AirPods Pro noise cancelling review

Are you tired of being constantly surrounded by noise? Whether you're commuting to work, trying to study in a noisy coffee shop, or just need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, noise cancelling technology can provide the relief you need.

The AirPods Pro, Apple's latest wireless earbuds, have quickly become a popular choice for those looking to enjoy high-quality audio while blocking out external noise. With their active noise cancelling feature, AirPods Pro can help you create your own oasis of peace and quiet, no matter where you are.

But how do the AirPods Pro compare to other noise cancelling headphones and earbuds on the market? Is the noise cancelling technology effective? And are they worth the investment?

In this comprehensive review, we'll take a deep dive into the AirPods Pro noise cancelling feature. We'll explore the science behind noise cancelling technology, how the AirPods Pro compare to other headphones, and provide a detailed breakdown of their noise cancelling modes and settings.

We'll also discuss practical considerations, such as battery life and comfort, to help you decide if the AirPods Pro are the right choice for you. And for those who already own a pair of AirPods Pro, we'll provide tips and tricks for maximizing their noise cancelling potential.

So if you're looking for a reliable and effective way to block out the noise, join us on this journey as we explore the world of AirPods Pro noise cancelling.

The Science Behind Noise Cancelling Technology

NoNoise-cancellingechnology is an advanced audio feature that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It works by using a microphone to detect external sounds and then generating an opposing sound wave to cancel out the original sound. This results in a quieter and more peaceful listening experience.

The AirPods Pro utilize active noise cancelling technology, which is considered to be the most effective form of noise cancelling. This means that the earbuds actively generate sound waves to counteract external noise. But how exactly does this technology work?

Active noise cancelling technology uses a process called destructive interference. Sound waves are made up of compressions and rarefactions, or high and low-pressure regions. When a sound wave encounters an opposing sound wave, the compressions and rarefactions can cancel each other out, resulting in silence.

To achieve this effect, the AirPods Pro use microphones to detect external sounds, such as traffic or chatter. The earbuds then generate a sound wave that is exactly opposite to the detected sound wave, effectively cancelling it out.

To ensure that the sound wave is precisely opposite, the AirPods Pro use digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. These algorithms analyze the incoming sound and create an inverted sound wave in real-time This results in a highly effective noise-cancelling experience, even in noisy environments.

But it's not just about generating a sound wave. The AirPods Pro also use adaptive EQ technology to adjust the sound to the shape of the listener's ear. This helps to create a more immersive and comfortable listening experience, while also enhancing the effectiveness of the noise cancelling.

The science behind noise cancelling technology is complex but fascinating. And with the AirPods Pro, users can enjoy a high-quality and effective noise cancelling experience that truly blocks out external noise.

What is AirPods Pro?

AirPods Pro are Apple's latest wireless earbuds, designed to provide high-quality audio and advanced features in a compact and portable package. One of the key features of the AirPods Pro is their active noise cancelling technology, which can help users block out external noise and enjoy a more immersive listening experience.

The AirPods Pro feature a sleek and modern design, with a shorter stem and in-ear tips for a secure and comfortable fit. They also come with a wireless charging case that can provide up to 24 hours of battery life.

But what really sets the AirPods Pro apart is their noise cancelling technology. With two microphones in each earbud, the AirPods Pro are able to detect external sounds and generate opposing sound waves to cancel them out. This results in a much quieter listening experience, making it easier to focus on music, podcasts, or phone calls.

The AirPods Pro also feature transparency mode, which allows users to hear external sounds while still enjoying audio playback. This is particularly useful for those who need to be aware of their surroundings, such as when commuting or walking outside.

Other advanced features of the AirPods Pro include adaptive EQ technology, which adjusts the sound to the shape of the listener's ear for a more personalized experience, and hands-free "Hey Siri" activation.

In this comprehensive review, we'll take a closer look at the AirPods Pro noise cancelling feature, exploring its effectiveness and practical considerations such as battery life and comfort. We'll also compare the AirPods Pro to other noise cancelling headphones and earbuds on the market, and provide tips and tricks for maximizing their noise cancelling potential.

Whether you're a music lover, podcast enthusiast, or just looking for a way to block out the noise of everyday life, the AirPods Pro offer a powerful and convenient solution. So join us as we explore the world of AirPods Pro noise cancelling.

Setting Up Your AirPods Pro

Setting up your AirPods Pro is a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few simple steps. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Ensure your iOS device is updated

Before setting up your AirPods Pro, make sure that your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. This will ensure that you have all of the necessary software updates to fully utilize the AirPods Pro's features.

