Apple AirPods Pro 2 Review: Great ANC, Risk in Refurbs
A surprising divide emerged in user feedback on the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) (Renewed) — while many describe them as “easily one of the best wireless earbuds out there,” others report frustrating firmware bugs and even cases of receiving locked or fake units. Balancing the glowing praise against the recurring complaints, the community verdict lands at 8.2/10, with strong performance for Apple ecosystem users but caution advised for refurbished buyers without warranty coverage.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent for iPhone/iPad/Mac users seeking top-tier ANC and seamless pairing, but refurbished units carry risk of missing parts, Find My lock issues, or cosmetic wear.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-tier active noise cancellation ("dramatically less background noise") | Refurbished units can arrive locked to previous owner |
| Seamless device switching within Apple ecosystem | Case battery may drain quickly |
| Adaptive Transparency is highly praised | Occasional connectivity dropouts |
| Comfortable fit with four ear tip sizes | Missing ear tips or damaged packaging on some orders |
| Improved battery life over 1st gen | No custom EQ controls |
| Precision Finding via U1 chip | Limited features for Android users |
Claims vs Reality
Apple’s marketing promises “up to 2x more active noise cancellation” and “personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.” Digging deeper into user reports, the ANC upgrade is one of the most consistently confirmed claims. A verified Best Buy buyer wrote: “The 2x improvement over the previous model is extremely noticeable, as I can now hear dramatically less background noise when I’m trying to concentrate.” Reddit users echoed this, with one noting it “makes commuting and focusing so much better.”
However, spatial audio impressions are more muted. While Apple describes it as “immersive sound all around you,” several Reddit and Quora contributors admitted they “can’t say that I notice much difference whether I have the feature on or off” for music, though movies on Apple TV benefited more.
On battery life, Apple rates six hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the MagSafe case. That’s generally borne out in practice, with Best Buy reviewers reporting “almost a week when I use them everyday for hours” and “days without having to charge anything.” Yet Twitter complaints reveal variance: “case battery loses charge quite fast,” highlighting possible degradation in refurbished units.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, Reddit, and Trustpilot, noise cancellation stands out as the defining strength. For daily commuters, this means a quieter environment without isolating entirely thanks to Adaptive Transparency. Best Buy customer Jessie Lynn described walking “through a busy city street… without having to constantly take the earbuds out.”
Comfort is another near-universal win, especially for small-ear users who benefit from the added XS tips. A Reddit poster emphasized: “Probably one of the most comfortable earbud I’ve ever worn. Lightweight, fits in ear easily.”
The seamless switching between Apple devices is transformative for multi-device users. Reddit user u/Travel*** explained: “Switching between iPads, MacBooks… is done automatically.” This is paired with Precision Finding in the case, a favorite among those prone to misplacing gear.
Common Complaints
Connectivity quirks plague some users, particularly in refurbished units. Best Buy buyer Charles reported “moments of random disconnection and reconnection,” while Trustpilot reviews warn about units still “connected to the previous owner,” blocking Find My and setup.
Firmware inconsistencies also undermine some experiences. A Twitter user lamented: “You cannot tell the difference between noise cancellation and transparency… controls are super delayed.”
Physical condition in refurbished stock is hit-or-miss — multiple buyers received “dirty and torn box” or “missing medium ear tips.” While this doesn’t affect function, it impacts perceived value.
Divisive Features
Spatial audio splits opinion. Movie watchers on Apple TV praise it as “one of your only choices for immersive sound” in the ecosystem, while music listeners find it “not great on music.”
Sound tuning is another debated point. Audiophile Reddit voices critique the bass as “boomy and slightly bloated,” wishing for custom EQ. Others find the out-of-box tuning “fun and engaging… one of the best tuned headphones I’ve tried,” especially for casual listening.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data reveals a recurring scam-adjacent risk in refurbished channels: multiple buyers received fake units, mislabeled models, or locked devices. One Walmart reviewer claimed “fake AirPods… do not purchase!” Another discovered “fake product sticker over the actual product in the packaging.”
On the flip side, long-term durability stories from Reddit and Best Buy show genuine units hold up well. A Best Buy customer Robg noted his refurbished pair was “still under AppleCare warranty until the end of the year” and in “like-new condition,” surviving drops without functional loss.
Buyers stress the importance of purchasing from certified refurbishers (Apple, Best Buy Geek Squad, Amazon Renewed) to avoid the high incidence of non-genuine stock reported on marketplaces.
Alternatives
While some audiophile Reddit users compare them unfavorably to wired open-back headphones for detail and imaging, they concede no TWS matches the convenience. Comparisons to Sony XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra place ANC slightly behind those leaders but close enough for most. Jabra Elite 85t is cited as offering better customization via EQ, an option Apple omits.
For Android users, the lack of an AirPods app and reduced feature set makes alternatives like Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5 more appealing.
Price & Value
eBay trends show refurbished AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with MagSafe USB-C cases typically sell between $129–$159, well below Apple’s new retail. Best Buy Geek Squad Certified units have been offered as low as $88.99, drawing praise as “fantastic sound quality at a fantastic price.”
Resale value holds decently in the Apple ecosystem, especially for units with USB-C charging and intact accessories. Community buying tips stress checking Find My status before purchase, confirming tip sizes are included, and prioritizing certified refurbishers.
FAQ
Q: Do refurbished AirPods Pro 2nd Gen have the same warranty as new?
A: Certified refurbished units from Apple or Best Buy include a one-year warranty, but marketplace purchases often do not. Always verify coverage before buying.
Q: Can I use all features with Android devices?
A: No. Core audio works, but features like Precision Finding, spatial audio setup, and seamless switching are iOS-exclusive.
Q: How does Adaptive Transparency differ from standard Transparency?
A: Adaptive Transparency actively reduces loud noises in real time while allowing ambient sound in, making it ideal for city walking or safe situational awareness.
Q: Are missing ear tips common in refurbished purchases?
A: Some buyers report missing medium tips, likely for hygiene reasons. Check listings for included sizes or be prepared to purchase replacements.
Q: Is sound quality better than 1st Gen AirPods Pro?
A: Most users notice clearer highs, deeper bass, and stronger ANC. Reddit users describe them as “a big step up from any previous generation.”
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an Apple ecosystem user seeking top-tier ANC, Adaptive Transparency, and seamless multi-device use — especially if you can source from a certified refurbisher. Avoid if you rely on Android features or can’t tolerate potential refurbished inconsistencies. Pro tip from community: Run the hearing test and set your audiogram for personalized sound.
