Best For
- You want well-regarded sound and convenience in Apple's ecosystem.
- You get a good seal from in-ear tips or will fit aftermarket ones.
- You want ANC that handles traffic and commuting.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Review: Sound That Still Holds Up, and the Fit and One-Bud Faults Owners Hit
Quick take
Years on, the AirPods Pro 2 still hold their ground — one owner rates the sound above 95 percent of IEMs, and another says the ANC blocks traffic and engine noise so completely they cannot hear a thing. Two owners who have heard both prefer the Pro 2 to the newer Pro 3, one on fit and one on sound. The friction is physical: three owners hit fit and eartip-seal problems, and three more report a fault in a single bud, from squeaking to one side playing louder than the other. This page has 11 visible evidence snippets, so treat it as an early buyer-feedback scan rather than a settled verdict.
Apple’s flagship noise-cancelling earbuds that show up constantly in iPhone-focused buying threads for their all-around mix of ANC, transparency, call quality, and “it just works” Apple integration.
Long-wear ANC with easy travel use
Quick Verdict: Is Apple AirPods Pro 2 Worth Buying?
A still-strong set for iPhone owners on sound and convenience, provided you get a good eartip seal. Fit problems and single-bud faults are the real risks. This page has 11 visible evidence snippets, so treat it as an early buyer-feedback scan rather than a settled verdict.
Evidence confidence: Early signal.
Product Signal Summary
These signals summarize buyer interest, feedback direction, discussion volume, and whether attention around Apple AirPods Pro 2 appears to be rising, stable, or cooling. Based on 56 public discussions.
User Impression
−9%
Leaning Negative Sentiment Mix
56
5
45
6
Volume
56
Velocity (30d)
0.0%
Steady Momentum
-100.0%
Cooling fast Quick actions
The sound quality that still holds up
Sound that owners rate against far pricier gear is the main draw, and two who heard both prefer the Pro 2 to the Pro 3.
Fit and eartip seal are the most common friction, alongside three reports of a fault in one bud. • Total evidence snippets: 11 • Updated Sep 4, 2026
Strengths
- Sound that still impresses
- ANC that blocks the real world
- Two owners who heard both prefer them to the Pro 3
Common Complaints
- Fit and eartip slippage
- ANC is not enough for one owner
- Hardware faults in one bud
- Conversation Awareness stopped working
Who Should Buy Apple AirPods Pro 2 — and Who Should Avoid It
Best for buyers who care most about sound, comfort, and daily usability who care about sound quality downgrade. Compare alternatives if conversation Awareness stopped working would affect your daily use.
Not For
- Eartip fit has been a problem for you on other in-ear buds.
- You need the strongest noise cancelling available.
- You want the newest generation for its own sake.
Check live pricing and availability — this link helps keep the research running.
Check local offer Affiliate link — supports the site at no extra cost.Evidence From Public Buyer Discussions
These examples show the repeated buying signals behind Apple AirPods Pro 2. Use them to check strengths, complaints, and buyer fit before treating isolated comments as full reviews. • Updated Sep 4, 2026
Pro Noise cancellation: loved by some, subpar for others
Apple AirPods Pro 2 gets its strongest positive signal from sound quality downgrade. The points below summarize why buyers keep it on their shortlist.
Like sound quality downgrade 2026-05-31
Airpod pros 2 sound better than 95% of iems. Including almost all stupid expensive iems including ones like the Subtonic storm and Annihilator 2023. This combined with their convenience, features, and how much better designed ergonomically than iems are make me almost always choose them over iems/hp for portable use. Airpods pro 3 was such a downgrade sound quality wise from the APP2 imo. They made APP3 a rather bright iem plus increased the bass. APP2 already had too much bass. More bass wasn’t necessary. Sound
Like sound quality 2026-04-17
Entry-level Audiophile headphones that have the same sound signature as AirPods Pro 2. Pretty much the title. I am not looking to spend a ton (under 300) on these headphones but I want to outgrow these AirPods. They have a really good sound signature imo but I want something just "better" (more crisp). I really like to detailed listen but I like what I like sound signature wise🤷♂️. I am gonna be using it mostly at home but if it works well on the go thats a plus. AirPods Pro 2 entry-level audiophile headphones
Like fits well where the Pro 3 does not 2026-03-04
FWIW I have issues with earphones and AirPod pro 2 fit pretty well for me, but the 3’s do not. I got aftermarket tips and it’s helped.
