AirPods Pro 2: could they be the ‘all-in-one’ option for travelling and exercise?

[Cassandle]

Back when lockdown started and the children were at home all day I bought some Sony WH-1000xm3 over-ears. The sound is good and the ANC - the main selling point at the time, is excellent. I also bought some PowerBeats Pro for running. These have been great too.

Since 2020 I’ve started to invest in some quality wired headphones (Meze 99 Classics, which sound AMAZING) for listening to music at home and I no longer need ANC when working, so I don’t use the Sonys for this purpose. I now only use the WH-1000xm3s outside or if I’m doing chores around the house. Because the Sonys are over-ears and have a big case I barely leave the house with them, making them a bit redundant. The Sonys also only pair to one device at a time, which I find super annoying.

I was wondering whether the AirPods Pro 2 could replace both the Sonys and the PowerBeats Pro?

As the APPs are small and ultra portable they would just slip in my pocket, meaning they are a more viable option for shopping, commuting etc. And I’m seeing lots of people use them for running too.

My question is, how does the sound and ANC compare to something like the Sony WH-1000xm3s? I’m not expecting the APPs to be better than a big pair of over-ears, but if they are competitive then they could be a viable replacement.

I’ve looked around for info on this but most people tend to just compare the IPPs to the previous-gen and other wireless buds, which obviously makes sense!

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Beats Fit Pro are the all in one answer. Small, wingtips, ANC, and usb c so no extra cables needed. APP still suck for working out.

 

[scrane]

I've had the xm3's for a couple of years and the APP2 for a week. I prefer the smoother, warmer sound and wider soundstage of the xm3 and the NC is comparable between the two.But the APP2 is a little better. If I had it to do over again I would not have bothered with the APP2. The Sony's are really an amazing set of earphones.
The APP2 sound somewhat digital and over processed to me. They do have audio accomodation and spatial audio features which are interesting, but kind of gimmicky.
I also have a pair of AirPods 3 that I really like. They are smoother than the APP2 and not being in ear are comfortable and easy to hang in your ear. Really good bass for non in ear phones. Warning: some people have problems with retention and fit. Of course they have no value for NC.

 

[QCassidy352]

Been using my APP gen 1 for an all in one (music, exercise, travel, calls) since 2020. Highly recommend. I’m sure the gen 2s will be the same but better.

 

[matrix07]

APP still suck for working out.

Why?

 

[perezr10]

This guy is a big Sony fan who compares them to the new AirPods Pro. In a nutshell, he likes the AirPods better now.

 

[ArchEtech]

Been using my APP gen 1 for an all in one (music, exercise, travel, calls) since 2020. Highly recommend. I’m sure the gen 2s will be the same but better.

Yep the gen 1 already were for me too. The Gen 2 are even better.

I had a couple of the Sony ANC ear buds and although they had slightly better sound, their battery life sucked and they didn’t fit in my ears and stay put like the AirPods. The Gen 2 sound is as good as the Sony.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

The only issue the APP have with workouts is the thumping sound you get when running because of the air tight seal. Does that still happen with the 2nd gen?

 

[matrix07]

The only issue the APP have with workouts is the thumping sound you get when running because of the air tight seal. Does that still happen with the 2nd gen?

What mode?

Just ran yesterday & hear no thumping whatsoever.

 

[enricoclaudio]

Just came back from a 7 miles run 🏃‍♀️ and not a single thump wearing my AirPods Pro 2.

 

[Ralfi]

I’ve looked around for info on this but most people tend to just compare the IPPs to the previous-gen and other wireless buds, which obviously makes sense!

I was hoping the video I was thinking of compared the devices yo mentioned, but they used the XM4 & XM5 instead. It may help anyway…

Oh & I can also vouch for the APP1 being a great all rounders. Been using them at gym since release & for home chores (mowing with them was a revelation, but now I take it for granted).

 

[Cassandle]

Thanks everyone. Looks like the best thing to do is to get some and see how they work for me, and return them if they’re not suitable.

 

[drmacnut]

Aloha Cassandle. I have —and continue to use— a set of first-gen AirPods and also AirPods Pro 1, and I got hold of a set of AirPods Pro 2 when they came out a few weeks back. Overall summary: I find the original AirPods fall out of my ears relatively easily if I am working outside or moving around a lot, and they produce sound which is best for focus on the voice. AirPods Pro both stay in my ears nicely and sound way better overall, with more bass and highs, but battery life is not so great sometimes.

