Is the AirPods 2 Still a Smart Buy in Late 2023?
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Chapter 1: Introduction to AirPods 2
The AirPods 2 represent the oldest wireless headphones still available from Apple. Priced at $129 in the U.S. and 149€ ($163) in Germany, they have occasionally seen lower prices, especially during sales events. Recently, I managed to purchase them at a reasonable price and decided to evaluate whether this four-year-old model is worth the investment in late 2023, or if other AirPods might be a more advantageous choice for your holiday shopping.
Packaging Experience
The packaging of the AirPods 2 feels somewhat at odds with Apple’s ongoing sustainability initiatives. The box was encased in plastic, which I found challenging to open—requiring a ruler to pry the lid loose. Nonetheless, the packaging upholds Apple's high standards.
Rating: 8/10 for packaging quality.
Design Evaluation
The design of the AirPods 2 remains unchanged, featuring long stems that distinguish them from newer iterations. Personally, I find these long stems unappealing, but design preferences vary.
Rating: 6/10 for design aesthetics.
Wearing Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the AirPods 2. Designed as an open system, they do not seal the ear, similar to the EarPods. This lack of a seal means they do not provide active noise cancellation. I often wear them while listening to music or white noise to help me sleep, and they are so comfortable that I can wear them even while lying on my side without discomfort.
Rating: 10/10 for comfort.
Sound Performance
Unfortunately, the sound quality of the AirPods 2 leaves much to be desired. The audio feels flat, with overly pronounced highs and almost nonexistent bass. They remind me of the $19 wired EarPods in sound quality, which isn't flattering for a higher-priced model.
Rating: 5/10 for sound quality.
Playback Controls
Unlike newer models, the AirPods 2 lack advanced playback controls on the stems. The only option is a double-tap on the earbuds, which can be somewhat unreliable. Users can customize the double-tap actions for each earbud, but volume control is not available.
Rating: 6/10 for playback options.
Battery Life and Charging
The AirPods 2 come with a USB-A to Lightning charging cable. While the battery life is impressive, with Apple claiming five hours on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the case, the charging cable feels outdated in 2023.
Rating: 9/10 for battery life; 4/10 for the charging cable.
Comparative Analysis with AirPods 3
Released in 2021, the AirPods 3 boast notable improvements across the board, including sound quality, design, and battery life. Although they retail for just $50 more, the enhancements justify the additional cost.
Recommendation: Spend the extra $50 for the AirPods 3.
Comparative Analysis with EarPods
In terms of sound, the AirPods 2 are very similar to the EarPods, which are a wired option available for just $19. If you prefer a wired experience and enjoy lossless audio with Apple Music, the EarPods may be a better choice.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the AirPods 2 are difficult to recommend in 2023 unless they are available at a significant discount (below $100). For a small price difference, the AirPods 3 provide far superior features. If you’re considering AirPods for holiday gifts, I would suggest keeping an eye on the AirPods 3 or, if budget allows, the AirPods Pro 2 (2023) with USB-C.
For a comprehensive review of all current AirPods models, check out this article:
AirPods — Where We Stand and Recommendations for Late 2023
This video evaluates whether the AirPods 2 remain a viable purchase in late 2023.
In this review, we take a closer look at the AirPods 2 in 2023 and assess their value.
Are you considering gifting Apple products this holiday season? If so, which ones are on your wish list? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Thank you for reading!
Tobias
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