AirPods 2 test: an interesting update, but not essential
More than two and a half years after the release of the first version, Apple has just unveiled the AirPods 2. Are they really worth their price? Should we switch to the new model? Is wireless well managed? Answer in my test of AirPods 2.
Like most of my tests, check out the full video below for my review after several days of testing the new Apple AirPods 2. If you liked the video, subscribe to the lemon squeezer YouTube channel, the tests come out a few hours before the article and exceeding 10,000 subscribers would please the whole team 😉 For the written version of the AirPods 2 test , it’s below the video.
An Airpod, AirPods
I had tested the first generation AirPods, and it seemed logical to test these AirPods 2, to offer you my feelings. Apple has taken a long time to release a new version, and you have three choices today:
This last choice is interesting, because the AirPods 1 are compatible with the two new cases. The large number of points in common between the two models makes this choice a more relevant potential purchase for owners of first generation headphones. In terms of sound, I did not notice any difference with these AirPods 2, the new features are elsewhere.
An almost identical design
To differentiate the two generations of headphones, it's simply impossible, which is not the case with charging cases. The new version has three differences from the previous one. Can you find them:
The first is the presence on the front of the battery charging indicator, which is very practical, especially with wireless charging. The other two new items are found on the back of the case, with a brushed texture on the metal and a centered button. The main new features are at the hardware level.
An interesting development, but not essential
The main novelty of these AirPods is the integration of the new H1 chip. It saves time when connecting with the iPhone, iPad or Mac. The difference is noticeable, even if it was not annoying on the first version. Thanks to this new chip, AirPods are listening and can trigger Siri with the command "Say Siri". I tested it with my iPad, and it works well ... indoors. As soon as a little noise is there, the detection is worse. For the rest, everything works as you would expect. These AirPods 2 also gain in autonomy, but only in terms of calls (3h instead of 2h on a charge).
One of my favorite new features is the integration of Bluetooth 5, and I see a real difference every day. I am quite mobile in my office which is a large coworking of 3000 m2 (Now Coworking). While the previous version had jerks as soon as I walked a few meters from my smartphone, I can walk around freely without losing the connection, and this is a nice step forward.
I chose for this test of AirPods 2 the version with the wireless box, which is the most interesting for me. I really liked the loading in the case brought by the V1. It’s a very clever system that almost never ends up without a battery. Ease of use in Apple’s DNA. The wireless charging version of the AirPods further amplifies this advantage. Importantly, any Qi charger is compatible with AirPods 2, but do not opt for vertical chargers, the charging point is often too high for AirPods.
Throughout my AirPods 2 test, I used to put the case on a Qi charger when I use the AirPods. The bottom line: my battery is almost always 100%, as I put the headphones in the box when I'm not using them. This is a real step forward, after it is worth the price nothing is less certain.
Which AirPods model to buy?
This is the real complex question of this test. The AirPods have had phenomenal success, and their quality is well established. But with three products in the catalog, the choice is more complex, especially since the price of the wireless version increased the purchase by € 50. Here are my tips, depending on your usage.
You already have AirPods
It was my case. I bought the AirPods 2 with wireless box to test the new features. With the backward step, I could perhaps only opt for the wireless box, which brings a real plus. Very clearly (unless you are a fan of Siri), you have no interest in buying the AirPods 2 with lightning box sold at 179 € if you already have the first generation headphones. I still find that the price of € 89 for the wireless box alone is still extremely high, but it is a habit with Apple.
You don't have AirPods
If so, it's all about the budget, and the products you already have at home. If you have wireless chargers (or a reverse-charging smartphone like the S10 +), the € 229 version is for you. If not, you can opt for the € 179 version, which is a benchmark on the market.
My opinion on the AirPods 2
I finally have a rather mixed opinion on the AirPods 2. On the one hand, the arrival of wireless is welcome, but the additional cost of 50 € compared to the V1 is a shame. The product is however still excellent, the adoption of wireless charging is a real plus, and further increases the comfort of use. I never had to think about recharging my headphones, putting them on the base having become a reflex. Thanks to this plus the case which allows 24 hours of recharging for music, one of the biggest shortcomings of wireless headphones and earphones is almost solved: the need for battery.
I think Apple will release a new version very soon, these AirPods 2 seem rather to be 1S, knowing that they came out far behind expectations, certainly a defect due to the Airpower fiasco. What will be https://tinyurl.com/i12tws2020 ? Answer in a few months.
What do you think of the AirPods 2? Give us your feelings in the comments.
