AirPods Pro 2 in 2025: Still Worth It or Time to Move On?
Let’s Talk About These Little White Buds
Okay, so I’ve been using the AirPods Pro 2 every single day since they came out—music, calls, even during those half-hearted workout sessions I pretend to enjoy. And here’s the thing: they’re still kicking butt in 2025. But with all these new earbuds popping up and rumors about AirPods Pro 3 swirling around, should you still grab a pair now? Let’s figure this out together.
Why You Might Still Want These in 2025
That Noise Cancellation Though
Seriously, the ANC on these is ridiculous. I’ve tried Sony’s WF-1000XM4 and Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds, and Apple’s still holding its own. The latest updates made it smarter too—it kinda adjusts to your surroundings now. Like when I’m on the metro, it blocks out that annoying hum better than my noise-cancelling over-ear headphones. Go figure.
Apple Users, This is Your Jam
If you’re living that Apple life—iPhone, iPad, MacBook—these things just work. Pairing? Instant. Switching between devices? Smooth as butter. And that Find My feature? Lifesaver. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found one buried under my couch cushions thanks to that.
Sound That Just… Works
Not gonna lie, they’re not audiophile-grade, but for everyday listening? Perfect. Bass hits when it needs to, voices come through crystal clear for podcasts, and that Adaptive EQ thing actually makes a difference. Plus, you can tweak the controls to do exactly what you want.
They Just Disappear in Your Ears
Light as a feather with those different ear tips—I’ve worn them for 8-hour flights without that “get these out of my ears now” feeling. And they stay put when I’m actually working out for real (which happens… occasionally).
Okay, Now the Not-So-Great Stuff
Battery Life Ain’t What It Used to Be
After a couple years of daily abuse, I’m getting about 4-5 hours with ANC on instead of the original 6. But let’s be real—this happens to all wireless earbuds. My friend’s Sony buds are in the same boat.
That ANC Got Quieter?
Some people swear the noise cancellation isn’t as strong after updates. I noticed it too, but messing with the settings in the iPhone menu brought it back to normal for me. Still better than most competitors though.
Price Tag Stings a Bit
At $249, they’re not exactly cheap. You can get buds with better battery or slightly better sound elsewhere, but none of them play as nice with your Apple stuff.
How They’re Better Than the First Gen
- That H2 Chip: Everything’s faster—connects before you even put them in your ears.
- Transparency Mode: Actually sounds like real life now, not that weird tin-can effect.
- Finding Lost Buds: The Precision Find feature is scary accurate—found one under my car seat once.
- Touch Controls: Finally got volume control on the stems where it belongs.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy These
Get Them If: You’re team Apple through and through, love great ANC, and want buds that just work without thinking.
Skip Them If: You’re on Android (half the features won’t work), counting every penny, or one of those “I only listen to FLAC files” types.
Other Options If These Don’t Fit
- Sony WF-1000XM5: For when you absolutely need the best noise cancellation period.
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Like wearing little clouds that play music.
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: If sound quality is your #1 priority.
The Big Question: Buy or Wait?
Buy Now If: You need great wireless buds today and live in Apple’s world.
Wait If: You can hold out for possible AirPods Pro 3 later this year (but who knows when that’ll actually happen).
Final Thoughts
Look, the AirPods Pro 2 aren’t perfect—what is?—but they’re still some of the best wireless earbuds out there, especially if you’re already using Apple stuff. Yeah, the battery could be better and they’re pricey, but that seamless Apple integration? Worth it. Just keep an eye out for sales or trade-in deals.
Source: ZDNet – Apple