Apple AirPods Pro 2 Expert Review

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid priced at $249, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.56/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 43% of the OTC Hearing Aid category, ranking #27 of 61 devices tested.

In our testing, the AirPods Pro 2 demonstrates clear strengths in specific areas. Music streaming quality is a standout at 4.4/5—a strong score that sits 2.53 points above the category average. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning the device remained stable during our standardized challenge motions. Speech in quiet scores a solid 3.8/5, running 1.15 points above the category average.

However, performance is mixed in other areas. Speech in noise scores 2.6/5—above the category average by 1.40 points, but only mixed in absolute terms. Own-voice comfort is a weakness, scoring a low 1.9/5, which falls 0.60 points below the category average. Users sensitive to their own voice sounding boomy or hollow may find this challenging.

What makes the AirPods Pro 2 particularly interesting is the significant improvement with tuning. The Initial Score of 3.3/5 jumps to 4.5/5 after professional fitting—a 1.2-point improvement—making this one of the more tuning-responsive devices in its category. For existing AirPods owners seeking hearing assistance with excellent streaming quality, this device offers compelling value, though those prioritizing speech clarity in noisy environments or own-voice comfort may want to explore alternatives.