Apple AirPods 2

The AirPods 2 stand out for their flawless connectivity, rapid charging, excellent battery life, and compact, lightweight design.

Despite the mentioned shortcomings, the AirPods 2 are appreciated for their comfortable fit, small charging case, and the non-intrusive way they fit in the ears.

The Airpods 2’s design remains largely unchanged from previous versions, featuring a standard white case. However, a notable addition is the wireless charging case that was introduced with this model, adding to its convenience.

The updated features of the new AirPods 2 include wireless charging, faster device switching, enhanced talk time battery life, and the ability to activate Siri without tapping.

The AirPods second generation, despite not being heavy on bass, offer a well-balanced sound quality, with pronounced highs and mids, making it ideal for watching videos and movies on your phone.

The faster connection is attributed to the new H1 chip in the AirPods, which also extends talk time to up to three hours per charge. Battery life for music or audio listening remains at five hours, which is at the top of the range for wireless earbuds.

The AirPods 2 are designed for listening to audio. They offer good sound quality for completely wireless headphones. They are suitable for phone calls, gym use, and private music listening, allowing a safe amount of outside noise.

Apple has enhanced the strengths of the AirPods while choosing not to address their weaknesses. Although the fit could be improved and the lack of physical controls can be frustrating, the success of the first-generation model validates this approach.

The Airpods are deemed as excellent headphones due to their comfortable fit and quality, despite lacking certain features.

For those seeking more, Apple offers the AirPods Pros. Surprisingly, the sound quality of the standard AirPods has seen significant improvement, which is more than what was initially expected.

The AirPods 2 work best when paired with products from Apple’s ecosystem, thus making them ideal for iPhone users. If an iPhone user is willing to invest in AirPods, they will likely appreciate the convenience. After inserting them into the ears, they are ready for use within seconds for phone calls, video watching, or any other audio experience.

If you already own a pair of AirPods and don’t need wireless charging, upgrading to the new model may not be necessary. The sound quality remains largely unchanged, and some issues with the first-generation product still persist.

If you’re new to AirPods and are heavily invested in Apple’s ecosystem, these wireless earphones are a top choice, assuming they fit well in your ears. They offer flawless connection and setup, along with excellent battery life.

The AirPods 2 are praised for their balanced tones, increased audio sophistication, and impeccable wireless technology.

The Apple AirPods 2 (2019) is a good choice for Apple users, with improved pairing speed with iPhone, and hands-free Siri functionality. They can also personalize their charging case with engravings.

The Apple AirPods 2 boasts an excellent battery life and a well-functioning charging case, providing a stable and seamless connection.

Some downsides of the AirPods 2 include a one-size-fits-all design that may not suit everyone, the absence of buttons, and the potential for harsh sound when pushed to the limit.

Some downsides to the Apple AirPods 2 however include the additional battery life being hardly noticeable and less smooth pairing with MacBook and Android devices. The hands-free Siri feature, which was supposed to enhance user experience, is found to be more awkward to use.  

It’s a pity that the Apple AirPods 2 doesn’t resolve the issues of the first-gen model, and the wireless charging case comes at an additional cost. Also, the fit may not be comfortable for some users.

The AirPods’ charging case, often likened to a dental floss case, is an integral part of the AirPods experience, with its satisfying click and slight magnetic pull when opened.

Just like recent Apple products, the AirPods 2 resemble their predecessors, featuring a stark white case with rounded corners and a magnetic flip-top. A noticeable change is the relocation of the status light to the front, which allows users to easily check the battery life.

The AirPods come with two types of cases: a regular charging case and a wireless charging case. The wireless charging case is compatible with any Qi wireless charger.

The Airpods 2 come with a wireless charging case, a new feature introduced with this model. This case is especially appreciated by users who prefer to wirelessly charge their devices. The bottom of the case has a lightning port and there’s a reset button on the back.

The second-generation AirPods maintain the same visual aesthetic as their 2016 predecessors, despite improvements in their performance and compatibility with other Apple devices.

The wireless charging case, available for an additional cost, is compatible with all Qi-compatible charging mats and has a battery level indicator for convenience.

The second-generation AirPods introduce the option of a Qi-compatible charging case, allowing users to wirelessly charge their AirPods, albeit at a higher cost.

The AirPods support Qi wireless charging and can be charged with any flat Qi-enabled pad. However, they have compatibility issues with vertical pads like Google’s Pixel Stand. They can also be charged using the Samsung Galaxy S10’s Wireless PowerShare feature.

