AirPods Overview
Apple AirPods 2 are the second-gen version of the original AirPods that were released back in December-2016. The AirPods have been the world’s bestselling truly wireless headphones for a while. And now they’ve been upgraded for more convenience & ease-of-use.
Apple AirPods Details
Contents
Apple AirPods 2 Review Sum-Up Summary of the Headphone Expert Reviews
AirPods 2 Review Report
The AirPods 2 get only moderate upgrades to them. The already excellent AirPods are now more speedy & seamless thanks to the new ‘H1’ chip. It brings with it, the hands-free “Hey, Siri” access and enables faster & reliable wireless connections. Battery life for phone calls is also longer at 3hrs. And there’s also a wireless charging option for those who’ve adopted the fully wireless lifestyle.
Overall, AirPods 2 are hard-to-beat for everyday use with their convenience, solid connection & ease-of-use and they are decent for music as well. The upgrades aren’t big enough for users who already own the 1st gen AirPods. However, for those looking for a worthy upgrade, you should look at the AirPods Pro.
Pros
- Always-on hands-free 'Hey, Siri' access.
- Wireless charging option.
- Great Battery life.
- Excellent, Reliable wireless performance.
- New H1 chip allows Faster & Easy pairing.
- Fast charging using the case.
- Unique Looks.
- Great build quality.
- Portable, Lightweight & Comfortable design.
- Crisp & Clear audio quality.
Cons
- Poor noise isolation.
- No improvement in sound quality over previous gen.
- May not fit well for some users.
- No waterproofing.
- Expensive.
- Wireless charging option costs extra.
- Limited controls.
- Wireless case charging is slow.
What's New (Apple AirPods 2 vs AirPods 1)
Here’s a comparison, showing the important differences between the 2nd-generation AirPods vs the original AirPods.
| AirPods 2 | AirPods 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | New 'H1' chip. | 'W1' chip. |
| Siri | Hand-free "Hey, Siri" access. | Tap to access Siri. |
| Battery | 5 hrs of listening time. 3 hrs of Talk Time. | 5 hrs of listening time. 2 hrs of Talk Time. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Connection Speed | Twice as fast when switching between devices. 1.5x faster connection for phone calls. | - |
Gallery Official Product Images & Videos
Apple AirPods Review Articles Expert Reviews from the Headphone pros
Apple AirPods review (2019)
"More of the same, but that's OK"
Apple’s updated AirPods don’t pack many thrilling upgrades, but the improvements they did get make for more seamless, convenient use. Because of that, little about the new AirPods are worth the upgrade for existing owners — that is, of course, unless their batteries are starting to go south. Even so, Apple has smoothed down enough of the originals’ rough spots that they’re a fantastic option for iOS users who are more concerned with ease-of-use than stunning sound quality.
Apple AirPods second-gen review
"even more wireless"
If you haven’t yet jumped on the AirPods train and you know they’ll fit in your ears (if the wired EarPods that come with every iPhone fit you, the AirPods will, too), they are still among the best truly wireless headphones on the market, with great battery life, solid connectivity, great ease of use, and pretty good sound quality. They even work great for Android users, just like the first model. The new wireless charging convenience comes at an increased price, but for most people, the AirPods are still hard to beat.
Apple AirPods 2019 review
"The king of truly wireless earphones is crowned with small enhancements"
The new AirPods are an incremental upgrade to an already excellent, fully wireless headphone, but sound quality, design and fit are basically the same.
New Apple AirPods review
"They're good but not for everyone"
If you’re looking to just listen to music or a few podcasts, the new Airpods are a good choice since the connection never drops and the battery life is longer than the previous version. Plus you can also charge the case wirelessly with any Qi wireless charger. Just don’t expect to get a great sound experience and be prepared to lose at least one.
Apple AirPods 2 Truly Wireless 2019 Headphones Review
The Apple AirPods 2 2019 are practically the same as the previous Apple AirPods model, with slight differences. Overall, the AirPods 2 aren’t worth the upgrade if you already have the first AirPods.
Apple AirPods 2 review
"For Apple fans, AirPods 2 are still the safe path to wireless freedom"
Apple’s new AirPods represent a modest update, but they should please Apple fans new to the true wireless genre, or those whose older AirPods are losing their luster (and/or battery life). Features like button-free Siri access and wireless charging (for a fee) are welcome improvements, but they likely won’t be worth the upgrade for content AirPods owners, workout fanatics, or Android users.
Apple AirPods (2019) review
"What's actually new with the second-gen AirPods?"
While new features like wireless charging and faster pairing are useful, the AirPods (2019) aren’t a significant improvement over their predecessors, so while they’re well worth a look if you’re buying your first pair of true-wireless buds, if you have the original AirPods it’s hard for us to recommend upgrading.
Apple AirPods (2019) Review
"More of a mid-cycle update akin to an iPhone "S""
More like a “0.5” upgrade, the second-generation AirPods are simple yet great wireless earphones that are a pleasure to use.
Apple AirPods Review (2019)
The new Apple AirPods 2 brings wireless charging and hands-free Siri into the mix with longer call times and clearer audio.
Apple AirPods (2019) review
"Pod-like genius"
Not a major upgrade by any means, but Apple’s iconic earbuds are becoming harder to resist.
Apple AirPods (2019) review
"Impressive true wireless headphones, now with better sound."
Technically and sonically better than before, the second generation AirPods offer unbeatable Bluetooth usability and decent sound quality.
AirPods (2nd generation) review
"AirPods took over the wireless headphone world, and now they’re a little bit better."
AirPods may not have the best sound quality of all wireless earbuds, and we’d love a more snug fit that blocks a little more ambient sound. But their convenience, ease of use, and fit and finish remain unmatched.
Review: Apple's new AirPods
"a first-class update to an already superb product"
In short, if you have AirPods and have bought them recently, you’ll be tempted, so tempted to get a new pair —but you can hold off until it’s time for service, and battery life is short. But, if your batteries are getting flat, and runtime is getting low, don’t wait to buy.
Apple AirPods 2 review
"Small improvements spell second-gen success?"
While the headline announcement is a wireless charging case, the real winner for the second-generation AirPods is the better managed battery that delivers a noticeable improvement in talk time between charges. Otherwise the divisive design remains the same – but there’s now something equally iconic about that.
Apple AirPods 2 review
"Still the best wireless earbuds you can buy"
Apple’s second-generation AirPods are still the wireless earbuds to beat.
Apple AirPods 2 Review
"The Sound of Convenience"
There’s a simple reason the original AirPods became my go-to headphones: predictability. Flip open the case, slot an earbud into my ear, and just get on with listening to music or answering a call. AirPods 2 build on that with increased wireless reliability, something that – while it may not be a “sexy” feature – you’ll benefit from every day.
Apple AirPods Review Videos Expert Video Reviews from the Headphone pros
Marques BrownleeAirPods 2"Literally Everything New!"
Linus Tech TipsAirpods 2 Review"Is Apple Even TRYING??"
EngadgetApple Airpods (2019) Review"Small improvements"
The VergeApple AirPods 2 review"even more wireless"