AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C: how good are they for exercising?

When the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C were released in October 2023, the outdoor sports season had just ended. But now spring is starting again and we are going running and cycling again. How well is that possible with Apple’s updated earphones?

Differences of the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C compared to the predecessor

Last October, Apple released a new version of the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C. Apart from the connection, little has changed compared to the predecessor. There is now a USB-C connection between the speaker holes, and there is now a small loop on the side for a lanyard. Oh yes, and the in-ears and charging case have now been slightly improved in terms of protection against the elements. While the previous models were only IPX4 certified against splash water, the new models are also resistant to dust (IP54).

In terms of fit and sound, there is no difference from the Lightning predecessor. There are still four silicone tips included so you are sure to find a size that fits your ears well. The sound quality is excellent, especially considering that these are tiny earphones. The active noise cancellation does its job excellently and ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the music.

Don’t the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C have any new functions?

So no new software functions at all in the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C? Anyway! But the AirPods 2 with USB-C have received the most important new functions via the update to iOS 17. An exciting feature is ‘adaptive audio’, a kind of combination of active noise cancellation and transparency mode. The function is based on the noise level and types of sounds in your environment. In the test this turned out to be a good compromise.

When running in the city we hear less ‘noise’ and only important sounds. This way we could listen to music without missing the cyclist shouting next to us. You switch between the different modes by pressing and holding the stem of the in-ears.

In theory, however, there is another exciting new feature: the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro can send lossless audio via Bluetooth. And the ‘latency’ (the delay between sending and receiving) is only milliseconds. However, these cool audio features only work with the Apple Vision Pro, which is not yet available in the Netherlands. Moreover, we do not plan to go running with the Vision Pro.

What are the most important functions of the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C?

Of course, the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C have even more to offer, although these are already well-known functions. The most important? That is definitely the active noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 2 very effectively block background noise and everyday noise, such as on planes, trains and traffic. This also works without music: even engine or vacuum cleaner noise is almost completely suppressed. Varying, higher-pitched sounds such as voices and typing on a keyboard are still audible, but much quieter. Apple’s in-ears are on par with the top models from Bose and Sony.

Transparency mode brings ambient sound to your ear via microphones. In other words: you can hear conversations, ambient and traffic sounds, so that we can run or cycle safely in traffic. Thanks to the new adaptive mode, you don’t even have to take any action yourself: it is quiet when it needs to be quiet, or you hear people, cyclists or cars around you if that is important. Also great: the earplugs do not transmit wind noise and do not amplify it.

How good are the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for exercising?

Although the AirPods Pro 2 are not officially sports earphones, they are our favorite for exercising. There are two reasons for this. First of all, the earbuds fit very comfortably in your ears, even when you wear them for a long time. They are so light that you hardly notice them, even though they sit deep in your ear.

Disclaimer: this is very individual. Because every ear is different and what suits one person may not work for another. Despite the four different attachments, we recommend that you always test these earphones before purchasing them (tip: there is an acoustic fit test for the attachments in the Bluetooth settings of the AirPods on the iPhone).

Reason 2: the excellent transparency and adaptive mode. Because we want to be able to hear outside sounds despite the music, especially during outdoor sports such as running and cycling. And the AirPods Pro do this excellently. We automatically hear all conversations, ambient and traffic sounds, so we can run and cycle safely in a busy city. Best of all, the AirPods don’t transmit or amplify wind noise.

We haven’t tested any other earphones that do this as well as the AirPods Pro 2. Many noise-canceling headphones can hardly be used outdoors in transparency mode, because even light gusts of wind cause noise.

Are there any more benefits?

Finally, the ventilation system introduced with the AirPods Pro ensures that no pressure is created in your ear. This also prevents bumping noises (muffled, annoying noises you hear with every step), which can be quite annoying while running.

While taking the photos for this review, we also discovered how well the AirPods Pro 2 can withstand a fall. The case accidentally fell about 4 meters from a balcony onto stone tiles. Apart from a few scratches there is nothing wrong. Also good to know for during exercise.

And in the gym?

Would you rather exercise indoors? The noise cancellation also works very well in the gym. Surprisingly, the in-ears also sit almost motionless in your ears during a workout. However, the AirPods Pro 2 do not have silicone wings to attach to your ear. This means that the earbuds can fall out of your ears during fast, jerky movements, jumps and handstands. However, burpees and sprints were not a problem in our test. But if you’re looking for the perfect gym earphones, you’re probably better off with in-ears like the Fit Pro from Beats.

Conclusion AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C review

The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C fit comfortably in the ear. The earphones (and the case) are splash- and dust-proof, lightweight and easy to use. The transparency and new adaptive mode are ideal for outdoor sports such as jogging or cycling – without disturbing sounds from your steps or the wind. The noise cancellation is also useful at the gym: you don’t have to turn up the volume so loud for quiet songs. The sound from the AirPods Pro 2 is also excellent – ​​clear and balanced, with plenty of bass. Highly recommended to participate in sports.

On iPhoned we test the latest iPhones and other Apple products. The editorial team (just like all other content on the website) compiles the reviews with a lot of time, care and attention.

This way you as a reader know exactly what to expect from the tested smartphone (and other products). In the reviews we go into depth, but in an understandable way. After all, we want everyone to understand the story and ultimately know how good (or bad) the tested device is.