The new AirPods use the Qi wireless charging standard, which is compatible with the iPhone and numerous Android devices. Therefore, the same wireless charging pad can be used for the phone and the AirPods.

The new AirPods come equipped with a new wireless chip, enhancing the user’s wireless experience and introducing hands-free Siri usage, a departure from the ear-tapping required with the previous generation.

The AirPods 2 comes with Apple’s new H1 chip, replacing the previous W1 chip. The updated silicon chip improves connection speeds and offers quick switching between devices, though some glitches and delays may still occur.

The H1 chip introduces the “Hey Siri” feature, allowing users to interact with Apple’s voice assistant hands-free. Siri can perform tasks such as skipping tracks, adjusting volume, and checking the weather.

The H1 chip allows hands-free access to Siri, freeing up the double-tap action for other functions such as skipping tracks or play/pause. However, Siri’s response delay and lack of aural indication for command recognition remain.

The tap functionality of the Airpods 2 works perfectly with an iPhone and also offers some functionality with Android phones. The tap functions on the earbuds are reliable and sensitive, controlling play, pause, previous, next, and volume. They also provide access to Siri for quick searches and assistance.

One of the AirPods 2’s key features is their excellent connectivity. The buds are automatically detected by an iPhone or iPad when the case is opened for the first time, syncing with the user’s iCloud account and becoming accessible on all their Apple devices.

Unlike other wireless buds, both AirPods 2 buds connect directly to the device instead of one acting as a slave to the other. This ensures a constant connection and prevents them from falling out of sync, a problem common with other wireless buds like the Samsung Galaxy Buds.

Apple’s new AirPods are said to switch between devices twice as fast as before, though the process still requires manual selection from the settings menu and doesn’t feel faster in practice.

The new AirPods 2 support hands-free Siri. The user can now summon Siri by simply calling out to it, as long as the iPhone is within range and the pods are in the ear. Previously, this required a tap on the ear.

Now, ear tapping is designated for music controls. If one AirPod is removed, the music pauses and resumes once the AirPod is replaced. However, this feature is exclusive to iPhones.

The volume control on the AirPods 2 is conveniently designed, making it unnecessary to always reach for the iPhone, particularly during activities such as running.

While charging, the indicator light on the case will glow orange before switching off, but the case will continue charging.

The AirPods 2 can relay battery information to the widget even when the case is closed, as long as they are within Bluetooth range.

TheApple AirPods 2 (2019) are in-ear type, equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and lack noise-cancelling feature. They have a battery life of 5 hours, extendable to 24 hours with the charging case, and come in one finish.

The Apple AirPods 2 features an H1 chip, an optional Qi case, a charging case, and offers instant pairing with iOS.

The introduction of iOS13 brings the Audio Sharing feature to AirPods, allowing two pairs of AirPods to connect and listen to a single iPhone.

iOS13 also enables AirPods users to respond to incoming messages using their voice once Siri has read the message.

The new AirPods 2 boast a slightly improved battery life, attributed not to a larger battery but to a more efficient chip. Despite this, the overall battery life per charge remains the same as the original AirPods, with a slight increase in talk time.

The battery life on the AirPods 2 remains approximately the same as the previous model, providing around four hours of music listening and four to five case charges. Apple claims a slight improvement in battery life for voice calls, with up to three hours.

The earbuds can last up to three hours on a continuous call.

The Airpods offer impressive battery life, with the earbuds and case providing a full day’s use, or even two days for some users. Charging the Airpods is quick, taking only 20 to 25 minutes to reach full charge. A quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 1.5 hours of usage time.

Charging is relatively slow, with the case charging at five watts and taking up to three and a half hours to charge fully.

The battery life of the AirPods 2 may vary depending on the frequency and duration of usage and charging. It is stated to have a total of 5 hours, but in some cases, the battery life might decrease to 2-3 hours gradually.

With wireless charging, AirPods can go from a 2% charge in the pod and a 5% charge in the case to a 100% charge in the pod and a 55% charge in the case within 35 minutes.

The AirPods 2’s new H1 chip improves pairing speed, device switching, latency, and battery management, and enables hands-free voice control.

Their H1 chip aids in providing a faster, more reliable connection and also helps conserve battery life. This makes them a reliable choice among true wireless earbuds.

The AirPods 2 offers exceptional range, allowing users to move around freely within a large area without disconnecting from the connected device. The connectivity remains stable even at distances of 40+ feet and across different rooms.

