Expert review of the Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro with wireless charging case
- You can charge the charging case with the MagSafe wireless charger.
- Active noise canceling reduces distracting ambient noise and white noise.
- Thanks to the H1 chip, you can automatically connect the earbuds to your Apple devices and active Siri with your voice.
- To charge the charging case wirelessly, you need to buy a wireless charger separately.
- You need an Apple iPhone, iPad, or Mac, to make optimal use of the AirPods.
First impression
Time to test this brand new product. The glossy white look is characteristic for the Apple AirPods family, which I also see in the AirPods Pro. What stands out right away of the AirPods design is the short stem and the rubber attachments. In addition, I see that the wireless charging case is wider and less high than the case of the AirPods 2. It almost looks like the case was turned 90 degrees.
The fit is light and comfortable
The AirPods Pro come with 3 sets of rubber earbuds, so I can choose the right size for my ears. At first, I do this on intuition, but I can do a fit test via my Apple iPhone to see if my AirPods indeed fit. When I put them in my ears, they feel light and comfortable. The pressing feeling in my ear which I got from other in-ear earbuds is gone, thanks to the mesh on the side of the Apple AirPods. But do they still stay in place? They sure do.
Noise canceling works well
Since the announcement, I couldn't wait to test the noise-canceling and transparency mode. I put the AirPods in my hears and try the modes without music first. I can clearly hear the difference between the 'Off' mode and the noise suppression. It filters a large part of the ambient sounds. If my neighbor is talking to me, I can still just hear it. I now switch to the transparency mode. The ambient noise become more clear than in the 'Off' mode, thanks to the microphones at the back. I tested this mode on the bike and it does give a safer feeling on the road. You hear the cars better.
Straightforward controls
It's now time to test the controls. I can do so if I pinch the pressure-sensitive stem of the AirPods Pro. If I pinch once, I pause or play the music. If I pinch twice, I skip a song. If I want to go to the previous song, I pinch 3 times. The pinching feels less user-friendly than the tapping of the AirPods 2 at first. But throughout the week, I notice I just had to get used to it. I can't adjust the controls of these AirPods, which was possible with the AirPods 2.
Conclusion
Compared to previous models, there are 2 reasons to upgrade to the AirPods Pro. First, you get noise canceling, which mutes ambient noise. In addition, you can use the transparency mode to hear your surroundings better. Second, the in-ear design is really nice for in-ear fans. Don't you like that and don't your really care about noise canceling? Your current earbuds will suit you better. If you switch from the AirPods 2, you'll have to get used to the controls of the AirPods Pro.
