Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Review: The Perfect Choice for Apple Users

Last updated on 2022-09-20
By Yvonne

Apple AirPods 2nd Generation Review: A Perfect Choice For Apple UsersWe reviewed the Apple AirPods 2019, which are great for wireless sound and feature Siri control as well as wireless charging.

Apple Airpods 2nd Generation

We like this

Integration into the Apple ecosystem is easy
Pairing and switching snappy devices
Battery life is long
Lightning cable for quick charging

The Things We Hate

Wireless charging at a slow pace
Volume control can be done only by speaking.

AirPods 2019 (2nd Gen) haven’t been updated enough to make it necessary for current customers to get upgraded. But they're still a fantastic-sounding pair of earbuds that deliver the performance, quality, and seamless integration we expect from Apple—with a premium price tag to match.

So that our reviewer could fully test it and give his opinion, we purchased Apple AirPods 2nd Generation. Continue reading to see our complete product review.

Apple's proven strategy of incremental, steady improvements to new products is evident in the second-generation AirPods. The new earbuds charge faster than original AirPods, and offer a few more features. While early adopters won't feel like they shouldn't have waited for wireless charging or Hey Siri, they might add enough value that anyone who isn’t on the fence will be tempted to spend $200 on earbuds.

The AirPods were used regularly by us for 2 weeks. We introduced them to our Apple-heavy day. They are wireless headphones that provide great sound quality and comfort. For those already familiar with the Apple ecosystem, the main selling point is their ability to integrate into the environment you already live in.

However, these seamless integration features may not be available to you if your tech world isn't focused on Apple. In this case, they won't offer much advantage over similar-priced Bluetooth headphones.

Design: Slow, but steady improvements win the race

AirPods are Apple's signature design. The AirPods look almost identical to EarPods, but without wires. The iconic little tail fin in white has been a design icon for many years.

AirPods and new wireless charging cases are almost identical to first-generation models. Only visible differences include the wireless charging strip, the LED indicator, and the relocated pairing button.

One of the AirPods' greatest strengths is its seamless integration with this type of environment. During the evaluation we were able to pair our AirPods successfully with an iPhone X and 5S as well as a 2014 iMac and two MacBook Pros in 2017 and 2013. It is very easy to switch between the paired devices, particularly on iPhones which can pair and route sounds to AirPods by themselves. Macs will need to go into their Bluetooth settings manually to switch. This takes longer.

The AirPods can pair with AppleTV or Apple Watch, making them even more useful for those who are already familiarized in Apple's universe. These AirPods are compatible even with iOS devices as far back 2013!

There's no reason you can't use AirPods with non-Apple products—they'll work with any Bluetooth-enabled device you happen to have. You can set it up as any Bluetooth accessory, regardless of whether it is a Samsung Galaxy S8 or Moto X. However, you will lose the seamless integration of your device with Apple. If you are looking for an Android solution to wireless listening, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Buds.

You can find your iPhone and iCloud via the 'Find My iPhone" feature of iOS. You can view their exact location on Apple Maps, and receive turn-by-turn directions. You can also play sounds if you are within their range. It's very handy for products that are easily lost.

Bluetooth range for these Bluetooth earbuds is dependent upon the device it's paired to. Our AirPods were paired with the iPhone 5S and we could easily walk for about 30 yards before our connection broke down. Our iPhone X allowed us to walk hundreds of yards without any obstacles. The distance between AirPods and paired devices is reduced sharply.

Apple attributes the new H1 processor to the AirPods 2019's faster pairing and stronger connections. They are fast and will not disappoint. You can't help but admire how much engineering goes into even the simplest of wireless headphones.

Installation Process: This is how it works

Your AirPods will be ready for use by the time you read this instruction manual. You just need to open the case and place your iPhone near it. An alert will prompt you to pair them. You can start listening to music in less than 3 seconds. Steve Job still uses this mantra, 'It just Works'.

It is more complicated to pair the AirPods and a Mac. The AirPods won't connect or detect the Mac automatically. To make it work, open the case and press the pairing button at the back. You can then pair the AirPods manually using your Mac's Bluetooth settings. To reconnect later, however, you don't need to press the button located on the case.

No buttons

The AirPods can automatically pair with a Bluetooth device and take control of the audio when placed in your ears. You can disable this automation in your Bluetooth settings if you find it too overwhelming.

AirPods are touch-controlled, even though they don't have buttons. To play/pause or skip ahead, double-tap the buds in your ear. Both the right and left ear default to skip to next track. However, you can change the commands on each ear according to your preferences.

The ability to summon Siri hands-free is great, but it's not a grand revolution in the way we interact with our devices—it's just the continuing evolution of it.

Although the AirPods are easy to use, there is only one option for controlling the volume: the left or right ear. Also, you don't have granular control of things such as volume. Compare that with the EarPods which allow you to have all of that control but not having to pick which commands are most important.

