Apple AirPods 2 review: better connectivity, a wireless charger and more battery life

Apple AirPods 2: specs

First, let’s take a quick look at the main specs of the new Apple AirPods 2.

Apple AirPods 2: same style and looks

The AirPods 2 stick to pretty much the same design as the original Apple AirPods — and it’s understandable. The earbuds’ original design was quite a success, at Keats, judging by the number of AirPods clones on the market.

Thus, aesthetically, you will not be able to tell the difference between the AirPods and the AirPods 2.

The new earphones feature the same thick stem that will stick out of the ear as you wear them. The stem houses the earbuds’ microphone and battery.

Naturally, the AirPods 2 are absolutely wire-free. Unfortunately, just like with the original AirPods, you won't find any extra accessories in the box like replaceable silicone tops. This is an item that, we believe, would come in very handy. Even though the AirPods feel quite snug in the ear, we'd still say that there is a danger of them falling out during a jog or a particularly strenuous workout. The eartips on the AirPods 2 don't seem to have changed either.

Apple AirPods 2: new H1 chip and improved battery life

The first improvement that the AirPods 2 seem to be sporting is better connectivity. Connectivity, in general, has been one of the weakest aspect of wireless earbuds (since their arrival). The original AirPods, however, did manage to offer pretty much seamless pairing, which, according to Apple, gets even better on the AirPods 2.

The new earbuds come with Apple’s newly-designed H1 chip, the main purpose of which is to improve connectivity, reduce pairing time and improve battery life efficiency. As a result, you should be getting 50% more handsfree talk time with the bee AirPods 2.

Apple promises that, with the top-up charge, the earbuds will be good for up over 24 hours of non-stop listening time.

Apple AirPods 2: wireless charging case

An important upgrade in the AirPods 2 is the option for wireless charging. The AirPods 2 will come in a dedicated charging case (just like the original AirPods) but the case itself can now be charged wirelessly using any Qi-compatible charging mat.

This means that the AirPods 2 add a whole another layer of meaning to the notion "true wireless". Basically, with the AirPods 2, you have the first ever pair of earbuds that are absolutely and completely wire-free as you won't even need cables for charging.

The LED charging indicator for the new charging case has been moved on the outside of the case — which is peculiar as we have seen this before on some of the Apple AirPods clones like the i10 TWS. You will also have the option of buying the AirPods 2 with the original case. However, Apple will probably encourage users to charge the case via the much anticipated AirPower wireless charging mat.

Apple AirPods 2: price and availability

The main question is this: will the Apple AirPods 2 be more expensive than the original AirPods (which are already quite expensive). The good news is that you will be able to get the new upgraded AirPods 2 for the same price as the original AirPods  — $159, provided you get the earbuds with the standard charging case.

If you want the entirely wireless experience with the new Qi-charging compatible case, you will need to pay $40 more — $199 in total.

If you want to get the new wireless charging case by itself, this is also an option — but it will not come cheap — the AirPods’ new charging case costs $79.

Currently, the Apple AirPods 2 are available for pre-order on Apple’s online store. As for the brick and mortar stores, the earbuds should be arriving soon.

Is the Apple AirPods 2 worth buying?

If you are in the market for a pair of top notch true wireless earbuds and have the budget to back you up, we'd say go for it. With that, if $199 seems like too steep of a price point, consider some of the recently released AirPods look-alikes like the i10 TWS, Redmi AirDots and others.