I like using the original AirPods when I want a "beater" set that I don't feel bad throwing into a pocket with keys or using while listening to podcasts while pottering around the house or workshed, or even with Zoom conferences in my office where it is quiet and where I am not moving much. Battery life is relatively great compared to the APPs, "transparency mode" is always "on" (LOL), and they are more comfortable to me when worn for long periods.

I love the APPs, however, when I want ANC and when I want something light and easy and wireless and that sound great when fit properly into the ears. They're great for me when I work at night in my home office and have music playing quietly in the background, even in transparency mode so I can hear if my kid cries. I also prefer the APPs for watching any kind of media — they are fantastic for that, and the software-enhanced sound stage is incredible. I also love the APPs when travelling! OMG it's so nice to have them on the plane now, saving me having to pack and un-pack my Sony H.ear MDR-100ABN headphones as I used to. The APPs may not sound as good as those Sonys, but with a good fit, I think the ANC is better with the APPs and just the ease of use when travelling makes them my go-to nowadays.

I also have some AKG K240 MKII Pro Semi-Open Studio Headphones as "beater" headphones at my desk, and they sound great too for casual music listening while working etc, but to be honest, I have come to really love using the APPs instead because I can get up and go "shake hands with the unemployed" at any time and not have to disconnect from the music. The downside to the APPs: not as comfortable in my ears for several hours at a time and batteries need to be topped up every 3 to 4 hours or so depending on what mode you're in.*

There's a load more to say, but I realize I just wrote a book and burned up valuable work time. But hopefully this gives you a nudge in the direction of APPs which I think are super convenient and sound pretty good in the right environment, especially when enjoying media on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

*When I am teaching on Zoom for 3 hours straight, APP 2 in transparency mode, I get 2.98 hours of battery life. argh

 

[Dealmans]

Yep sold my AirPods Max and just use the AirPods Pro 2 now.

 

[Cassandle]

I have a follow-up question about the Pros.

I want to download a proportion of my Apple Music library onto my phone so I can still listen to music when I’m not connected to the internet (on trains, in office 4g blackspots etc.). What’s the highest res I should be downloading the tracks to? Am I right in thinking the AirPod Pros won’t support lossless, and so I should just download to 256 Kpbs?

 

[CyberDavis]

I love my AirPod Pros, but for some exercise such as running the fit is just not secure enough for me.
I use Beats PowerBeats Pro for running as they fit very securely.

 

[WeekendGearGuide]

For travelling, the AirPods Pro 2 are probably the best overall, within the Top 5 earbuds for ANC, IMHO best transparency mode of all Bluetooth headsets/earbuds and so far the best microphone voice call quality across various background noise scenarios you’d encounter when travelling. However, if you only care about the very best ANC earbuds for travelling, look no further than the Bose QC Earbuds II.

For exercising, this is fairly difficult to answer since fit and comfort is very subjective to each individual. For me, while the APP2 work good enough, they do tend to slide out every so often that I need to push them back in. Bose QC II have much better stability when moving due to the stability bands, but I tend to use my beater Jabra Elite 7 Pro which are just as stable and don’t have to worry so much in case I accidently drop it or get it wet.

 

[matrix07]

I have a follow-up question about the Pros.

I want to download a proportion of my Apple Music library onto my phone so I can still listen to music when I’m not connected to the internet (on trains, in office 4g blackspots etc.). What’s the highest res I should be downloading the tracks to? Am I right in thinking the AirPod Pros won’t support lossless, and so I should just download to 256 Kpbs?

Yes, High Quality (256) should be plenty. It won't sound any different on AirPods.

 

[Cassandle]

Update: took the plunge and bought them tonight. Listening to them now and I’m amazed at the sound quality. Not tested the noise cancellation or stability whilst walking or running yet (it’s 10.30pm!!) but so far, so good.

Spatial audio has also been a surprise. I assumed I’d not use it but it sounds much better than I thought it would. Do other Pro users tend to have it on or off for music?

 

[Ralfi]

Spatial audio has also been a surprise. I assumed I’d not use it but it sounds much better than I thought it would. Do other Pro users tend to have it on or off for music?

It’s a hard one. For some sources it’s better, but for others it’s worse. I think if anything, I’m disabling it for more music as time goes on.

 

[matrix07]

Spatial audio has also been a surprise. I assumed I’d not use it but it sounds much better than I thought it would. Do other Pro users tend to have it on or off for music?

On for listen to Dolby Atmos music but off for stereo.