2024 Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 Review: Complete Features, Release Date And Best Prices In Australia
The latest addition to the AirPods Pro line of true wireless earbuds include a new shape, better integration with iOS software, and more ways to customise your listening experience. But is the update worth the money? Find out in our Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 review.
This article is updated for the Australian market each month.
SELECTED FOR YOU: The Best Wireless Earbuds For Runners In Australia 2024 ►
Apple AirPods Pro Review: $369.00 at Amazon.com.au →
Apple prefers to create products and slowly add features over time. The Apple AirPods Pro are a giant leap forward for Apple’s AirPods brand, which now include the over ear AirPods Max and an updated version of the original AirPods.
That said, the AirPods Pro are expensive. As a result Apple have lowered the price for the Australian market, placing the AirPods Pro in a perpetual, never ending “on sale” channel. Now read on as we uncover if AirPods’ nearly $400 price point is justified.
Where the Apple get it right, and where they miss the mark
PRO: Apple deliver a product that works straight out of the box.
- AirPods Pro are designed for compatibility with Apple products. As a result pairing is painless and quick, as is switching from one device to the other. AirPods Pro are also capable of connecting to several iOS devices at the same time with multipoint technology.
PRO: Phone calls and Zoom meetings are better than ever.
- Apple have included a jaw dropping 4 microphones in each earbud. Because of this fact, inbuilt software and signal processing technologies make calls and Zoom meetings crystal clear and free from background noise.
- Comparatively most wireless earbuds fail to get calls right, and is a highlight of our AirPods Pro review.
CON: Battery life is a pitiful 4-5 hours of continuous use.
- The AirPods Pro are battery hungry, trimming total continuous use time down to 4 hours.
- As a result you may want to disable features. Active noise canceling is a particular battery hog.
- Because of this you will find yourself placing AirPods Pro in their charging case to avoid running out of power, and the case can recharge the earbuds fully twice.
CON: The ball and stem shaped design can be uncomfortable.
- AirPods Pro design takes into account most ear shapes with two minor flaws. Firstly, a relatively wide shape may be too large for those with smaller ears. Secondly, the stem design has a tendency to snag when moving about and can cause the earbuds to fall out needlessly.
CON: Weak accessory package.
- Apple include a meager 3 sizes of silicone rubber ear tips plus a basic USB-C charging cable.
- This is far behind competitors offering 6-8 ear tips and multiple included accessories.
- Likewise, Apple should consider including a carrying cases and ear stabilisers.
CON: AirPods Pro are for Apple users only.
- One of the more frustrating drawbacks of AirPods Pro is the Apple ecosystem.
- AirPods Pro have a number of features only available to iOS users in an attempt to keep customers buying Apple.
- Together with a high price point, this is a petty and predictable move on the part of Apple, and our AirPods Pro review and rating takes this into account.
READ: The Best Android Friendly Wireless Earbuds On Sale In Australia Today ►
AirPods Pro Review Conclusion: A step, not a leap, forward for Apple
Apple have come a long way since releasing the first edition of AirPods in 2016, when the iconic white stems began appearing on millions of ears the world over. Since then, Apple have spent countless hours engineering new versions.
As a result the latest AirPods Pro are a fine enough product that most iOS users will enjoy. Notably, calls and video conferences are fantastic as a core strength of the product. The drawbacks, in particular battery life and poor noise canceling, make AirPods a small step forward for Apple rather than a leap. At a nearly $400 price point, you can find better value elsewhere in the wireless earbuds category.
Where to buy the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds in Australia
The Pro edition of the iconic white earbuds includes a new form factor and a number of enhancements to sound quality, battery life, and for the first time active noise canceling. Overall, Apple have created a product that does what it promises, but with surprising drawbacks considering a nearly $300 price point.
BEST VALUE LINK
Please use the above link if you intend to make a purchase. You’ll get the lowest price, and help support our Australia-based staff of writers, editors, and photographers.
Reader Question and Answer
Are AirPods Pro actually worth it?
Apple users will love the AirPods Pro for seamless integration with all their devices. Android or mixed OS households will find AirPods pro frustrating, and have better options for the money.
Are AirPods Pro 2 better than 3?
AirPods Pro 3 lack noise canceling, but include Spatial Audio, which may not appeal to some listeners. Battery life is evenly matched between the Pro 2 and 3, but the AirPods Pro 3 have better dynamic range, and simply sound better.
How long do AirPod pros last?
You should expect between 4-5 hours of real world use with the AirPods Pro, including talking on the phone, listening to streaming audio, and using inbuilt features like Siri.
Are AirPods Pro dangerous to wear?
In short, no. To date, there are no conclusive academic, peer reviewed studies linking Bluetooth or wireless earbuds use to negative or positive health conditions.
If you enjoyed reading our AirPods Pro review, please consider sharing our content on your preferred social media platforms. TechBest provides the latest gadget reviews, deals, and news from our Australia editorial desk.