Step 2: Open the AirPods Pro case

With the AirPods Pro case open and the earbuds inside, bring the case close to your iPhone or iPad. Your device should recognize the AirPods Pro and prompt you to set them up.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. This will involve selecting your preferred settings, such as whether you want to use noise cancelling or transparency mode

Step 4: Customize your AirPods Pro settings

Once your AirPods Pro are set up, you can customize their settings to suit your preferences. This includes adjusting the controls for each earbud, setting up automatic ear detection, and configuring Siri.

Step 5: Start using your AirPods Pro

With your AirPods Pro set up and customized to your liking, you're ready to start using them. Simply place them in your ears and enjoy high-quality audio with active noise cancelling technology.

By following these simple steps, you can easily set up your AirPods Pro and start enjoying all of their advanced features. Whether you're listening to music, taking phone calls, or just enjoying a moment of peace and quiet, the AirPods Pro noise cancelling technology can help you stay focused and immersed in your audio experience.

Understanding the Different Noise Cancelling Modes

One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro is their noise cancelling technology, which uses advanced algorithms to block out external noise and provide a more immersive audio experience. But did you know that there are actually three different noise cancelling modes that you can use with the AirPods Pro? Here's a closer look at each one:

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Mode

This is the default noise cancelling mode for the AirPods Pro, and it's the one that most users will likely prefer. In this mode, the AirPods Pro use advanced algorithms to block out external noise, creating a more immersive audio experience. ANC mode is ideal for use in noisy environments, such as when traveling on a plane or working in a loud office.

Transparency Mode

In Transparency mode, the AirPods Pro use their built-in microphones to amplify the sound of the world around you, allowing you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music or taking phone calls. This mode is ideal for situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as when walking on a busy street or having a conversation with someone.

Off Mode

As the name suggests, Off mode turns off noise cancelling altogether, allowing you to hear everything around you without any amplification. This mode is ideal for situations where you don't need noise cancelling, such as when sitting in a quiet room or listening to music at a low volume.

To switch between these different noise cancelling modes, simply press and hold the force sensor on the stem of your AirPods Pro. This will cycle through the different modes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs at any given moment.

By understanding the different noise cancelling modes available on the AirPods Pro, you can get the most out of this advanced feature and enjoy a more immersive and customizable audio experience.

Using Transparency Mode

Transparency Mode is a unique feature of the AirPods Pro that allows you to hear the world around you while still listening to your audio content. This is achieved through the use of built-in microphones that capture external sound and play it back to you in real-time, giving you the ability to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music or taking phone calls.

To activate Transparency Mode on your AirPods Pro, simply press and hold the force sensor on the stem of either earbud until you hear a chime. You can also activate this mode through the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, or by using Siri voice commands.

Once Transparency Mode is activated, you'll be able to hear external sounds more clearly, even while your music or other audio content is still playing. This can be especially useful in situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as when walking on a busy street or having a conversation with someone.

In addition to the real-time amplification of external sound, Transparency Mode also allows you to adjust the volume of your audio content separately from the volume of the ambient noise around you. This means that you can find the perfect balance between your music and the world around you, creating a more personalized and immersive listening experience.

Transparency Mode is a powerful and flexible feature of the AirPods Pro that can help you stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your audio content. Whether you're taking phone calls, listening to music, or watching videos, this mode is a great way to customize your listening experience and stay connected to the world around you.

Tips for Maximizing Battery Life

The AirPods Pro offer excellent battery life, with up to 4.5 hours of listening time and 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge. However, there are some tips you can follow to maximize the battery life of your AirPods Pro and ensure that they stay charged for longer periods of time.

Keep Your AirPods Pro Charged: Always make sure that your AirPods Pro are charged before use. You can check the battery level by placing the AirPods Pro in their charging case and opening the lid near your iPhone or iPad. You can also check the battery level in the Control Center of your iPhone or iPad.

Turn off Noise Cancelling: The Noise Cancelling feature can drain your AirPods Pro battery quickly. If you don't need this feature, turn it off to conserve battery life.

Use One AirPod at a Time: You can use one AirPod at a time, which can help to conserve battery life. Simply place the other AirPod in the charging case while you use the other one.

Use the Charging Case: When you're not using your AirPods Pro, make sure to place them in their charging case. The case will automatically charge the AirPods Pro, ensuring that they're always ready to use.

Use Low Power Mode: When your AirPods Pro battery is low, you can enable Low Power Mode. This mode reduces the amount of power used by the AirPods Pro, extending the battery life.

