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Apple AirPods Pro 2 Expert Review

Budget OTCReleased 2024

Our independent lab tested the Apple AirPods Pro 2 using standardized electroacoustic measurements and recorded audio samples. This review presents objective performance data across five key hearing aid metrics.

Dr. Steve TaddeiDr. Steve Taddei, Au.D. — Lab Director & Reviewer
Dr. Abram BaileyDr. Abram Bailey, Au.D. — Fact Checker / Editor
How We Test
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Hero
HearAdvisor
Apple AirPods Pro 2
4.0HearAdvisor SoundScoreGrade A
As it sounds out of the box
Bottom Line

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 delivers standout music streaming and speech clarity for iPhone users seeking an affordable, discreet hearing solution.

Top 26% of OTC Hearing Aid
Strengths
  • Exceptional music streaming+2.48 vs category
  • Strong speech in quiet performance
  • Perfect feedback handling score
Drawbacks
  • Below-average own voice quality
  • Speech in noise only mixed despite category lead
Measured Performance

SoundScore: 5 Acoustic Dimensions

Five metrics measured in our lab: speech clarity in quiet, speech understanding in noise, own-voice naturalness, feedback control, and streaming quality. The purple SoundScore graph is the overall result, and the five graphs after it break it into individual measurements for the selected fit. Each curve shows how scores are spread across all tested hearing aids, and the dot and number mark the score for Apple AirPods Pro 2.

SoundScore
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6.0
Choose your fit

Every hearing aid is lab-tested in two states — as it sounds out of the box, and after professional tuning. Switch fits to update the five metric graphs below.

As it sounds out of the box
Speech in quiet
New
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5.4

How clearly speech comes through in calm, one-on-one surroundings.

Speech in noise
New
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6.4

Speech understanding against loud background noise — the toughest everyday test.

Own voice
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4.8

How natural your own voice sounds while wearing the aids, without a boomy, plugged-up quality.

Music streaming
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5.0

Sound quality of music streamed to the hearing aids over Bluetooth.

Feedback handling
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5.0

Resistance to the whistling and squealing caused by acoustic feedback.

Lab Assessment

How the Apple AirPods Pro 2 Performs in Independent Testing

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.0/5 in our lab testing, ranking #18 among 65 OTC hearing aids tested. At $249, it offers hearing assistance through Apple's familiar true-wireless earbud design.

In our testing, the AirPods Pro 2 demonstrated strong performance in speech clarity during quiet listening situations, scoring 4.2/5—a full 1.38 points above the OTC category average. Music streaming quality is a standout strength at 4.4/5, exceeding the category average by 2.48 points and delivering strong linear fidelity for phone audio. Feedback handling earned a perfect 5.0/5, indicating excellent stability during movement.

Speech understanding in noisy environments scored 2.3/5, which is above the category average by 0.77 points but remains mixed in absolute terms—users in challenging acoustic situations may find performance adequate rather than exceptional. Own-voice comfort is a limitation, scoring 1.9/5 and falling 0.61 points below the category average, which may result in noticeable occlusion effects when speaking.

The AirPods Pro 2 is best suited for iPhone users seeking a discreet, multipurpose device that combines solid speech clarity in quieter settings with excellent music streaming. Those who prioritize own-voice naturalness or need stronger noise performance may want to explore alternatives.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Hero
Apple AirPods Pro 2
VerdictListening TestGraphAudioLab NotesSpecsMore
Reliable & Repeatable Lab Results

Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.

Learn more
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Blind Comparison

Hear the Apple AirPods Pro 2 Against Other Devices

Listen to recordings captured under identical acoustic conditions without knowing which device is which. After you complete the comparison, the products are revealed and your anonymized responses contribute to ongoing research.

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Amplification Data

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Insertion Gain Measurements

The graph below plots measured insertion gain against prescriptive targets for a standardized hearing loss. Closer alignment with the target curve indicates more appropriate amplification for that profile.

Graph

Audio Samples

Recorded Output from the Apple AirPods Pro 2

These audio samples were captured through an acoustic manikin fitted with the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Compare what the device produces against the reference signal to evaluate sound quality firsthand.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Audio Samples

How this hearing aid sounds in our lab scenes. Compare it out of the box and after professional tuning.

Before you listen

  1. Use good-quality headphones.
  2. Take out your hearing aids while you compare.
  3. Play the to set a comfortable level, then leave it.
  4. Switch recordings while it plays. You won't lose your place.
Scene type

Scene type: Conversation

Scene: Cafe 1

As tested out of the box
0:00
–:––

164 lab recordings of this product. They demonstrate relative processing in our lab and cannot predict an individual fitting outcome.

Test Documentation

Lab Observations for the Apple AirPods Pro 2

Our lab notes document fit observations and test configuration details for both Initial and Tuned conditions. Review the specific settings and observations recorded during measurement below.

Lab Notes

Initial fit observations

In the initial fit configuration using closed domes, the AirPods Pro 2 achieved a normalized Initial Score of 3.9/5. Speech in quiet measured 2.8/5, while speech in noise came in at 1.4/5. Music streaming showed strong performance at 4.4/5, and feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5. Own-voice comfort scored 1.9/5, suggesting noticeable occlusion. The out-of-box experience delivers solid streaming and stability with room for improvement in speech benefit through further adjustment.

Tuned fit observations

After tuning while maintaining closed dome coupling, the normalized Tuned Score improved to 4.6/5—a gain of 0.7 points over initial fit. Speech in quiet rose substantially to 4.2/5, and speech in noise improved to 2.3/5. Feedback handling remained excellent at 5.0/5, and music streaming held steady at 4.4/5. Own-voice comfort stayed at 1.9/5, unchanged from initial fit. The tuned configuration demonstrates meaningful gains in speech clarity with adjustments to gain settings.

Test configuration

Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Closed Dome
Closed Dome
Receiver
Integrated in device
Integrated in device
Fitting Formula
Proprietary manufacturer default
Proprietary manufacturer default
Listening Program
Default
Default
Volume Setting
50% (Default Half volume)
100% (Max volume)
Software Version
iOS v18.1, Device v7B19
iOS v18.1, Device v7B19
Tuning Adjustments
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Conversation Boost enabled, Ambient Noise Reduction at maximum
Programmed to N3 audiogram, Conversation Boost enabled, Ambient Noise Reduction at maximum, Tone at Brighter maximum
Notes
n/a
n/a
Specs
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Visible in Ear
Visible in Ear
Hands-Free
Hands-Free
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries

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