Insightful Review of Apple AirPods Pro: Are They Worth It?
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Apple AirPods Pro
In this article, I will provide my assessment of the Apple AirPods Pro headphones and share whether they justify their price tag. Having enjoyed the standard AirPods for several years, I was eager to try the Pro model when it was released. The appeal of features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and decent battery longevity made the decision easy. Let’s dive into the aspects that stood out to me regarding these headphones.
Chapter 1.1: Comfort and Fit
When it comes to comfort, the Apple AirPods Pro significantly outperform the standard AirPods. If I were to draw a comparison with Sony's travel headphones, the Pro model is far more pleasant to wear. Unlike the original AirPods, the Pro version includes three different sizes of ear tips, allowing you to select the best fit for your ears. The tapered design ensures a snug fit, reducing the likelihood of them falling out during physical activity. This makes them suitable for use while exercising as well as for prolonged listening sessions.
Chapter 1.2: Design Aesthetics
I appreciate the revamped design of the AirPods Pro. The smaller stems are less conspicuous when worn, especially outdoors. The elongated charging case is also much more aesthetically pleasing than its predecessor. Overall, I find the new design to be an improvement, and I even added a stylish protective sleeve for the case.
Chapter 1.3: Charging and Battery Life
One standout feature of the AirPods Pro is the ability to charge them wirelessly, thanks to the included wireless charging case. This is particularly convenient for those who own wireless chargers. You can still opt for the lightning cable if you prefer. The case provides more than 24 hours of battery life, and the headphones will alert your iPhone when they require charging. They can be charged with any Qi-certified charger.
Chapter 1.4: Quick Charging Feature
A notable convenience is the fast-charging capability. Just five minutes of charging yields about an hour of listening time. I found this feature incredibly useful on occasions when I forgot to charge the headphones but needed to use them while out and about, whether for music or calls.
Chapter 1.5: Sound Quality and Features
While I don’t consider myself an audiophile, I find the sound quality to be quite impressive—clean and clear. The most significant enhancements with the AirPods Pro are the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. Although I have experience with Sony's WH-1000XM3, which set the standard for ANC, Apple has managed to implement a superior Transparency Mode. I use these headphones primarily for walking, shopping, and work-related travel, and the Transparency Mode is particularly useful for staying aware of my surroundings.
Chapter 1.6: Compatibility Considerations
One compatibility issue I'd like to highlight is my experience with the Teams app on Windows. While the AirPods Pro function flawlessly with the Mac version, they are not officially supported on Windows. If you plan to use them for conference calls, this is something to consider. However, they seamlessly connect within the Apple ecosystem and work adequately with Android devices, albeit with limited functionality.
Chapter 2: Pricing and Conclusion
As for the price, the AirPods Pro are not inexpensive, retailing at £249. Do I believe they are worth it? Absolutely. The new features justify the price increase. If you’re indifferent to ANC, Transparency Mode, or wireless charging, the standard AirPods at £159 might suit you just fine. Alternatively, there are budget-friendly headphones available. I recommend doing thorough research before making a purchase.
In conclusion, the AirPods Pro fit my needs perfectly. Their active noise cancellation and Transparency Mode are excellent additions, especially for users within the Apple ecosystem. They are compact and easy to carry, though I hope Apple transitions away from the lightning connector soon.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to check out my other posts. I often write when I have new ideas to share. Please engage with this post if you enjoyed it, and let me know your thoughts in the comments. I look forward to hearing your perspectives!
Chapter 3: Additional Resources
To delve deeper into the topic, check out these insightful videos:
This video provides a thorough review of the Apple AirPods 4, discussing whether they are worth upgrading from the AirPods Pro 2.
This video offers an honest long-term review of the AirPods Pro 2 after eight months of use, detailing performance and durability.