Use Airplane Mode: If you're not using your AirPods Pro, you can place them in Airplane Mode. This mode turns off Bluetooth, which can help to conserve battery life.

By following these simple tips, you can maximize the battery life of your AirPods Pro and ensure that they're always ready to use when you need them.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The AirPods Pro are a fantastic piece of technology, but like all devices, they can sometimes encounter problems. Here are some common issues that you may encounter while using your AirPods Pro, along with some troubleshooting tips.

Connectivity Issues: If your AirPods Pro are not connecting to your device, try resetting them. To do this, place the AirPods Pro in their charging case and press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED light on the front of the case flashes white. Then, re-pair the AirPods Pro with your device.

Low Volume: If you're experiencing low volume from your AirPods Pro, make sure that the volume is turned up on your device. You can also check the volume on the AirPods Pro by using the volume controls on your device or by asking Siri to increase the volume.

 

Noise Cancelling Issues: If you're having problems with the Noise Cancelling feature, make sure that it's turned on in the AirPods Pro settings. You can also try resetting your AirPods Pro or cleaning the ear tips.

Charging Issues: If your AirPods Pro are not charging, make sure that they're properly seated in the charging case. You can also try cleaning the charging contacts on the AirPods Pro and the charging case.

Battery Life Issues: If you're experiencing poor battery life from your AirPods Pro, try resetting them and re-pairing them with your device. You can also try turning off the Noise Cancelling feature and using only one AirPod at a time.

If you're still experiencing problems with your AirPods Pro, you may need to contact Apple Support for assistance. However, by following these troubleshooting tips, you can often solve common problems and get back to enjoying your AirPods Pro in no time.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your AirPods Pro

To keep your AirPods Pro in top condition, it's important to clean and maintain them regularly. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Clean the Ear Tips: The ear tips are the part of the AirPods Pro that go into your ears, so it's important to keep them clean. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any debris or earwax that may have accumulated on the ear tips. You can also remove the ear tips and wash them with water and soap, but make sure they're completely dry before reattaching them.

Clean the Charging Case: The charging case is where you store and charge your AirPods Pro, so it's important to keep it clean. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the charging case. You can also use a toothbrush to clean the charging contacts, but make sure not to get any water or other liquids inside the case.

Avoid Excessive Moisture: AirPods Pro are not waterproof, so it's important to avoid exposing them to excessive moisture. Don't wear them in the shower or while swimming, and avoid using them in rainy or humid conditions.

Store Them Properly: When you're not using your AirPods Pro, make sure to store them in their charging case. This will help protect them from damage and keep them charged up and ready to use.

By following these tips, you can keep your AirPods Pro clean and well-maintained, ensuring that they continue to provide you with great sound quality and noise cancelling performance for years to come.

Pairing AirPods Pro with Other Apple Devices

One of the great features of the AirPods Pro is that they can be easily paired with other Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Here's how to do it:

Make sure your Apple device is updated: Before you begin pairing your AirPods Pro with your Apple device, make sure that your device is updated to the latest version of its operating system. This will ensure that it is compatible with the AirPods Pro.

Open the AirPods Pro case: 

Open the AirPods Pro case so that the earbuds are inside and ready to pair.

Bring your device close: Make sure your device is close to the AirPods Pro, but not too close (about 6 inches away is good).

Enable Bluetooth: Turn on Bluetooth on your device by going to Settings > Bluetooth.

 

Select AirPods Pro: In the list of available devices, select AirPods Pro.

 

Confirm pairing: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm that you want to pair your AirPods Pro with your device.

 

Pairing successful: Once the pairing is successful, you should see a message on your device confirming that the AirPods Pro are connected. You can now use your AirPods Pro to listen to music, make phone calls, and more.

 

It's worth noting that once you've paired your AirPods Pro with one Apple device, they should automatically pair with other Apple devices that are signed in to the same iCloud account. This makes it easy to switch between devices without having to go through the pairing process each time.

Pairing AirPods Pro with Non-Apple Devices

While AirPods Pro are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, you can also pair them with non-Apple devices, such as Android smartphones or Windows PCs. Here's how to do it:

Put your AirPods Pro in pairing mode: To put your AirPods Pro in pairing mode, press and hold the button on the back of the charging case until the LED light on the front starts flashing white.

 

Enable Bluetooth on your non-Apple device: Turn on Bluetooth on your non-Apple device by going to the Bluetooth settings menu.

Search for available devices: In the Bluetooth settings menu, select "Pair new device" or "Search for devices" to search for available Bluetooth devices.

