Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) Review: Still the Best Earbuds for iPhone in 2026
Two years after launch, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 still feel current — and with the USB-C update, adaptive audio, and a recent firmware bump, they remain the go-to wireless earbuds for anyone in the Apple ecosystem.
Our rating: 4.7/5
Best-in-class ANC, lossless audio with Vision Pro, and a price that finally feels reasonable after the USB-C refresh.
Design & Fit
The familiar stem-style shape returns, but the matte ceramic coating resists fingerprints better than the original AirPods Pro. Four silicone tip sizes (XS to L) ship in the box, and the case now charges via USB-C, MagSafe, Qi, or an Apple Watch charger.
Sound Quality
Apple's H2 chip handles spatial audio with head tracking beautifully — movies on iPad and Vision Pro feel genuinely immersive. The new lossless audio mode (Vision Pro only) is a treat for movie nights, though most users won't notice on Apple Music.
Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation is class-leading. On a NYC subway commute, the rumble disappears almost entirely. Transparency mode is equally impressive — it's so natural that some testers forgot they were wearing earbuds.
Battery Life
Apple quotes 6 hours of playback with ANC on. In our testing we got closer to 5h 40m at 50% volume. The USB-C case adds another 24 hours of total runtime.
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC and transparency mode
- Seamless pairing across Apple devices
- USB-C and MagSafe charging in one case
- Adaptive audio adjusts to your environment
Cons
- No high-res lossless outside Vision Pro
- Eartips still attract earwax
- Pricey if you're not deep in Apple's ecosystem
Final Verdict
Best-in-class ANC, lossless audio with Vision Pro, and a price that finally feels reasonable after the USB-C refresh. Whether it fits your budget and use case is the only question left.
