Apple AirPods Pro 2

Unbeatable iPhone earbuds with world-class noise cancelling and middling sound. The bargain days are over, so hunt for a sale or wait for the Pro 3.

What surprised us most is how dominant the adaptive transparency and ANC are. In our database, the ANC ranks 97th percentile, putting it neck and neck with Sony and Bose's best. It silences subway rumble and office chatter with almost eerie precision. The H2 chip makes touch controls snappy and the switch between modes feels telepathic. Microphone quality is solid for calls, though not the absolute top. The real letdown is sound: it's warm and inoffensive, but compared to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or Technics AZ80, the AirPods sound small and lack detail. 28th percentile is generous—music just doesn't sparkle here.

The Sony WF-1000XM6 and Technics EAH-AZ100 are the new heavy hitters. Sony's latest pulls ahead on sound fidelity and battery life, while the Technics EAH-AZ100 delivers a richer, more detailed music experience that embarrasses the AirPods. Bose QuietComfort Ultra still matches the ANC but adds better sound. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer a similar ecosystem lock-in with better audio. And now there's the Apple AirPods Pro 3 on the horizon, which makes buying the Pro 2 at full price feel like a stopgap. None of them can touch the AirPods' instant pairing and Find My integration with iPhones, but the competition has never been stiffer.

The price floor has risen sharply. You used to be able to snag these for $82, but now the lowest we see is $137, with the high end still at $286. That kills the steal-of-the-year vibe. At $137 they're still a solid buy for iPhone owners who need elite ANC and call quality, but the value math gets shaky fast above $200. Hunt for discounts around the $150 mark to keep the deal sweet.

The AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's most complete earbuds yet. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, stop reading and just buy them. The pairing is instant, the ANC is nearly best-in-class, and the new USB-C case finally brings some sanity. That said, audiophiles should steer clear. Sound quality sits at the back of the pack compared to the best true wireless buds, and the build feels a little too plastic for this price. But for calls, comfort, and seamless iPhone integration, they're the no-brainer choice.

Android users, fitness junkies, and anyone who cares deeply about sound quality. These aren't gym buds, they aren't a Sony or Sennheiser replacement, and they're wasted without an iPhone. Get the Sony WF-1000XM5 for better music or the Beats Fit Pro for a workout-friendly Apple alternative.

For iPhone owners, these are still the default best buds, but the rising price floor and fresh competition make them a tougher sell. The ANC alone justifies an upgrade from older AirPods, and the USB-C case fixes a real headache. Just don't buy them expecting studio sound, and definitely don't pay full price with the AirPods Pro 3 looming. If you want both noise cancelling and music magic, grab the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Technics EAH-AZ100.