Select AirPods Pro: When your non-Apple device finds your AirPods Pro, select them from the list of available devices.

Confirm pairing: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm that you want to pair your AirPods Pro with your non-Apple device.

Pairing successful: Once the pairing is successful, you should see a message on your non-Apple device confirming that the AirPods Pro are connected. You can now use your AirPods Pro to listen to music, make phone calls, and more.

It's worth noting that some AirPods Pro features, such as automatic switching between devices and using "Hey Siri" to activate voice commands, may not work when paired with non-Apple devices. However, you can still enjoy the noise cancelling and audio quality of your AirPods Pro on a wide range of devices.

Customizing Controls and Settings

AirPods Pro come with a range of customizable controls and settings that allow you to tailor your listening experience to your preferences. Here are some of the ways you can customize your AirPods Pro:

Customize the press-and-hold action: By default, pressing and holding the force sensor on the stem of your AirPods Pro activates noise cancelling mode. However, you can customize this action to activate Siri, play or pause music, or skip to the next track. To customize the press-and-hold action, go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Pro and select "Press and Hold AirPods" to choose your preferred action.

Customize the double-tap action: You can also customize the double-tap action on your AirPods Pro to activate Siri, play or pause music, skip to the next track, or go back to the previous track. To customize the double-tap action, go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Pro and select "Left" or "Right" to choose your preferred action.

Adjust noise cancelling settings: You can adjust the level of noise cancelling on your AirPods Pro to suit your environment. To adjust noise cancelling settings, go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Pro and select "Noise Control" to choose your preferred level of noise cancelling.

Enable Transparency mode: Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music or making phone calls. To enable Transparency mode, press and hold the force sensor on the stem of your AirPods Pro, or ask Siri to turn on Transparency mode.

 

Customize ear fit: AirPods Pro come with three different sizes of ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. You can try out different sizes of ear tips to find the best fit for your ears.

By customizing your controls and settings, you can get the most out of your AirPods Pro and enjoy a personalized listening experience.

Customizing Controls and Settings

AirPods Pro offer a range of customizable controls and settings that allow you to tailor your listening experience to your preferences. Here are some of the options available:

Ear Tip Fit Test: This feature helps you ensure you're using the right size ear tips for your AirPods Pro. It measures the sound level in your ear and lets you know if you need to adjust the fit for optimal noise cancellation.

Noise Control: You can choose between three different noise control modes: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Off. These modes can be selected from the Control Center on your iPhone or by pressing and holding the force sensor on your AirPods Pro.

Press and Hold Functions: You can customize the press and hold function of each AirPod Pro. By default, pressing and holding on the force sensor activates Siri, but you can change it to switch between Noise Control modes, play or pause audio, or skip to the next track.

Automatic Ear Detection: When this feature is turned on, your AirPods Pro will automatically pause audio playback when you take them out of your ears and resume playback when you put them back in.

Microphone: You can choose which microphone to use when making phone calls or recording audio. By default, your AirPods Pro use both microphones to capture your voice and reduce background noise, but you can choose to use only the left or right microphone.

EQ Settings: You can choose from several equalizer presets, including Bass Boost, Classical, Dance, Jazz, Pop, Rock, and more. You can also create your own custom EQ settings by adjusting the low, mid, and high frequencies.

To customize these settings, you'll need to access the AirPods Pro settings on your iPhone or iPad. Simply open the Settings app, select Bluetooth, and tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods Pro. From here, you can adjust all of the settings mentioned above and more.

Customizing your AirPods Pro controls and settings can help you get the most out of your listening experience. Experiment with different options to find the ones that work best for you.

Using AirPods Pro with Voice Assistants

AirPods Pro come with built-in voice assistant support for Siri, making it easy to access your iPhone or other Apple devices hands-free. However, you can also use them with other voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

To use AirPods Pro with non-Apple voice assistants, you need to activate them using the voice assistant's wake word. Here's how to do it:

Make sure your AirPods Pro are connected to your device.

Activate your voice assistant by saying its wake word. For example, say "Hey Google" to activate Google Assistant or "Alexa" to activate Amazon Alexa.

Once the voice assistant is active, it will use your AirPods Pro as the audio output source.

With AirPods Pro, you can perform various tasks with voice commands, such as making calls, sending texts, and controlling music playback. To use voice commands, simply activate your voice assistant and give it a command. For example, you can say "Hey Siri, call John" or "Hey Google, play some music."

One advantage of using AirPods Pro with voice assistants is that you can control your devices without needing to take them out of your pocket or bag. This can be particularly useful when you're driving or doing other activities that require your hands to be free.