Like blocks out traffic and engine sounds 2026-02-23
I have the AirPods Pro 2 ANC and I love them soo much I can’t hear a thing like it blocks out traffic and engine sounds
Like got it right out of the box 2026-01-15
Bought the earfun too (coming from Apple AirPod pro 2). For me at least Apple got it right out of the box. I’ve messed with EQ and it’s hit and miss on some stuff (I like a variety of music). So I’m gonna try and amend it to find the best balance and if I can’t then I’ll go back to the AirPods
Con Fit and eartips: the most common friction
Check conversation Awareness stopped working before buying Apple AirPods Pro 2, especially if it affects your daily use case.
Complaint Left bud plays noticeably louder than the right 2026-08-23
Left airpod way louder than right airpod (Airpods pro USB-C) Alright, so I got these airpods from my friend, and he said since he bought them, the left speaker has always been way louder than the right. I've been using them for about 2 months and it's really been p'ing me off. I cleaned them, nothing was different, I tried to update firmware on my brother's iPad, but it needed a software update. I tried updating the software, but apple being the greedy company they are, there wasn't enough storage to update (10gb
Complaint Noise cancelling subpar 2026-05-31
Airpod Pro 2 Vs Max 2 Hi there! I currently own a pair of pro 2's and find that the noise cancelling isn't really that good for me. I was thinking of buying a pair of max 2's, how do they compare? Thanks x Airpod Pro 2 Max 2 Airpod Pro 2 Max 2
Complaint Eartip test failing 2026-05-01
Airpods Pro 2 (Right Airpod) - Squeaking sounds + Static Sometimes and Muffled sound. My Airpods pro 2 specifically the right airpod is having the issue I have mentioned in the subject line. I have tried cleaning them as per the suggested way by apple, have also tried the sucking air out method on the grills as well, but nothing is working. My eartip test is also failing suddenly, this is despite me using the same sized ones (even tried a new set). But it doesn't succeed. I would really appreciate help on this
Complaint Ear tip issues 2026-03-07
AirPod Pro 2 vs Pro 3 question I'm a daily runner and weekly gym goer and I love my AirPod Pro 2s but I have a few issues with them. The stock ear tips caused one of them to always slip out of my ear and that annoyed me, but one size down almost fixed it entirely - though it's still not completely perfect and I still have to push them in and reseat them from time to time. However, the most infuriating issue is when a drop of sweat works it's way into the ear tip and mesh of the speaker, causing it to completely
Complaint Conversation Awareness stopped working 2026-02-24
Conversation Awareness completely stopped working on my AirPods Pro 2. Anyone have a fix? I'm dealing with a pretty annoying issue with my AirPods Pro 2 and am hoping someone here has figured out a solution. The Conversation Awareness feature has completely stopped working. It just refuses to lower my audio or kick into transparency mode when I start speaking. For context, I bought these at the end of March 2025, so they are just under a year old. I feel like I've already tried all the standard troubleshooting s
Complaint Loud jittering sound in cold environments (meat cooler) 2026-06-01
I currently have the 2nd gen airpods pro and I work in a meat cooler, reason I want to swap is anytime they’re slightly cold they start doing a loud jittering sound which hurts my ears and gets annoying.
