Apple AirPods 2
AirPods 2 have a lot to live up to, given that the original AirPods became hugely popular all over the world. What's new, and better, in these second-generation devices?
Faster and smarter
AirPods 2 are smarter where Siri is concerned; they're the first Pods to feature hands-free Siri. That means you simply have to utter the magic words “Hey Siri,” to stir your digital assistant into action. Meanwhile, the revolutionary Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices.
Auto-on, auto-connect
As soon as you remove AirPods 2 from their charging case, they're ready to use with your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac.
More magic from the H1
The H1 brings a new dimension to AirPods 2. If you're using one AirPod, or both of them, the H1 chip automatically routes the audio and engages the microphone. And when you’re on a call or talking to Siri, another speech-detecting accelerometer works alongside beamforming microphones to filter out external noise and focus on your voice.
Lots of listening, and talking
The new chip is also behind AirPods 2 great battery power. It delivers five hours of listening time and three hours of talk time on a single charge. The charging case holds multiple charges for more than 24 hours of total listening time. When you need a quick charge, just 15 minutes in the case gives you three hours of listening time or two hours of talk time.
What's lacking?
This earbud doesn't support active noise cancellation, which AirPods Pro features. Furthermore, there's no wireless charging case included as standard.
A newer model Apple AirPods 3 was released in October 2021.
$175.00 - $479.00
Reviews
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Apple AirPods (2019) Review: You've heard these before
I'll get this out of the way first: Apple's 2nd-generation AirPods are nearly identical to their predecessors.- Extremely convenient
- Qi wireless charging is great
- Bluetooth connection remains almost flawless
- They're still expensive
- There are better sounding wireless earbuds out there now
- Not enough of an upgrade if you own the first-gen AirPods
Apple AirPods 2 review: Small improvements spell second-gen success
Really, the Airpods 2 could easily be seen as AirPods v1.5 because Apple hasn't touched the overall design or sound capabilities at all. Heck, there isn't even a new colour to show you've got the new model.- Quick to charge using the included case
- Now offers Hey Siri for voice control
- Easy to connect thanks to H1 chip
- Not great in noisy environments
- The same polarising design
- Many premium competitors
- Can fall out
- Expensive
Apple AirPods (2019)
Mocked upon release, AirPods have since become one of Apple's most recognisable products. With the AirPods 2 (or AirPods 2019), the Cupertino brand isn't straying too far from a formula that it feels clearly works.- Great battery life and charging case
- Wireless charging a nice addition
- Fantastic connection
- Doesn't address problems with the first-gen product
- Wireless charging case costs extra
- Fit might be dodgy for some
Apple AirPods 2 review
The second-gen AirPods are a great iterative upgrade, offering improved connection speed, talk time and Hey Siri support alongside optional wireless charging support, although a lack of improvements in the audio department will leave audiophiles wanting more.
Amazing headphones
Amazing product at an amazing price. Sound quality is amazing. Great bonus on charging case and the battery life is great on both headphones and charging case. Would recommend to friends and family. Would make an excellent gift for anyone who uses headphones. Saves battery life.
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen MV7N2ZA/A review
Technically and sonically better than before, the second generation AirPods offer unbeatable Bluetooth usability and decent sound quality- Tonally balanced
- Improved sonic sophistication
- Flawless wireless tech
- Won’t fit everyone
- No buttons
- Sound harsh when pushed
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen MV7N2ZA/A review
The new AirPods are an incremental upgrade to an already excellent, fully wireless headphone, but sound quality, design and fit are basically the same.- The second-generation AirPods add a couple of small but key improvements to the original, including always-on voice recognition and a wireless charging case option
- They're a top-notch headset for making calls, indoors and out.
- No design changes to help them fit more ears securely
- their sound hasn't improved, and their open design allows for a lot of ambient noise to leak in.
Mashable Choice highlights the best of everything we cover, have experienced first-hand and would recommend to others. People love Apple's AirPods . I know this because I can't walk down the street or ride the subway or go anywhere without spotting the striking white "stems" poking out of peoples'...
- Slightly longer battery life (for talk time
- Hands-free 'Hey Siri' voice controls
- Faster switching between Apple devices
- Optional wireless charging case
- No sound quality improvements
- Wireless charging case version costs an extra $40
- No improvements to battery life for music
Apple AirPods 2019
The new AirPods are an incremental upgrade to an already excellent, fully wireless headphone, but sound quality, design and fit are basically the same.- The second-generation AirPods add a couple of small but key improvements to the original, including always-on voice recognition and a wireless charging case option
- They're a top-notch headset for making calls, indoors and out.
- No design changes to help them fit more ears securely
- their sound hasn't improved, and their open design allows for a lot of ambient noise to leak in
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.