To customize your AirPods Pro settings for voice assistants, you can use the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Here's how:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Tap Bluetooth and select your AirPods Pro from the list of devices.

Tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods Pro.

Scroll down to the "Double-Tap on AirPod" section and select the option for "Siri" or "Off" depending on your preference.

By default, double-tapping on either AirPod will activate Siri. However, you can change this to perform other tasks, such as skipping to the next track or turning noise cancelling on or off. You can also customize the press and hold action to perform a different task, such as activating your voice assistant.

In conclusion, AirPods Pro can be used with various voice assistants to perform tasks hands-free. By customizing your settings, you can optimize your experience with your preferred voice assistant.

Experiencing Music with Noise Cancelling

The AirPods Pro are renowned for their exceptional noise cancelling technology, and this feature is particularly beneficial when listening to music. When the noise cancelling feature is activated, it eliminates any external noise and enhances the audio quality of the music, providing a more immersive and enjoyable experience.

One of the primary advantages of using the AirPods Pro for music is the ability to experience the full range of sound, from deep bass to high treble. The noise cancelling technology eliminates any background noise that may interfere with the music, allowing you to hear every detail of the music as it was intended to be heard.

In addition, the AirPods Pro's noise cancelling technology allows you to enjoy music at a lower volume, which can help reduce the risk of hearing damage. Because external sounds are blocked out, you don't need to turn up the volume to hear your music over background noise.

To fully experience the benefits of noise cancelling technology when listening to music with your AirPods Pro, it's important to make sure the earbuds are properly seated in your ears. When the earbuds fit securely in your ears, they create a tight seal that helps to block out external noise and maximize the effectiveness of the noise cancelling technology.

The AirPods Pro also come with Adaptive EQ, which adjusts the audio quality of the music based on the shape of your ears. This can help ensure that you are hearing music the way it was intended to be heard.

Another advantage of the AirPods Pro for music lovers is the convenience of wireless connectivity. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily connect your AirPods Pro to your smartphone, tablet, or other device, and stream music directly to your earbuds without any wires.

In conclusion, the AirPods Pro noise cancelling technology provides an exceptional music listening experience. With the elimination of external noise, the full range of sound can be enjoyed at a lower volume, reducing the risk of hearing damage. The convenience of wireless connectivity makes the AirPods Pro an excellent choice for music lovers who want a more immersive and enjoyable music experience.

Enhancing Audio for Movies and TV Shows

AirPods Pro not only offer excellent noise cancelling for music, but they also provide a high-quality audio experience for watching movies and TV shows. With the right settings and features, you can immerse yourself in your favorite content and enjoy it to the fullest.

First, let's talk about the different sound settings available on AirPods Pro. There are three different sound settings: Noise Cancelling, Transparency, and Off. The Noise Cancelling setting is perfect for blocking out external noise and immersing yourself in your content. The Transparency setting is useful when you need to be aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your content. Lastly, the Off setting is ideal when you want to save battery life or if you prefer to use the AirPods Pro solely as a hearing aid.

To enhance your audio experience, AirPods Pro also come with an equalizer (EQ) that allows you to adjust the sound to your liking. The EQ has several preset options, including Bass Boost, Classical, Dance, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Pop, R&B, and Rock. You can also create your custom EQ by adjusting the frequencies manually in the settings.

When watching movies or TV shows, it's essential to ensure that the sound is synced with the video. If the sound is out of sync, it can be frustrating and distracting. AirPods Pro has a feature that helps you adjust the audio latency, which is the delay between the video and the sound. To access this feature, go to Settings > Bluetooth, and tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods Pro. Then, tap on "Audio/Video Sync" and adjust the slider until the sound is in sync with the video.

Another useful feature of AirPods Pro is Spatial Audio. Spatial Audio provides a surround sound experience, making you feel like you're in the middle of the action. This feature works by tracking the movement of your head and adjusting the audio accordingly, creating a 3D soundstage. To enable Spatial Audio, make sure your AirPods Pro is connected to an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14 or later. Then, go to Settings > Bluetooth, and tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods Pro. Finally, toggle on the "Spatial Audio" option.

 AirPods Pro offers several features and settings that can enhance your audio experience when watching movies and TV shows. With Noise Cancelling, Transparency, and Off settings, you can choose the right mode for your preferences. The EQ and audio latency adjustment features allow you to fine-tune the sound to your liking, and Spatial Audio provides a surround sound experience that makes you feel like you're in the middle of the action.