View all retained evidence snippets (11)
Complaint Left bud plays noticeably louder than the right 2026-08-23
Left airpod way louder than right airpod (Airpods pro USB-C) Alright, so I got these airpods from my friend, and he said since he bought them, the left speaker has always been way louder than the right. I've been using them for about 2 months and it's really been p'ing me off. I cleaned them, nothing was different, I tried to update firmware on my brother's iPad, but it needed a software update. I tried updating the software, but apple being the greedy company they are, there wasn't enough storage to update (10gb
Complaint Noise cancelling subpar 2026-05-31
Airpod Pro 2 Vs Max 2 Hi there! I currently own a pair of pro 2's and find that the noise cancelling isn't really that good for me. I was thinking of buying a pair of max 2's, how do they compare? Thanks x Airpod Pro 2 Max 2 Airpod Pro 2 Max 2
Like sound quality downgrade 2026-05-31
Airpod pros 2 sound better than 95% of iems. Including almost all stupid expensive iems including ones like the Subtonic storm and Annihilator 2023. This combined with their convenience, features, and how much better designed ergonomically than iems are make me almost always choose them over iems/hp for portable use. Airpods pro 3 was such a downgrade sound quality wise from the APP2 imo. They made APP3 a rather bright iem plus increased the bass. APP2 already had too much bass. More bass wasn’t necessary. Sound
Complaint Eartip test failing 2026-05-01
Airpods Pro 2 (Right Airpod) - Squeaking sounds + Static Sometimes and Muffled sound. My Airpods pro 2 specifically the right airpod is having the issue I have mentioned in the subject line. I have tried cleaning them as per the suggested way by apple, have also tried the sucking air out method on the grills as well, but nothing is working. My eartip test is also failing suddenly, this is despite me using the same sized ones (even tried a new set). But it doesn't succeed. I would really appreciate help on this
Like sound quality 2026-04-17
Entry-level Audiophile headphones that have the same sound signature as AirPods Pro 2. Pretty much the title. I am not looking to spend a ton (under 300) on these headphones but I want to outgrow these AirPods. They have a really good sound signature imo but I want something just "better" (more crisp). I really like to detailed listen but I like what I like sound signature wise🤷♂️. I am gonna be using it mostly at home but if it works well on the go thats a plus. AirPods Pro 2 entry-level audiophile headphones
Complaint Ear tip issues 2026-03-07
AirPod Pro 2 vs Pro 3 question I'm a daily runner and weekly gym goer and I love my AirPod Pro 2s but I have a few issues with them. The stock ear tips caused one of them to always slip out of my ear and that annoyed me, but one size down almost fixed it entirely - though it's still not completely perfect and I still have to push them in and reseat them from time to time. However, the most infuriating issue is when a drop of sweat works it's way into the ear tip and mesh of the speaker, causing it to completely
Like fits well where the Pro 3 does not 2026-03-04
FWIW I have issues with earphones and AirPod pro 2 fit pretty well for me, but the 3’s do not. I got aftermarket tips and it’s helped.
Complaint Conversation Awareness stopped working 2026-02-24
Conversation Awareness completely stopped working on my AirPods Pro 2. Anyone have a fix? I'm dealing with a pretty annoying issue with my AirPods Pro 2 and am hoping someone here has figured out a solution. The Conversation Awareness feature has completely stopped working. It just refuses to lower my audio or kick into transparency mode when I start speaking. For context, I bought these at the end of March 2025, so they are just under a year old. I feel like I've already tried all the standard troubleshooting s
Like blocks out traffic and engine sounds 2026-02-23
I have the AirPods Pro 2 ANC and I love them soo much I can’t hear a thing like it blocks out traffic and engine sounds
Like got it right out of the box 2026-01-15
Bought the earfun too (coming from Apple AirPod pro 2). For me at least Apple got it right out of the box. I’ve messed with EQ and it’s hit and miss on some stuff (I like a variety of music). So I’m gonna try and amend it to find the best balance and if I can’t then I’ll go back to the AirPods
Complaint Loud jittering sound in cold environments (meat cooler) 2026-06-01
I currently have the 2nd gen airpods pro and I work in a meat cooler, reason I want to swap is anytime they’re slightly cold they start doing a loud jittering sound which hurts my ears and gets annoying.
