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Apple / Insider
As far as Prime Day deals go, this is easily the best one I've seen this year. I'm genuinely shocked it didn't sell out on the first day, given this is the lowest-ever price (by a further $11) for Apple's newest version of the AirPods Pro 2, now with a USB-C charging port. Originally released at $250 late last year to coincide with the iPhone 15 series, you can now pick up these incredible earbuds for $168.99 — you don't even need to be a Prime member for this one.
In addition to a modern USB-C charging port and cable, this upgraded version of the already excellent Apple noise-canceling earbuds also added dust resistance for the first time. Apple has since phased out the original Lightning port version, and given the new ones get discounted regularly, we haven't missed them.
This model often drops to $200, and Cyber Monday saw them fall to $189.99. Since then, I saw them drop about a dollar less a few months back, but $168.99 is the new record-low that's hard to resist. I have the Lightning port version, and I'm very tempted, even with a Pro 3 model likely coming toward the end of the year.
I use a MacBook Air for work and an iPad for occasional personal use, but I'm happy sticking with Android for mobile. Yet, the AirPod s Pro 2 are still the best earbuds I've ever had, and I use them daily with a Samsung phone. I usually struggle to get a good fit with in-ear buds even with multiple tips (I had to return Sony's WF-1000XM3 buds as they kept falling out), but the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro 2 have been a perfect fit straight out of the box, and there are three more optional tip sets included.
Audio is crystal clear across the range on multiple devices, and the noise-canceling is the best I've ever had on a pair of buds — over-ear headphones are still superior for pure noise-canceling. I've drowned out noisy AC units, rumbling laundry, traffic, cafe background noise, and more with no issue. Higher-pitched sounds and voices sometimes creep through (but muted enough so you can't hear what they're saying and maintain concentration), but once the music's playing, you're very much in your own little world.
If you do want to be aware of your surroundings, perhaps when running outdoors, the transparency mode is excellent at feeding in outside noise. It's also handy in office environments if you want to be on the lookout for colleagues trying to get your attention. It's essential when pausing music, too, really, as the snug design does a solid job of blocking outside noise, so this mode will stop you from accidentally shouting your order at a cafe.
I also use them on my TV for late-night viewing when I don't want to wear bulky over-ear headphones, and I have been seriously impressed. Kevin Costner's grumbling in Yellowstone still requires subtitles, though — they're not miracle workers. They're pretty damn good for a bit of gaming, too, and offer way more immersive sound than I'd expect for in-ear buds.
Mic quality is good in quiet rooms and does a reasonable job of blocking out outside noise in busier environments. The shorter stems take the mic further from your mouth, but the trade-off in convenience and single-solution for calls/music when working on your travels far outweighs having to pack another headset.
This is the final day of Amazon's summer sale bonanza. If you want to see what else is on offer and a longer list of headphones and Apple products, check out our roundup of the best Prime Day deals.
