Our verdict
The AirPods Pro 2 are the complete earbud package: class-leading ANC for the form factor, genuinely excellent sound, and integration that no rival can touch — if you're in the Apple ecosystem. For Android, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the smarter buy.
What we love
- Best-in-class noise cancelling for earbuds
- Adaptive Transparency is genuinely useful
- Seamless switching across Apple devices
- Best call microphones on any earbud
- Small, comfortable, all-day stable fit
What could be better
- No high-res codec — AAC only
- Full features require an iPhone
- 6-hour battery is merely average
- Case is scratch-prone without a cover
Sound quality
The H2 chip tunes the Pros to a sound that's remarkably balanced for a consumer earbud: clean mids, controlled bass and a treble that never gets shouty. Spatial Audio adds a convincing sense of space on music and film, and the fit ensures the driver is always aimed correctly. They won't displace a wired audiophile setup, but they're the best-sounding earbuds most people will ever wear.
Noise cancelling & battery
ANC is the pair's party trick: on a noisy commute, the Pros cut more than some over-ear headphones. Adaptive Transparency is the standout feature — it lets voices through while crushing sirens and drills, and it's the reason we reach for them on the street. Battery is the weak point: 6 hours in the buds, 30 with the case. Fine for a day, mediocre for a trip.
Comfort & build
The Pros are among the smallest flagship earbuds, and with four tip sizes they stay put through workouts and long flights. The case is pocket-friendly and the whole system feels impeccably engineered. Apple's quality bar shows — this is a product you'll own for years.
Specifications
| Type | In-ear, wireless, ANC |
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, AAC / SBC |
| Battery | 6 hrs + 24 hrs case, USB-C & MagSafe |
| Weight | 5.3 g per bud |
| Extras | Adaptive Transparency, Spatial Audio, Find My |
Score breakdown
Final take
If you're on an iPhone, stop reading and buy these — they're the easy best earbuds of 2026. If you're on Android, the Sony WF-1000XM5 gives you more for your money and less Apple tax.