With both OnePlus and Apple recently introducing upgraded models of their popular premium earbuds, consumers have some exciting new options when it comes to wireless listening. But should you go with the feature-packed OnePlus Buds Pro 2 or the renowned Apple AirPods Pro 2?
This comprehensive guide will compare the two earbud heavyweights across all the key categories from sound quality and ANC to comfort, controls, and connectivity. Read on for an in-depth look at how the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 stack up!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | OnePlus Buds Pro 2 | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Battery Life | Up to 39 hours (9 bud + 30 case) | Up to 30 hours (6 bud + 24 case) |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive ANC up to 48dB | Adaptive ANC up to 48dB |
| Audio Codecs | LHDC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | Lightning, Qi wireless |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IPX4 |
| Touch Controls | Yes, customizable | Squeeze stem, touchpad |
| AI Features | Head tracking, AI noise reduction | Adaptive transparency, personalized ANC |
| Price | $179 USD | $249 USD |
Overview of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2
As a follow-up to their popular Buds Pro from 2021, OnePlus aimed to deliver upgraded audio, top-tier noise cancelling, and extended battery life in an accessible package with the new Buds Pro 2.
Touch controls are customizable through the excellent HeyMelody app so you can control playback, switch modes, toggle ANC, and more with easy taps on each earbud.
OnePlus uses an industry-leading coaxial dual driver design in each bud promising dynamic, clear audio covering a wide frequency range.
Active noise cancellation leverages AI-assisted algorithms to eliminate up to 48dB of ambient noise, putting it on par with the performance of Apple and Sony’s flagship earbuds.
Transparency mode lets sound passthrough when you need to hear your surroundings. The earbuds are IP55 dust and water resistant as well.
With a total listening time of up to 39 hours including the charging case, you get incredible endurance that should easily last a full week of use.
Fast charging via USB-C provides nearly 3 hours of play from a 10 minute charge. Overall, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 brings significant upgrades making them an intriguing high-end earbud option.
Also Read: Choose Between TOZO T12 And T12 Pro.
Overview of the Apple AirPods Pro 2
As the successor to Apple’s game-changing original AirPods Pro, the new AirPods Pro 2 refine the winning formula even further.
Audio architecture improvements include a new low distortion driver and custom amplifier to offer punchy, engaging sound across a wide soundstage. The H2 chip enables even better adaptive noise cancellation that reacts in real-time to environmental noise up to 48dB.
Transparency mode is similarly enhanced providing the most natural audio passthrough experience yet according to Apple. Touch controls remain intuitive with squeeze stems and touch gestures. Water resistance gets a boost to IPX4 making the AirPods Pro 2 even better for workouts and active lifestyles.
Of course, features like spatial audio with dynamic head tracking provide breathtaking immersion when watching movies or listening to music. Bluetooth 5.3 offers rock solid connectivity.
Despite better battery life of up to 30 hours with the MagSafe charging case, the AirPods Pro still fall a bit behind contemporaries in endurance. But for iOS users wanting a seamless pairing/audio experience, the AirPods Pro 2 are hard to beat.
Also Read: Is Status Audio Better Than AirPods Pro?
Key Differences Between OnePlus Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2
Let’s take a deeper look at how the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 compare across some important metrics:
Sound Quality
- With their coaxial dual driver design and Dolby Atmos support, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 can produce rich, cinematic sound with thumping bass and crisp treble.
- The custom amplifier and driver in the AirPods Pro 2 optimize performance too, providing dynamic range and clarity especially for vocals and mid tones.
- Both handle any genre well, but the OnePlus slight edge in bass may appeal more to fans of hip hop, EDM, and rock music who want impactful low end.
Noise Cancellation
- The adaptive ANC performance is essentially on par between the two – both doing an excellent job at blocking constant ambient noise up to 48dB.
- For reducing background chatter, engine rumble, or other moderate noise, you really can’t go wrong with either earbud. Noise cancelling effectiveness is very close.
- OnePlus and Apple also offer transparency/ambient modes that sound very natural when you need to be aware of your surroundings. Call quality is similarly clear on both models as well.
Controls
- With customizable touch controls via HeyMelody, you have lots of flexibility customizing gestures on the OnePlus Buds Pro 2.
- The tap and squeeze controls on AirPods Pro 2 are more limited, but conveniently let you control music, answer calls, and toggle listening modes.
- For iOS users, the AirPods controls will feel more seamless. But the OnePlus option to customize gestures is nice, albeit reliant on installing an app.
Connectivity
- Thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, connecting and switching between Apple devices is nearly instantaneous with the AirPods Pro 2. Performance is unmatched here.
- The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 still provide solid Bluetooth 5.2 performance with Android phones or iPhones, just not quite as tight integration. Gaming latency is also excellent.
- OnePlus does support more high-end Bluetooth audio codecs though, including LHDC and LDAC for above-CD-quality streaming.
Battery Life
- With up to 9 hours bud battery and 30 hours with the case, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 last significantly longer on a single charge – around 33% more play time.
- Constant travellers who spend long hours in transit will benefit from the OnePlus’s class-leading endurance. Less time spent recharging.
- Both earbuds still offer very fast charging topping up the battery quickly before heading out.
Price
- The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 retail for $179 USD delivering premium features and sound at an attractive price point.
- Apple commands a steeper $249 USD for the AirPods Pro 2. You’re paying an Apple premium, but iOS users benefit from deep integration.
- For shoppers eyeing value, the OnePlus model brings comparable quality for around $70 less. But AirPods still dominate iOS compatibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver noticeably better audio performance than the original model. Upgrades to the driver and amplifier result in improved clarity across mids and highs, more detailed instrument separation, and a more spacious, loudness-optimized soundstage. While not a revolutionary leap, audiophiles will appreciate the better fidelity.
Absolutely. For features, the AirPods Pro 2 boast active noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, and sweat/water resistance which the AirPods 2 lack. And the Pro 2’s sound quality is far superior with much better bass, treble, and overall clarity thanks to the advanced driver system. Unless you want to save money, the Pro 2 upgrade is highly recommended.
Yes, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 feature excellent adaptive noise cancellation capable of reducing ambient noise by up to 48 decibels – on par with the performance of Apple’s AirPods Pro and other top earbuds. OnePlus uses a sophisticated multi-microphone setup and algorithms to continuously optimize ANC based on your environment. This makes them great for noisy commutes or workspaces.
Definitely. Despite being designed primarily for Android, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 work seamlessly with iPhones as well. You still get features like adjustable ANC, touch controls, and Dolby Atmos support. The main limitation is lack of deep iOS integration and automatic switching between Apple devices. But audio, calling, and latency performance are still excellent when used with an iPhone.
Also Read: Comparison Between JBL And Skullcandy Wireless Earbuds.
Final Thoughts
With their respective focus on value and ecosystem integration, both the feature-packed OnePlus Buds Pro 2 and optimized Apple AirPods Pro 2 make compelling cases for premium earbud buyers.
OnePlus may provide better battery life and audio oomph for the dollar, while Apple sets the standard for iPhone users wanting a seamless experience.
Ultimately, your smartphone platform may dictate the ideal choice here. But either way, you can expect excellent wireless sound, adaptive ANC, and an ergonomic design well-suited for everything from music listening to video calls.
As the earbud race continues to heat up, both OnePlus and Apple are charging forward with impressive products pushing the category to new heights.