Across reviews, ANC is consistently described as best-in-class for earbuds, often quieting commutes and flights to near over-ear levels. Performance depends on achieving a good seal, and a few users report rare pressure/flight-related artifacts. Multiple listening modes (ANC, transparency, adaptive blends) make it easy to adjust noise control for different situations, and mode switching is generally smooth. Customization is still more preset-driven than fully user-tunable.
Android support is consistently described as basic Bluetooth audio with many features missing, including deeper settings and firmware updates. Reviewers regularly frame these as iPhone-first earbuds.
The app is useful for firmware, library management, and Playlist+ tasks, but it is basic rather than feature rich and can feel awkward compared with more polished headphone apps.
There is no standalone AirPods app in the traditional sense; most controls live in Apple’s Settings on iOS. This works well for Apple users but offers little for Android users beyond pairing.
H2-based processing is referenced as enabling Apple’s adaptive features, call processing, and ecosystem behaviors, keeping the overall experience cohesive for iOS users.
Reviewers explicitly note that aptX is not supported, which limits Android-focused low-latency and hi-quality codec options.
Bass is inconsistent. Some reviewers hear solid or even punchier bass, especially underwater or with earplugs, but others call it hollow, woolly, or nearly absent on land.
Bass is commonly described as deeper, more impactful, and cleaner than prior generations, helping energy in modern tracks. A minority find it overemphasized or fatiguing over long sessions.
Battery life is solid for the category, with most reviews landing around the claimed 9 hours over Bluetooth and 6 hours from memory mode, though some testing suggests real-world endurance can fall short of the marketing numbers.
Single-charge battery life is widely reported around eight hours with ANC, with some tests pushing higher at moderate volume. The common caveat is reduced total runtime with the case compared with the prior generation.
Bluetooth is fine for some above-water use, but stability is not flawless. Multiple reviewers mention stutters, disconnects, or pairing friction, and underwater Bluetooth remains impractical as expected.
Apple-device pairing and switching are generally smooth, but there are scattered reports of connection quirks such as occasional manual reconnects or odd channel behavior. Non-Apple pairing is possible but less seamless.
Build quality comes across as sturdy, flexible, and ready for abuse in the pool or during training. The sealed construction and soft exterior inspire confidence.
Overall build is considered solid, helped by an IP57 rating for buds and case, but long-term serviceability is criticized. Some sources point out poor repairability and battery service constraints typical of true wireless earbuds.
The controls are the most common complaint. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, but many reviewers found them too small, too close together, slow on secondary presses, or easy to trigger incorrectly while moving.
Stem squeeze and swipe controls are broadly viewed as intuitive, enabling volume and mode changes without reaching for the phone. A few reviewers still mention occasional uncertainty with tap-based case controls or gesture reliability.
The magnetic proprietary cable supports the waterproof design, but it adds one more special accessory to keep track of, and one reviewer reported unreliable wired file transfers.
The included cases are generally well regarded. Reviewers call them protective and practical, though some found the standard case bulkier than necessary.
The case remains compact and pocketable but is often described as glossy and scratch-prone, with slight size changes versus Pro 2. Pairing controls moving to a touch area can feel less tactile than a physical button.
Charging is straightforward once aligned with the magnetic connector, and case-based charging options add convenience, but the waterproof-focused approach means living with a proprietary setup.
Charging is flexible with USB-C, MagSafe/Qi wireless, and Apple Watch charger support, plus quick top-ups in the case. Some reviewers wish the fast-charge rate improved and note the missing cable in the box.
Codec support is typically summarized as SBC and AAC only, with frequent disappointment about no hi-res or wireless lossless playback. This is a recurring reason reviewers cite for looking at competitors.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. The open-ear design avoids ear-canal fatigue, vibrations are generally well controlled for the category, and several reviewers found them easy to wear for long swims or runs.
Comfort is divisive: several reviewers find the new shape better for multi-hour sessions, while others feel pressure, digging, or faster ear fatigue. Tip sizing down (or mixing sizes per ear) often improves comfort.
The design is sporty and practical rather than stylish. Reviewers like the soft-touch finish and purpose-built form, even if it looks more specialized than everyday headphones.
Five included tip sizes (XXS through L) plus the hybrid foam-infused design are frequently called out as a meaningful upgrade. Reviewers emphasize trying different sizes and using Apple’s seal/fit tests.
EQ tuning is essentially missing, so you are mostly stuck with the default sound signature.
Lack of a proper user EQ is one of the most repeated complaints, especially from listeners who dislike the default tuning. Workarounds exist via iOS settings, but they do not replace a full EQ experience.
Find My support is repeatedly highlighted as a practical strength, with newer UWB in the case improving precision finding range and speed. Case speakers further help locate misplaced earbuds.
Frequency response and tonal balance are seen as less strictly neutral than Pro 2, with some reviewers noting a more V-shaped or bass-forward tilt. Fit and listening volume can noticeably change perceived balance.
Accessories are a plus. Earplugs and a protective case show up repeatedly as useful inclusions, and they materially improve the swim experience.
In-box extras focus on multiple ear-tip sizes, but several reviews mention the lack of a bundled USB-C cable. Accessory value is therefore seen as mixed despite the improved tips.
