled laboratory conditions, and have a rating of IPX4 under IEC standard 60529.
Yes, Apple released the AirPods Pro 3 on September 9, 2025, with availability starting September 19, 2025, featuring significant upgrades like heart rate sensing for fitness tracking, Live Translation, improved noise cancellation, better battery life, and a redesigned, more secure fit. These new earbuds offer enhanced audio quality, better bass/treble, and new hearing aid capabilities, making them a substantial upgrade over the previous generation.
While the lifespan of AirPods can vary depending on usage patterns and environmental factors, it is generally recommended to consider replacing them after approximately two to three years of regular use.
The AirPods 4 are better for an open, comfortable fit with good sound and features like Spatial Audio, while the AirPods Pro 2 offer superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), richer bass, louder volume, and volume control on the stem, making them better for immersive listening and noisy environments. Choose AirPods 4 for budget-friendly comfort and sound; choose AirPods Pro 2 for top-tier ANC, sound, and features, especially if you prefer an in-ear seal.