Users find the “Hey Siri” feature to be efficient as it captures commands immediately after activation without waiting for a response. It functions well on both iPhones and Macs.

The new AirPods 2 offer a level of subtlety and sophistication that the previous version lacked. They have more granular and delicate dynamic shifts, a more dramatic contrast between quiet and loud sounds, and an open and spacious presentation. Overall, they provide a more exciting and engaging performance.

The new AirPods 2 maintain Apple’s natural and neutral sonic balance without artificial bass boost or treble enhancement. This provides a music listening experience that feels unaltered, which is highly valued.

If upgrading from basic Apple headphones, the AirPods 2 offer a much fuller sound, better separation, and an improved soundstage.

The AirPods 2 successfully reproduce vocals with lots of detail, even in softer parts of a song.

The AirPods 2 excel in call quality, providing clear and crisp voice for Zoom calls, phone calls and even voice overs. They also feature noise cancelling technology to minimize background noise during calls.

The noise cancellation feature on the AirPods 2 is highly effective, making the surroundings seem significantly quieter than they actually are. When switching back to transparency mode, the stark contrast in noise levels is noticeable.

The Airpods 2 offer a stable, reliable connection with no dropouts. This is true whether they’re paired with an iPhone or an Android phone.

The package includes an additional lightning cable that can also be used with iPhones or iPads, providing an extra charging option.

The NUARL NT01 AX-BG True Wireless In-ears are suggested as a good alternative to AirPods 2. They offer a 10-hour battery life, low latency, excellent Bluetooth connection, and an additional 25 hours of charge from the case.

Without much publicity, Apple has improved the sound quality of the AirPods. The new model can play louder, indicating a change in sound. This is beneficial as AirPods don’t block much external noise and often need to be played at higher volumes.

Apple’s AirPods 2 are not significantly different from the original version in terms of design, except for the optional wireless charging case, improved Siri functionality, and updated internals.

The sound quality of the AirPods 2, while acceptable, doesn’t show noticeable improvement from the original AirPods. The audio has a higher max volume and similar sound to the first-gen AirPods. However, it might disappoint users looking for a significant upgrade.

The new AirPods 2 bear a striking resemblance to the older version in terms of design, fit, and sound quality, which might disappoint those expecting significant changes.

The addition of the battery widget on the AirPods 2 makes the upgrade even more enticing for users of the AirPods 1.

The improved sound quality and noise cancellation of the AirPods 2 compared to the AirPods 1 is noticeable in various scenarios, such as cooking with the air vent on high.

The connectivity of AirPods has significantly improved, with users noting a nearly instant switch between devices such as iPhone to Mac, providing a more seamless and less frustrating user experience.

There’s not much noticeable difference in battery life between the original and the new AirPods. Regularly placing them in the charging case can significantly extend the battery life. They outlast some competitors like Jaybird’s Run and Sony’s 1000X, matching Samsung’s Gear IconX with a five-hour claim.

Despite the pairing ease with iCloud, the AirPods lack the capability to connect to more than one device at a time, unlike other Bluetooth headphones like Bose QC35s or Sennheisers.

Unlike the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, the AirPods 2 do not have adaptive transparency mode and spatial audio features.

When compared to the Airpods Pro and Airpods 3, the Airpods 2 have slightly lesser battery life, lasting for about five hours against six hours.

Despite being out for about three years, the Airpods 2 are still preferred and used daily, even more than the Airpods Pro and Airpods 3.

The Airpods Pro or Airpods 3 are recommended for those who can afford them and don’t plan to use them while working out. If budget is not a concern, the Airpods Max, with its extensive capabilities, is recommended.

The AirPods have good comfort due to their silicone tips, but the AirPods 3 are also appreciated for their unique design.

Some found the 3rd generation AirPods less comfortable and secure than the 2nd generation, with the newer model feeling like it could easily slip out of the ear.

The AirPods 3 are praised by users for their longer battery life compared to the AirPods 2.

The AirPods 3 have enhanced bass and improved sound quality over the AirPods 2.

The AirPods 3 have a more prominent feel in the ear due to their larger earpieces, which may require an adjustment period.

The AirPods 2 stand out due to their superior touch controls and fit.

They also provide water resistance which is beneficial for users who engage in physical activities or live in wet climates.

AirPods 3 excel in terms of sound quality, tracking, and battery longevity, though the tracking may not always be completely reliable.