Instrument separation and imaging are generally considered improved or at least highly competitive, helping layered mixes sound less congested. Spatial processing can further enhance placement cues for some listeners.
LDAC support is repeatedly called out as absent, keeping Bluetooth streaming firmly in AAC/SBC territory.
Pushing volume too high hurts sound quality. At max levels, reviewers noted distortion, harsher vibrations, and less pleasant listening.
Clarity at higher volumes is usually described as good with limited distortion, though tonal shifts and preference sensitivity still apply. Most sources do not report major breakup at typical listening levels.
Noise reduction and Voice Isolation are generally effective at reducing chatter and traffic, but wind and very loud noise can introduce artifacts or leave some noise audible. Results vary by environment and settings.
Call quality is usable but not a strength. Voices tend to sound quiet, distant, or light on detail, which fits the swim-first design but limits all-purpose appeal.
Call quality is commonly rated excellent, with voices sounding clear and natural in both quiet and moderately noisy places. Some sources even suggest the mics are usable for lightweight content capture.
Mids and vocals are serviceable rather than standout. They come through well enough for workouts and can sound more balanced underwater, but several reviews say voices lose body or detail above water.
Midrange and vocal clarity are often praised as smooth and full, staying intelligible even with stronger low-end presence. Speech-heavy content and podcasts are generally easy to follow.
They can connect to non-Apple devices (Android, PCs, some consoles), but functionality is limited compared with using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Expect a working audio connection, not the full feature set.
Multipoint support is absent, which limits convenience if you switch between devices often.
The open-ear design provides almost no passive isolation on its own. The included earplugs make a noticeable difference in the pool by reducing splash noise and improving perceived clarity and bass.
Foam-infused silicone tips and the deeper fit improve passive sealing for many users, helping low-frequency rumble and chatter before ANC kicks in. It still does not behave like full memory-foam isolation for everyone.
The local-memory feature is the reason to buy these. Reviewers like the 8GB storage, drag-and-drop loading, and true phone-free swimming, but Playlist+ is often described as clunky, slow, or awkward, and 8GB trails some rivals.
Apple’s adaptive tuning features (such as Adaptive EQ and personalized behaviors) are generally credited with keeping sound consistent and enjoyable for most listeners. Some reviewers still prefer more direct user control.
Sensors and smart features are a headline theme: heart-rate tracking is often reported as close to smartwatch readings, and hearing/translation tools add utility beyond audio. Wear-detection and fit-dependent sensing can also affect performance if the seal is inconsistent.
Setup is repeatedly described as effortless inside the Apple ecosystem with quick pairing and easy mode toggles. A few reviewers still call out certain controls as buried or unintuitive in iOS, especially for advanced audio routing.
Sound quality is the main compromise. Underwater playback is often described as good or at least satisfying for the category, while above-water listening ranges from merely okay to clearly weak compared with better open-ear or in-ear alternatives.
Overall sound quality is widely rated strong and detailed with a punchier presentation than Pro 2 for many listeners. The main split is preference: some love the added weight, while others miss the older model’s neutrality.
Many reviews describe a bigger, wider presentation, especially when spatial features are enabled, making movies and big mixes feel more expansive. Perceived width still varies by content and settings.
Spatial audio is frequently praised for movies and immersive content, with head tracking adding convincing placement. Spatial music remains more polarizing, with some preferring it turned off.
Once the fit suits your head, stability is excellent. Reviewers regularly say the headset stays put through swimming, running, and vigorous movement, though smaller heads can end up with extra rear loop.
Fit security is improved for many thanks to the new angle and deeper insertion, making the buds feel more locked in for daily wear. Some reviewers still note slip-outs during intense workouts or when sweat/oil builds up.
Sustainability notes are mixed: there is recycled material content and trade-in/recycling programs, but repairability and battery longevity limits remain concerns. Some reviewers explicitly call out low repair scores.
Control responsiveness is mostly good, but some reviewers call gestures stubborn or less responsive than expected. Overall reliability improves with familiarity, but it is not universally perfect.
Transparency is repeatedly praised for sounding natural and clear, with speech coming through realistically and less processed than many rivals. This also supports hearing and safety use cases outdoors.
Treble is acceptable for exercise use, not refined listening. Highs are often described as rolled off, grainy, or slightly distorted when volume climbs.
Treble is typically described as crisp and detailed, though some sources mention occasional sharpness depending on volume, fit, or personal taste. The result is lively detail that may not suit everyone.
USB-C charging on the case is now standard and repeatedly highlighted as a modern convenience, especially alongside MagSafe/Qi options.
There is enough output for workouts and spoken-word listening, but open-ear use in noisy settings often requires higher volume than ideal.
Several reviewers note strong loudness headroom, making it easier to overcome noisy environments without maxing out volume. Loudness is often paired with strong ANC for commuting and travel.
Water performance is the standout strength. The IPX8 rating and real underwater playback are consistently praised, making these far more convincing for swimmers than most open-ear alternatives.
IP57 is repeatedly cited as a meaningful durability upgrade for both buds and case, improving confidence for sweat, rain, and dust exposure. Reviewers still caution against treating them like dedicated swim gear.
These are repeatedly described as lightweight and unobtrusive, which helps during long sessions and makes the headset easy to forget once positioned.