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Introduction: AirPods Pro 2 in 2026 – Still Relevant?
Launched in late 2022, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 quickly became the benchmark for premium noise-cancelling earbuds. But it’s 2026 now. The tech landscape moves fast. New challengers have emerged, boasting cutting-edge features and competitive pricing. The AirPods Pro 2, currently priced around £229, still occupy a premium position in the market, appealing to Apple ecosystem loyalists and those demanding top-tier audio performance. This review will assess whether they still hold their own against the latest competition.
AirPods Pro 2: Key Features & What’s New (Compared to 1st Gen)
The AirPods Pro 2 represent a significant upgrade over the original. At the heart of the improvement is the new H2 chip, delivering noticeably better noise cancellation and transparency modes. Apple’s claim of twice the noise cancellation of the first generation holds true in most real-world scenarios. Adaptive Transparency dynamically adjusts the volume of loud noises, protecting your hearing without completely isolating you. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a more immersive listening experience. Battery life has also increased, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and 30 hours with the charging case. The charging case itself received a major upgrade, featuring a built-in speaker for Find My integration and lanyard loop. The move to USB-C charging (available via a separate £25 case) has also been welcomed.
Sound Quality: A Detailed Analysis
The AirPods Pro 2 deliver a wonderfully balanced and detailed sound signature. Clarity is excellent across the frequency range, with crisp highs and well-defined mids. Bass response is powerful, but not overly boomy – it’s present and impactful without muddying the other frequencies. Compared to the 2026 contenders, the AirPods Pro 2 hold their own admirably. The Sony WF-1000XM6 offers a slightly more aggressive bass profile, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds III lean towards a warmer, more relaxed sound. With the USB-C charging case, support for Apple Music’s Lossless Audio is now fully realized, delivering an even richer and more nuanced listening experience. However, lossless audio quality is reduced when using Bluetooth connectivity.
Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode: Industry Leading?
The noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro 2 remains incredibly effective. On a busy commute, they effectively silence the rumble of the train and chatter of fellow passengers. In the office, they minimize distractions from keyboard clicks and conversations. Even on an airplane, the drone of the engines is significantly reduced. However, the Sony WF-1000XM6 now edges ahead in sheer noise cancellation power, particularly in the lower frequencies. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds III offer a very competitive noise cancellation experience, focusing on wider frequency range reduction. Adaptive Transparency remains a standout feature, intuitively adjusting the volume of loud sounds like sirens or announcements, ensuring you stay aware of your surroundings without being startled.
Comfort & Fit: Are They Still Comfortable for Long Listening Sessions?
Apple includes four sizes of silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for most ear shapes. The lightweight design of the AirPods Pro 2 contributes to their comfort, even during extended listening sessions. While the fit is generally good, some users still report occasional slippage during vigorous activity. There haven’t been significant complaints regarding comfort in 2026; Apple’s design has proven to be fairly universally accommodating. However, if you have particularly small or unusually shaped ear canals, you may still struggle to achieve a perfect seal.
Battery Life: How Long Do They Last in 2026?
In our testing, the AirPods Pro 2 consistently delivered around 5 hours 45 minutes of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled at 50% volume. With ANC off, we achieved closer to 6 hours 30 minutes. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of listening time. Wireless charging via MagSafe or Qi-compatible chargers is supported. After two years of regular use, battery capacity has degraded slightly, resulting in around 5 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, which is typical for lithium-ion batteries.
Call Quality: Clear Voice Transmission?
Call quality on the AirPods Pro 2 is excellent. The microphones effectively isolate your voice, even in noisy environments. Noise reduction during calls is impressive, minimizing background distractions for the person on the other end. Voice clarity is consistently good, and we experienced no complaints during phone calls or video conferences. The beamforming microphones and wind noise reduction algorithms work exceptionally well.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. The Competition (2026): Key Alternatives
Here’s a comparison of the AirPods Pro 2 with some of the leading competitors in the UK market:
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 (2026) | Sony WF-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds III | Technics EAH-AZ80 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Approx.) | £229 | £209 | £249 | £199 |
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Superior | Excellent | Very Good |
| Sound Quality | Balanced, Detailed | Bass-Heavy, Detailed | Warm, Relaxed | Clear, Neutral |
| Transparency Mode | Adaptive, Natural | Good | Very Good | Good |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 5h 45m | 6h 30m | 6h | 7h |
| Comfort | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
Pricing & Where to Buy in the UK (2026)
The AirPods Pro 2 are currently available for around £229. You can find them at the following retailers:
Keep an eye out for occasional deals and discounts, particularly during sales events like Black Friday and Boxing Day.
The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging case is currently available for around £25 as a separate purchase.
Our Top Pick
While the competition has closed the gap, the AirPods Pro 2 remain an excellent choice for iPhone users seeking premium noise-cancelling earbuds. Their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, exceptional sound quality, and effective noise cancellation make them a compelling option. However, if you prioritize maximum noise cancellation or are an Android user, the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds III might be better suited.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Superior sound quality
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Comfortable fit
- Effective Transparency mode
Cons
- Pricey
- Sony WF-1000XM6 slightly better noise cancellation
- Battery life could be longer
- USB-C charging case sold separately
Conclusion: Are the AirPods Pro 2 Still Worth Buying in 2026?
The AirPods Pro 2 have proven their longevity, remaining a top contender in the premium earbud market in 2026. They aren’t perfect, and the competition is fierce, but their strengths – exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices – continue to shine. If you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and appreciate a balanced audio profile, the AirPods Pro 2 are still an excellent investment. However, carefully consider your priorities and compare them to the latest offerings from Sony, Bose, and Technics before making a final decision.
FAQ
Q: Are the AirPods Pro 2 worth it if I don’t have an iPhone?
While they still function with Android devices, you’ll miss out on key features like automatic device switching and Personalized Spatial Audio. The Sony WF-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds III might be better choices for Android users.
Q: How durable are the AirPods Pro 2?
The AirPods Pro 2 are rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance, meaning they can withstand splashes and light rain. However, they are not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water.
Q: Can I use the AirPods Pro 2 for gym workouts?
Yes, they are suitable for gym workouts, but the fit may not be secure enough for high-impact activities for some users. Consider using foam ear tips for a more secure fit.
Q: What is the difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 3?
The AirPods Pro 2 offer significantly better noise cancellation and transparency mode, along with a more secure fit due to the ear tips. The AirPods 3 are more affordable and have an open-fit design, but lack the Pro’s advanced features.
Q: Is the USB-C charging case essential?
No, the original Lightning charging case is still perfectly functional. However, the USB-C case is convenient if you prefer using USB-C cables and enables support for Lossless Audio with Apple Music.