The AirPods 3 have a superior sound quality, shorter stems, and offer spatial audio in comparison to AirPods 2.

While AirPod Pro offers more features, the comfort and fit of AirPods 2 are preferred by some users.

Some users hope for an AirPods SE with the design of the gen 1/2, citing a poor fit with the AirPods 2 Pro when compared to the original AirPods 2.

Being able to purchase the AirPods 2 with a wireless charging case is appreciated by users.

The Apple AirPods 2 is priced at £199.

The Apple AirPods 2 (2019) is available at Amazon for $63.20.

The Apple AirPods 2 (2019) are available for purchase at $129 from both Apple and Amazon.

The new AirPods come with a H1 chip, Siri support, and optional wireless charging. The model with the wireless charging case is sold at £199/$199, while the one without is £159/$159. The charging case alone costs £79/$79 and can be used with older AirPods.

The new AirPods 2 can be purchased with a wireless charging case for $199, or existing AirPods users can get the same wireless charging case for $79. If wireless charging isn’t important, the new AirPods can be bought with the standard case for $159.

The AirPods 2 are considered by some to be the best in terms of value, with a great design and affordable price, although they lack noise-cancelling features.

Despite improvements, Apple has not addressed some criticisms of the original model, such as the one-size-fits-all fit and lack of physical buttons, which can cause discomfort and inconvenience, especially during physical activities.

The lack of color options, customizable tips, and water resistance are seen as areas where Apple could have improved the design in this second iteration.

A notable drawback of the AirPods 2 is the lack of sweat or water resistance, which is commonly found in many other devices.

Apple’s custom-designed chip promises an effortless pairing process with Apple devices after the initial setup. However, this promise fell short in practice with some difficulties noted in maintaining a connection with a MacBook Pro.

The expectation for a range upgrade with Bluetooth 5 in AirPods 2 was not met in user testing. The range is identical to the original AirPods, causing dissatisfaction due to the higher price for minimal improvement.

Users are disappointed with the lack of innovation in the AirPods 2’s touchpad controls. Single tap for play/pause, a volume slider touchpad gesture, and sliding or swiping for track control would be innovative enhancements.

Despite the improvements, the new AirPods are not perfect. They tend to be harsh at high volumes and struggle with complex sections of some tracks, even though they are cleaner and more organized than the previous model.

The open design of the AirPods 2 disappoints in loud environments, such as on a train or plane. They do not block external noise, and the audio can become drowned out as a result.

The AirPods 2 fall short in terms of bass response. Bass-heavy tracks sound weak and distorted, and the listening experience may feel incomplete. Tracks with intense guitar riffs also distort, especially with multiple guitars and drums.

Users have lamented that the battery life of the AirPods 2 leaves much to be desired.

Apple’s AirPods have become a common sight around the world, despite the company not addressing any public criticisms. The second-generation model is more about enhancing the product rather than transforming it into a hi-fi device.

Apple, despite being known for its excellence, has made a few errors such as the iPhone’s flawed call function, the pre-installed U2 album on Apple Music, Apple Maps, and the damage caused by the HomePod.

Recently, Apple’s new product releases have been characterized by their similar design to previous versions, as the tech giant believes it has found a design sweet spot that does not necessitate dramatic reinventions.

Given that the AirPods are now in their third generation, there is a wide variety of discounted cases available for the second-generation model.

Pairing the new AirPods 2 with Android devices proved to be challenging, with issues like not appearing on the list of Bluetooth devices and requiring multiple attempts to establish a successful connection.  

The performance of the AirPods 2 with Android devices is significantly limited due to Apple’s prioritization of its own devices. Even after successful pairing, switching between devices required manual intervention.

Some users have reported that their AirPods 2 feel unusually warm in their ears after only a short usage period, raising concerns about whether wireless charging is causing this heat.

The AirPods 2 lack noise cancellation, a feature that can be beneficial even for those who don’t travel frequently.

While the hands-free Siri technically works, it may feel awkward to speak to an invisible entity. Also, the usual audible cue from the iPhone indicating Siri’s readiness is absent when using Siri through the AirPods 2.

The AirPods 2 provide a perfect fit for some users due to their design, but it may not work for everyone.

It is clarified that the AirPods 2 microphones have noise cancellation during calls, but none when listening to music.

The AirPods 2 are known for their durability and secure fit, making them suitable for gym use, but their tendency to get lost may lead some to consider cheaper alternatives.