Hello there, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share my experience with the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds. As an avid Apple user, I was eager to try out these wireless earbuds and see if they live up to the hype. So, let’s jump right in and explore the pros and cons of these sleek Bluetooth headphones.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- High-Quality Sound: Powered by the Apple H1 headphone chip, the AirPods (2nd generation) deliver rich, vivid sound. Whether you’re listening to music or watching movies, the audio quality is impressive.
- Effortless Setup: With a simple one-tap setup, these AirPods are always connected and ready to use. They even sense when you put them in or take them out of your ears, thanks to the smart sensors.
- Voice Control with Siri: Just say “Hey Siri” to activate the voice assistant without reaching for your iPhone. This hands-free convenience makes managing your music and accessing information a breeze.
- Long Battery Life: The AirPods, combined with the included Lightning charging case, offer over 24 hours of total listening time. This is perfect for multiple days of use or long trips without worrying about charging.
- Audio Sharing: One of the standout features of these AirPods is the ability to easily share audio between two sets of AirPods. It’s a fantastic option when you want to enjoy music or watch a movie with a friend or loved one.
What Can Be Improved
- Price: As an Apple product, these AirPods are on the higher end of the price range for wireless earbuds. While they offer a premium experience, more budget-conscious shoppers might find other brands with similar features at a lower price point.
- Lightning Connector: While convenient for Apple users, the Lightning connector limits compatibility with non-Apple devices that use different charging ports. It would be great to see USB-C compatibility for wider appeal.
Quick Verdict
All in all, the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds deliver a solid performance and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. The sound quality is excellent, setup is effortless, and the Siri integration is a handy feature. Although the price may be a drawback for some and the Lightning connector limits compatibility, if you’re willing to invest in quality wireless earbuds and embrace the Apple experience, these AirPods are a great choice. To grab your own pair, check out the product link.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
As soon as I received my Apple AirPods with Wired Charging Case, I was thrilled to unbox them and try them out. I purchased these wireless earbuds on Amazon because I wanted a convenient and hassle-free audio experience.
Inside the box, I found:
- Apple AirPods with Wired Charging Case
- Lightning to USB Cable
- User Manual
Specifications
Here are the specifications of the Apple AirPods:
- Release Date: 3/20/2019
- One-tap setup, Automatic Switching, and Audio Sharing require a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software.
- Device compatibility varies by feature.
- Battery life:
- AirPods with Charging Case: More than 24 hours listening time, up to 18 hours talk time
- AirPods (single charge): Up to 5 hours listening time, up to 3 hours talk time or 15 minutes in the case equals up to 3 hours listening time or up to 2 hours talk time.
- AirPods Sensors (each):
- Dual beamforming microphones
- Dual optical sensors
- Motion-detecting accelerometer
- Speech-detecting accelerometer
- Dimensions:
- AirPods (each): 0.65 by 0.71 by 1.59 inches (16.5 by 18.0 by 40.5 mm)
- Charging Case: 1.74 by 0.84 by 2.11 inches (44.3 by 21.3 by 53.5 mm)
- Weight:
- AirPods (each): 0.14 ounce (4 g)
- Charging Case: 1.34 ounces (38 g)
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth 5.0
- Form Factor: In Ear
- Color: White
- Model Name: AirPods
- Brand: Apple
User Guide
The included user guide proved to be extremely helpful for setting up and using my AirPods effectively. It provided clear instructions on how to pair the AirPods with my iPhone and explained the various features and controls. I also learned about the compatibility requirements for one-tap setup, automatic switching, and audio sharing. You can find the user guide here.
Features – What We Found
High-Quality Sound
The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are equipped with the Apple H1 headphone chip, which delivers exceptional sound quality. With this powerful chip, the AirPods provide rich and vivid sound that enhances your audio experience. Whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or making phone calls, the high-quality sound reproduction ensures that every detail is crisp and clear.
Not only do the AirPods offer outstanding sound, but they also provide excellent noise cancellation. The earbuds fit snugly in your ears, creating a seal that blocks out external noise and allows you to focus on the audio. This feature is especially useful in noisy environments, as it helps to create an immersive listening experience.
Pro-tip: To further enhance the sound quality, you can customize the equalizer settings on your iPhone. Simply go to Settings > Music > EQ and choose the preset that suits your preferences.
Effortless Setup
Setting up the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) is incredibly easy. After a simple one-tap setup, the AirPods are automatically paired with your iPhone and are always connected. Whenever you place the AirPods in your ears, they instantly sense your presence and start playing audio. When you take them out, the playback automatically pauses.
