AirPods Pro Wireless Headphones Review

Apple managed to surprise fans with an unexpected novelty when it announced the sale of new wireless headphones – AirPods Pro. And relatively recently, in March 2019, it presented the second generation of the device. Apple heard the criticism of a few dissatisfied users and introduced some improvements. AirPods Pro received a new design, noise reduction, and water protection.

The design of AirPods Pro

The updated design became the basis for the appearance of a completely different class of device. AirPods Pro is made to fit comfortably in the ear cavity. Moreover, owners received three interchangeable silicone ear cushions in the sizes S, M, and L, which are easily fixed to the earpiece.

This way, anyone can find the ear cushions that are comfortable for them, which allows you to focus on the feel of music rather than the device in your ear. The peculiar conical cavity inside each earpiece adapts to the geometry of the ear and fits better in it. The color of the headphones is still white, the black version predicted by insiders did not appear on sale.

At the bottom of the headphones, there is a pressure sensor that allows you to both control music and calls, and switches from active noise reduction to transparent mode and vice versa. The external microphone is closed by a mesh, which helps the sound to remain clear even in windy weather.

The headphones are now noticeably shorter – just 30.9 mm instead of 40.5 mm on AirPods 2. But the width of the headphones has also increased – they’re now 21.8 mm instead of 16.5 mm from their predecessor. The AirPods Pro also became thicker – 24 mm instead of 18 mm. The new headset also weighs more than its predecessor – 5.4 grams instead of 4 with AirPods 2.

The shape and size of the headphones also influenced the size of the charging case. It became noticeably longer – 60.6 mm against 44.3 mm, but lower – 45.2 mm against 53.5 mm. Thickness remained almost the same – 21.7 mm vs. 21.3 mm from its predecessor. The weight of the case has also slightly changed – 45.6 g vs. 40 g. The design remained the same – the charging indicator is present and located in the same place. You can give a unique design to your headphones by purchasing a protective case, such as this one.

AirPods Pro Sound (Active Noise Control and Transparent Mode)

The main feature of this product is the active noise reduction, which provides immersive sound, an effect of immersion. Both microphones are used for this purpose. The external microphone captures external sounds and analyzes the nearest noises. AirPods Pro compensates this by the reverse sound wave with the same amplitude before it is transmitted into the speaker. And inside the earpiece, there is another microphone, responsible for removing the residual noise with the reverse sound wave.

The function of active noise reduction is responsible for continuous analysis of sounds, doing it 200 times per second. The adaptive equalizer automatically adjusts the bass and mids according to the owner’s ear geometry. AirPods Pro features a particular amplifier with a wide dynamic range for a clean and clear sound while saving battery power.A peculiar driver with an ample amplitude and low distortion level is responsible for the richness of bass sound (up to 20 Hz) and the details of high and medium frequencies.

Background noise is compensated by the driver using an amplifier, while the H1 chip controls the volume.

When you press the lower part of the case, you switch from the active noise reduction mode to the transparent mode. This makes it possible to perceive both music and external sounds: you can hear vehicles while walking or an announcement while driving.

In transparent mode, a pressure equalization system is used, and the software drowns out only the required number of noise.

AirPods Pro autonomy (battery)

AirPods Pro headphones can charge wirelessly. The new shape of the wireless charging case makes it possible to use the headphones for more than 24 hours in audio listening mode and more than 18 hours in talk mode. At the same time, the case is compatible with Qi-standard chargers. In standalone mode, AirPods Pro can operate for up to 4.5 hours. With just 5 minutes of charging in the case, the device can be charged for another hour.

AirPods Pro Waterproofing

Protection against sweat and water is implemented in AirPods Pro according to the IPX4 standard. However, it does not mean the charging case is absolutely waterproof, so it’s a good idea to give it extra protection from moisture. Protective AirPods case cover will also help you avoid any mechanical damages, such as scratches, chips, and scuffs.

AirPods Pro Sensors

The list of sensors available in the device itself shows how high-tech this compact device is. It has twin directional microphones; internal microphone; dual optical sensors; motion detection accelerometer;

accelerometer for voice activity detection; and pressure sensor.

Managing AirPods Pro

From now on, playback can be controlled from any headphone using the pressure sensor located at its bottom.

One tap starts or stops the playback or answers the call. Double-tap moves to the next song, and if you tap three times, you return to the previous one.

To switch from active noise reduction to transparent mode and vice versa, press and hold the headphone. Say “Hi, Siri” to activate the track, make a call, or create a route.

AirPods Pro is a high-tech device that runs on System in Package architecture with an exclusive H1 chip. It is responsible for everything from audio playback to Siri communication. The chip developed by Apple has already proved its efficiency in AirPods 2 (2019), showing the stable connection and low signal delay. The 10 cores of the chip allow noise reduction to actively work in real-time mode.  To other devices, it is connected based on Bluetooth 5.0.

AirPods Pro Compatibility

The device is compatible with iPhone models starting from iPhone SE, 6S, as well as iPads, starting with Air 2,  iPad mini 4, and seventh-generation iPod touch. The headphones are also compatible with all series of Apple Watch and Apple TV 4K and HD. AirPods Pro will work with most Mac computers and notebooks released after 2012.