Hey Siri does some of that work. Although Siri can adjust the volume, it is much more complicated and takes longer than EarPods to achieve the desired volume. Siri's ability to adjust the volume can sometimes cause interruptions to what you are listening to. This can be a distraction especially for those who are absorbed in music.

Hey Siri, besides the volume controls is very useful. You're likely to have used Hey Siri in some capacity if you own an iPhone over the past few years. This digital assistant can provide directions, weather information, dictate your messages and many other useful functions. The ability to summon Siri hands-free is great, but it's not a grand revolution in the way we interact with our devices—it's just the continuing evolution of it.

All-day listening

The new wireless charging case was used in testing. We found the 2nd Generation AirPods delivered more power than the case. However, if the case is lost or damaged during use, they won't last the entire day.

It takes just a few seconds to recharge your AirPods with the included case if they go completely dead. Apple says that an AirPods with a dead battery will last for three hours if they are charged in 15 minutes. During our tests, we found that this was generally true.

You can't expect the case to hold up during the day if you lose it.

We also found it took around 30 minutes to charge AirPods in the case. A full charge gives you four to five hours continuous listening. It is in keeping with Apple's battery life claims.

If you are using the lightning cable, it takes only 45 minutes for your device to charge fully. Wireless charging is possible, but the charge time will vary depending on which mat you use. Apple sells the Belkin Boost Up Special Edition Wireless Charge Pad. We tested our AirPods using it with this Belkin Boost Up Special Edition Wireless Charge Pad. It takes approximately four hours to charge an AirPod Case.

It's difficult to believe that the batteries would ever go dead because of how long it takes for them to drain. The case was filled with fully charged AirPods. We then placed them inside the case, and they played back sound without needing to be connected to any power. They both died after 18 hours.

Comfort: It's almost like they don't exist

AirPods are very comfortable and fit well in the ear. The AirPods are also very comfortable and you'll forget they even exist. You won't feel any difference if you are already familiar with Apple EarPods. If you are switching to Apple EarPods from another brand, however, you will likely notice a difference, if any, in your hearing.

Sound Quality - It is a symphony even when you listen to audiobooks

The audio quality is as good as you would expect from earbuds this low-priced. To test the AirPods, we used The Beatles album Past Masters. Every note, chord, vocal, and instrument came through with perfect clarity and richness, and the sometimes-experimental sound mixing came through with excellent quality. Voice-centered media such as podcasts or audiobooks was also crystal clear. Wireless earbuds are capable of much more than you might expect.

Each note, every chord, voice, and instrument was perfectly clear and rich.

Excellent call quality also. It all depends on the connection of your carrier, but both sides hear clearly and can understand each other. It's unlikely that the AirPods are responsible for any difficulties you have on calls.

Prices: Apple pricing for Apple products

The new AirPods are $199 MSRP, which is a steep price for long-time Apple customers. Although this is a high price for Bluetooth headphones, it's the way Apple does things.

It's easy to be hesitant about spending this much for a pair of headphones, despite how great the AirPods sound. You can make a savings by not purchasing the wired charging case and opting for wireless charging. The 2nd Generation AirPods are only $159. Although this is still quite expensive, it may offer a compromise for people who do not want wireless charging.

It comes down to how badly you want the Apple wireless experience—and how much disposable income you have. We believe that only the most dedicated audiophiles and wireless enthusiast, as well as those who are deeply entwined with Apple's ecosystem, will be able to afford them. Everyone else might prefer the $30 EarPods.

Apple sells this case for less than $100 if the AirPods were purchased early and you only need wireless charging. The new case is compatible with all first-generation buds, so you don't need to purchase the $200 model to enjoy wireless charging.

Apple AirPods vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds

Their only real peer is the Samsung Galaxy Buds, their Android Universe counterpart. Many of their features are the same, including wireless charging and automatic pairing. They also integrate seamlessly with other Samsung devices.

The biggest advantage the AirPods over the Galaxy Buds has to do with the battery life. The AirPods boast a battery life of six hours on the buds and thirteen hours with the case. The buds will last longer but the AirPods and their charging case are better than the Galaxy Buds.

Galaxy Buds cost about $70 less than AirPods, and are fully compatible with iOS devices. They're an excellent, affordable alternative if you're not looking to be completely immersed in Apple's universe.

Final Verdict

Although it's not a significant upgrade, they have added enough features that will appeal to first-time AirPod purchasers

In typical Apple fashion, the 2nd Generation AirPods have been updated. Apple users will love how seamlessly they connect with other Apple devices. The added Siri functionality, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity aren’t major upgrades, but it’s still an excellent addition to great-sounding earbuds. The biggest obstacle is the price—if you have the money to spend, they're absolutely worth buying.