The seamless connection extends beyond just your iPhone. The AirPods also switch effortlessly between your other Apple devices, such as your Apple Watch, Mac, iPad, and Apple TV. This means that you can easily switch between devices and continue listening to your favorite content without any interruptions.
Contextual product_link: Check out the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation).
Voice Control with Siri
With the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation), you can conveniently access Siri without having to reach for your iPhone. Just say “Hey Siri,” and Siri will be ready to assist you. Whether you want to make a phone call, change the song, or ask for directions, you can easily do so using voice commands.
Siri integration with the AirPods allows for hands-free control, making it even easier to manage your tasks and stay connected while on the go. You can perform a wide range of actions just by using your voice, without the need to take out your iPhone.
24-Hour Battery Life
The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) come with a charging case that provides more than 24 hours of total listening time. The case also doubles as a storage unit for the AirPods, keeping them safe and protected when not in use.
This long battery life ensures that you can enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and calls throughout the day without worrying about running out of power. The AirPods charge quickly when placed in the case, so you can get back to using them in no time.
Pro-tip: To maximize the battery life, make sure to fully charge the AirPods and the charging case before using them for the first time. Additionally, you can enable the Optimized Battery Charging feature on your iPhone to help preserve the long-term battery health of your AirPods. Simply go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health > Optimized Battery Charging.
Audio Sharing
The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) allow for seamless audio sharing between two sets of AirPods and your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV. This means that you and a friend can both connect your AirPods to your devices and listen to the same audio simultaneously.
Whether you want to watch a movie together, enjoy a playlist, or listen to a podcast with someone, audio sharing makes it easy and convenient. Simply bring your AirPods close to the device and follow the prompt to share audio. It’s a great feature for sharing experiences and enjoying content together.
Explaining the science behind how this feature works:
Audio sharing utilizes Bluetooth technology to establish a connection between the two sets of AirPods and the device. When the audio is shared, the device streams the audio data to both pairs of AirPods simultaneously, allowing for synchronized playback. This ensures that both users hear the audio at the same time, creating a shared listening experience.
Our Review
Our Score: 93.0
As someone who has recently switched to using Apple devices, I decided to invest in the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) and I have not been disappointed. These wireless earbuds offer a seamless experience with effortless setup and excellent sound quality powered by the Apple H1 headphone chip.
One of the standout features for me is the ease of connectivity. The AirPods automatically connect to my iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, iPad, and Apple TV, allowing me to seamlessly switch between devices without any hassle. Additionally, the voice control with Siri is incredibly convenient and I can easily access assistance without needing to reach for my iPhone.
The battery life of over 24 hours with the included lightning charging case is impressive and ensures that I can enjoy my music, podcasts, and calls throughout the day without worrying about running out of power. The case itself is compact and easy to carry, providing a convenient way to store and charge the AirPods on the go.
Click here to check out the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) and experience the seamless connectivity, high-quality sound, and effortless setup for yourself.
Other Options to Consider
Though the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) stand out as an excellent option, there are numerous other products worthy of your consideration. These other choices boast similar attributes and advantages, making them notable competitors. Here’s a more detailed overview:
TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3: Similar to the T10, the T6 earbuds deliver a smooth wireless connection, touch-sensitive controls, and a case that supports wireless charging. They come with an IPX8 waterproof grade, ensuring they’re fit for intense exercises or wet conditions. Their rich bass and captivating stereo sound elevate your audio experience. See more details here.
TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3: For those who fancy more compact earbuds, the A1 Mini fits the bill. They boast an IPX5 waterproof certification, making them apt for moderate workouts and regular use. These earbuds provide a stable connection over long distances and include a charging case. Their integrated mic lets you manage calls without using your hands. Dive deeper here.
kurdene Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds, S8: These kurdene S8 earbuds cater to bass enthusiasts. Offering up to 38 hours of playback and an IPX8 waterproof certification, they’re ideal for prolonged sessions and strenuous activities. Their integrated mic delivers clear call quality, and they’re compatible with both Apple and Android devices. Explore further here.
TOZO W1 Wireless Charger Black & T10 Wireless Earbuds: For a comprehensive package, the TOZO W1 wireless charger coupled with the T10 earbuds is a top pick. The charger facilitates rapid charging for your earbuds and other devices that support Qi charging. The T10 earbuds bring along high-end features such as profound bass and IPX8 waterproof protection. Grab yours here.
Each of these options presents remarkable value and boasts characteristics on par with the primary product. Whether you’re after profound bass, a minimalist design, or a comprehensive package, there’s something for everyone.