Compare Alternatives
Products frequently compared alongside Apple AirPods Pro 2:
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Newer generation, though two owners here prefer the Pro 2 on fit and on sound
Technics EAH-AZ100
Sound-first alternative for buyers prioritizing audio fidelity over Apple-ecosystem features
Trend and Demand Signals
These charts show discussion volume, sentiment direction, momentum, and alternatives so you can judge whether interest in Apple AirPods Pro 2 is rising, stable, or cooling.
Sentiment Distribution, Keyword Volume, and Momentum
What this shows How positive, neutral, and negative opinions about this product are distributed across public discussions.
How to read it Larger areas or segments indicate a bigger share of discussion; green is positive, yellow is mixed, red is negative.
What it suggests here Leaning negative overall (Leaning Negative −9%).
Sentiment counts
Positive · 5
Neutral · 45
Negative · 6
What this shows How often this product is discussed compared to other products in the same category.
How to read it Longer bars indicate more frequent mentions in public discussions.
What it suggests here Above-average discussion volume vs category peers (rank #7).
What this shows How quickly discussion interest is changing, and whether that change is accelerating or slowing down.
How to read it Points further to the right indicate faster velocity; higher points indicate accelerating interest.
What it suggests here Interest is steady, and momentum is cooling.
Buying Questions About Apple AirPods Pro 2
Quick answers to the main review, complaints, buyer-fit, and comparison questions shoppers ask before choosing Apple AirPods Pro 2.
Is the AirPods Pro 2 sound quality still good?
Yes — it's the standout. One owner rates the Pro 2 above 95% of IEMs, including far more expensive ones, and others praise the out-of-box sound signature, so they hold up well years on.
How is the AirPods Pro 2 noise cancellation?
It divides the two owners who mention it. One says it blocks traffic and engine noise so well they cannot hear a thing. The other finds it not really that good for their needs and is comparing the AirPods Max instead. With one account each way, treat ANC as adequate rather than a headline strength, and note that it depends heavily on getting a good eartip seal.
Why do my AirPods Pro 2 keep slipping or failing the eartip test?
Fit is the most common complaint here, raised by three owners. A daily runner found stock tips made a bud slip out constantly and dropping one size almost fixed it, though they still reseat them occasionally. Another only got a good fit after buying aftermarket tips. A third had the seal test start failing suddenly on the same side that had begun squeaking, which points at a hardware fault rather than tip size — worth an Apple support visit if cleaning does not help.
Why did Conversation Awareness stop working on my AirPods Pro 2?
One owner reports it stopping entirely on a pair bought in March 2025 — it no longer lowers audio or switches to transparency when they speak, and they had not found a fix at the time of posting. This is a single account. The usual steps are toggling the feature off and on, checking for a firmware update and resetting the buds, then contacting Apple support if it persists.
Should I buy the AirPods Pro 2 or the Pro 3?
The two owners here who have heard both prefer the Pro 2. One who struggles with earphone fit says the Pro 2 fits them well while the Pro 3 does not, and aftermarket tips improved it further. Another describes the Pro 3 as a sound-quality downgrade from the Pro 2, calling it rather bright. That is two accounts rather than a verdict on the generation, but nothing in this evidence makes the case for paying more for the Pro 3.
Do aftermarket eartips help the AirPods Pro 2 fit?
Often, yes. Owners who had slipping or seal issues report that aftermarket tips improved the fit noticeably, so they're worth trying before giving up on them.
How We Analyze Buyer Feedback
These insights are generated from public Reddit posts and comments, then grouped into recurring praise, complaints, and buying patterns to make the page easier to scan.
Evidence snippets are selected from public discussions and grouped into themes. Counts represent how often a theme appears in the available evidence, not a survey or rating.