Apple AirPods Pro

Product overview Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)

Design

The first-generation Apple AirPods Pro feature a more compact and ergonomic design compared to the standard AirPods. With their soft silicone ear tips in three sizes, they offer a better fit and seal, improving comfort and sound quality. The case remains white and compact enough to be easily stored in a pocket.

– Excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) on par with the best Sony models
– Comfortable fit with interchangeable silicone attachments
– Excellent sound quality with powerful bass and clear sound
– Fast and seamless connection with Apple devices thanks to the H1 chip
– Transparency mode allows the perception of the surroundings
– Supports wireless charging

Build quality

Apple uses high-quality materials to ensure durability. The charging case is sturdy and feels premium, but is prone to scratches with frequent use. The earbuds themselves are robust but sensitive to sweat and water – they are IPX4 certified, meaning they can withstand splashes and sweat.

Performance

The AirPods Pro offer excellent sound quality with powerful bass and balanced treble. Thanks to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), they effectively reduce ambient noise, making them ideal for travel or working in noisy environments. Transparency mode allows you to selectively let in outside sounds, which is especially useful in urban environments. Adaptive Sound also ensures optimal sound adjustment to the surroundings.

The headphones utilize the Apple H1 chip for fast connections, low latency, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. They reach their full potential particularly when paired with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, while Android users will not be able to access some features such as Siri support or seamless device switching.

Battery

The battery life is approximately 4.5 hours with active noise cancellation and about 5 hours without ANC. The charging case extends the playtime to a total of 24 hours. Wireless charging of the case via Qi or Lightning is a convenient feature. However, the battery performance noticeably decreases over the years, which is a known issue with wireless earbuds that have small batteries.

Conclusion

The first-generation Apple AirPods Pro are among the best wireless in-ear headphones for Apple users. Their combination of noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort makes them an excellent choice, even if the battery life could be improved.