Apple AirPods Pro Review

Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Apple AirPods Pro (Buy on Amazon) are now available.

Apple has taken the best wireless earbud you can buy – the Apple AirPod – and made it even better.

AirPods Pro in the charging case

AirPods Pro in the charging case

Our review pair has arrived, and we have exclusive photos and a hands-on review.

First, let’s check out the stats and new features of this great new wireless earbud option.

Apple AirPods Pro
  • Active noise cancellation for immersive sound
  • Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you
  • Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
  • Sweat and water resistant
  • Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to the shape of your ear

Let’s take a closer look at these new wireless earbuds.

You might be also interested to read about the new AirPods Max from Apple – they are a great over-the-ear option for the ultimate in isolation and sound quality.

AirPods Pro – now with Active Noise Cancellation

Let’s start with the biggest feature – the AirPods Pro have Active Noise Cancellation.

Wait – didn’t the original AirPods have this?

NO – they had a noise cancelling microphone – this feature is much different.

Apple AirPods Pro

This version of the Apple AirPods have a tight fit in your ear canal – thanks to the provided ear tips.

AirPods Pro

Apple built on the original AirPods design and made them better – these are the AirPods Pro. The most noticeable feature is the eartip – which greatly increases sound and call quality.

In the box there are three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit.

These create a physical barrier to block out unwanted noise and sounds.

Meanwhile, the powerful chip within the AirPods Pro can counter-act any unwanted noise and sound – by creating a sound signal that will eliminate the unwanted sound.

This is advanced technology – and we can tell you – it’s a big game changer.

How well will Active Noise Cancellation work on these earbuds?

We can tell you it’s a miracle in over the ear headphones – but wireless earbuds are a different ball game.

Check back in a few days – and we’ll have our hands on review complete.

We expect Active Noise Cancellation will be great when you want to separate yourself from your surroundings and distractions – and focus on your music, podcast, or phone call.

Here’s a good view of those silicone ear tips.

Apple AirPods Pro

But, there’s something people DO NOT like about noise cancelling technology – it can reduce your situational awareness.

This is bad when you are jogging – or in class or school.

The original AirPods didn’t have this problem – because lacking a tight fit in your ear canal – you could always hear other sounds and noises – even if unwanted.

To solve this problem Apple is including a new technology that they are calling Transparency Mode.

AirPods Pro – Transparency Mode for ultimate Situational Awareness

How does this work?

The AirPods Pro have both outward and inward facing microphones.

When in Transparency Mode – it can let in the external sounds – ambient noises and conversations – so that you aren’t missing anything.

This is going to be a killer feature for the AirPods Pro – mark my words.

Here’s noe more thing people don’t like about sealed tight ear buds – they can cause unwanted pressure on your ear drum.

But clever Apple has solved that problem as well.

They use a vent system for pressure equalization.

This will be a pair of noise cancelling earbuds that you can wear all day – in comfort.

Apple AirPods Pro

Lastly, with 3 different sizes of customizable tips – the AirPods Pro are going to be a better option for more people.

The original AirPods were “one size fits all” – and that meant they didn’t always stay in place well – for some people.

By the way, of course the AirPods Pro will carry forward all the great features you love about the original model.

For example, there’s a combination charging case that lets you easily re-charge the earbuds on the go.

It’s also a convenient way to store and protect this expensive investment.

Apple AirPods Pro

Wireless earbuds with short battery life are no fun. Let’s see where the AirPods Pro stand out.

Battery Life – AirPods Pro

How much battery life can you expect from the AirPods Pro?

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Up to 4.5 hours of listening time with a single charge (up to 5 hours with Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency off)
  • Up to 3.5 hours of talk time with a single charge.
  • With the charging case – more than 24 hours of listening time – and more than 18 hours of talk time
  • With only 5 minutes in the charging case you can get round 1 hour of listening time or around 1 hour of talk time.

By the way, that charging case can be used with Qi compatible wireless charging, or a lightning cable.

Apple AirPods Pro

Next, we’ll talk about how all these great features happen – thanks to a custom chip.

AirPods Pro – Powered by the custom H1 chip

What makes all this magic happen?

The AirPods Pro will use a custom designed Apple chip called the H1.

You will be able to easily change between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode by simply applying force to the stem.,/p>

You’ll be able to activate Siri.

And you’ll be able to use the new Audio Sharing feature.

That means you and a friend can share the same audio stream on two sets of AirPods.

This is great for watching a movie on a flight – or listening to music.

Apple AirPods Pro

Wait – let’s talk about sound.

Sound quality is perhaps the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of a wireless earbud.

Apple AirPods Pro Sound Quality

The AirPods Pro will have great audio quality as well.

It will utilize a “high-excursion, low-distortion” driver (speaker) to deliver powerful bass.

There’s also an efficient high dynamic range amplifier to produce pure and clear sound while also using a minimum of battery life.

Lastly, the Adaptive EQ will automatically tune music to suit the shape of your ear for a rich and consistent listening experience.

How well does all this work?

We’ll have real world results soon.

Apple AirPods Pro

Are the Apple AirPods Pro Waterproof?

As we’ve discussed before, water resistance is rated according to the Ingress Protection (IP) Scale.

The AirPods Pro officially carry an IPX4 rating.

This means there was no testing for dust ingress (hence the X), but the liquids rating is a 4 – which is “Protected from splashing water from any direction”.

The original AirPods did not have an IP rating.

What this means is that these will be great for working out – they will be highly sweat resistant – and should weather rain storms acceptably well too.

(Just don’t run a marathon in the rain with them.)

Will the AirPods Pro Work With Android?

The AirPods Pro are a Bluetooth 5.0 compatible product.

They *should* work with Android – but we don’t know that for a fact yet.

You will not get a lot of the ease of use and special features without an iPhone, iPad, or Mac though.

(For Android users we recommend the Amazon Echo Buds.)

Apple AirPods Pro – In Summary

Apple’s newest headphone technology – the AirPods Pro – are expensive, for sure.

But, they have brought the amazing ease of use and sound quality of the original up a notch.

These are the most advanced wireless earbuds you can buy in 2019.

You may also be interested in our review of the Amazon Echo Buds – How do these stack up to the AirPods Pro? You’ll have to read our review to find out.

Apple AirPods Pro

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API