A hands-on review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 after their 2025 Prime Day discount. See if the ANC kings still hold up — and how to grab the best deal.
Confession: I only bought the Apple AirPods Pro 2 because I saw the Prime Day price drop and panicked. You know that “It’s now or pay full price later” feeling? Guilty.
But to my surprise, these little earbuds didn’t just live up to the hype — they’ve genuinely made my daily routines smoother, quieter, and slightly more fun.
So if you missed the Prime Day deal (or you're wondering if they're still worth buying today), this honest review is for you.
First Impressions
Apple’s packaging is predictably sleek — but it's what’s inside that counts.
The case feels more premium than the first-gen Pro. The earbuds fit snugly right out of the box, and that tiny speaker on the case? Surprisingly helpful. I accidentally dropped it between car seats and it pinged its way back into my life.
Setup with my iPhone took under 20 seconds. No drama, no fiddling — classic Apple experience.
Key Features and Benefits
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Blocks out traffic, coworkers, and existential dread.
- Transparency Mode: Hear your surroundings clearly without removing the buds.
- Personalized Spatial Audio: Sound actually follows head movement — eerie and impressive.
- Adaptive Transparency: Filters out harsh noises like sirens, while keeping voice clarity.
- H2 Chip: Better battery, improved sound, and faster pairing across Apple devices.
Real-Life Use (The Good Stuff)
Let me be clear: these are not just for music. I’ve used the AirPods Pro 2 for:
- Zoom meetings in a noisy café
- Podcast bingeing on flights
- Siri-controlled grocery runs
Battery lasted around 6.5 hours with ANC on — I charged the case only once in 5 days of use.
The ANC is legit. I’ve tried Sony’s XM4s and Bose QC buds, and while those are solid, the seamless switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac keeps the AirPods in their own lane.
The Drawbacks (Keep It Honest)
No tech is perfect, and yes — these have quirks.
- Best experience requires Apple ecosystem. Android users will miss out on a lot of the magic.
- Case still scratches easily. Use a cover if you care about resale or aesthetics.
- Touch volume control is a little too sensitive. I accidentally skipped songs just trying to adjust volume.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. Beats Studio Buds+
Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | Beats Studio Buds+ |
ANC | Strong, adaptive | Good, but not spatial |
Battery Life (with ANC) | 6.5 hrs | ~8 hrs |
Spatial Audio | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Price (as of July 2025) | ~$189 (after deal) | ~$129 (non-Prime) |
Platform integration | Apple-only seamless | Cross-platform fair |
If you’re all-in on Apple, the Pro 2 wins — hands down. For mixed-device users, Beats Studio Buds+ might be the budget-smart choice.
Who This Product is For
- Apple device owners who want the smoothest integration
- Remote workers who juggle calls and focus sessions
- Travelers needing pocketable noise-canceling
- Students streaming content, commuting, and dodging distractions
Final Verdict
Even post–Prime Day, the AirPods Pro 2 are still worth every cent if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.
The ANC, sound clarity, and seamless UX make these the best wireless earbuds I’ve personally tested this year — and if you can catch them on sale, even better.
FAQ
Q: Can I use AirPods Pro 2 with Android?
A: Yes, but you’ll lose features like Spatial Audio, Find My tracking, and Siri integration.
Q: Are they water-resistant?
A: Yes — rated IPX4. Great for sweat and light rain, not for swimming.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.