The world of wireless earbuds has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, with brands like Apple and Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) leading the charge. Two of the most popular and highly-regarded earbuds in the market today are the AirPods Pro 2 and the B&W Pi7S2. Both offer exceptional sound quality, sleek designs, and impressive feature sets. But which one reigns supreme? In this article, we’ll delve into the details to help you decide which earbuds are right for you.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both earbuds excel in their respective ways. The AirPods Pro 2 feature Apple’s signature minimalist design, with a sleek and compact shape that fits snugly in the ear. The earbuds themselves are incredibly lightweight, making them perfect for extended wear. The charging case, although slightly larger than its predecessor, still manages to fit effortlessly in a pocket or purse.
On the other hand, the B&W Pi7S2 boasts a more premium, high-end aesthetic. The earbuds feature a sturdy, metallic design with a subtle curved shape that nestles comfortably in the ear. The charging case, made from high-quality materials, is slightly larger than the AirPods Pro 2 case but still portable enough to carry around. While both earbuds feel solid and well-built, the Pi7S2’s metallic construction gives it a slightly more luxurious feel.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are crucial aspects of earbuds, and both the AirPods Pro 2 and Pi7S2 deliver in this regard. Apple’s earbuds come with three ear tip sizes, ensuring a snug and secure fit for most users. The AirPods Pro 2 also feature Apple’s innovative Ear Tip Fit Test, which uses audio frequencies to determine the best ear tip size for your ears.
The Pi7S2, on the other hand, comes with a range of ear tips, including three sizes of silicone ear tips and two sizes of memory foam tips. The earbuds also feature a unique ” Smart Fit” system, which uses sensors to detect the fit of the earbuds in your ear and adjust the sound accordingly.
In-Ear Detection
Both earbuds feature in-ear detection, which pauses music playback when you remove an earbud. However, the AirPods Pro 2 take it a step further with their advanced accelerometer and optical sensors, which can detect even the slightest movement of the earbud. This means that music pauses instantly when you remove an earbud, and resumes when you put it back in.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where the AirPods Pro 2 and Pi7S2 truly shine. Both earbuds deliver exceptional audio performance, but with some notable differences.
The AirPods Pro 2 feature Apple’s proprietary H1 chip, which provides a seamless and stable audio connection. The earbuds support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, making for an immersive listening experience. Apple has also improved the bass response in the AirPods Pro 2, providing a more detailed and nuanced sound.
The Pi7S2, on the other hand, boasts B&W’s renowned audio expertise. The earbuds feature a 9.2mm dynamic driver, which provides a rich and detailed sound with excellent bass response. The Pi7S2 also supports 24-bit/48kHz high-resolution audio, making them ideal for audiophiles.
Active Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a critical feature for many earbud users, and both the AirPods Pro 2 and Pi7S2 deliver impressive performance in this regard. Apple’s earbuds feature an improved ANC system, which uses advanced algorithms and dual microphones to block out background noise.
The Pi7S2, however, takes ANC to the next level with its advanced noise-cancellation system. The earbuds feature a unique “Silence” mode, which uses advanced noise-cancellation technology to block out even the most intrusive sounds.
Both earbuds feature a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music. The AirPods Pro 2’s transparency mode is incredibly natural, with a subtle hiss that’s barely noticeable. The Pi7S2’s transparency mode, on the other hand, is slightly more pronounced, but still effective.
Features and Compatibility
When it comes to features and compatibility, the AirPods Pro 2 and Pi7S2 cater to different user demographics.
The AirPods Pro 2 are deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem, making them an ideal choice for iPhone users. The earbuds support features like seamless pairing, easy switching between devices, and audio sharing. Apple’s earbuds also work seamlessly with Siri, allowing for effortless voice commands.
The Pi7S2, on the other hand, is designed for a broader audience, with support for both iOS and Android devices. The earbuds feature a dedicated app that allows for customized EQ settings, noise-cancellation modes, and firmware updates. The Pi7S2 also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, making them a great choice for users invested in the Google or Amazon ecosystems.
Wireless Charging
Both earbuds support wireless charging, but with some differences. The AirPods Pro 2 come with a wireless charging case, while the Pi7S2 requires a separate wireless charging pad (sold separately).
Water Resistance
The AirPods Pro 2 boast an impressive IPX4 rating, making them resistant to water and sweat. The Pi7S2, on the other hand, have an IPX3 rating, which provides some protection against water and sweat but is less robust than the AirPods Pro 2.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a critical consideration for earbud users, and both the AirPods Pro 2 and Pi7S2 deliver impressive performance.
The AirPods Pro 2 boast up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours of battery life from the charging case. Apple’s earbuds also support fast charging, providing 1 hour of listening time from a 5-minute charge.
The Pi7S2, on the other hand, provide up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 22 hours of battery life from the charging case. The earbuds also support fast charging, providing 2 hours of listening time from a 10-minute charge.
Price and Verdict
So, which earbuds are better – the AirPods Pro 2 or the Pi7S2? The answer ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
If you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and value a seamless, hassle-free listening experience, the AirPods Pro 2 are an excellent choice. With their impressive sound quality, comfortable design, and robust feature set, they’re an excellent value at $249.
On the other hand, if you’re an audiophile looking for exceptional sound quality and a premium, high-end design, the Pi7S2 are worth considering. With their rich, detailed sound and sleek, metallic design, they’re a great choice for those who value audio fidelity above all else. At $399, they’re a significant investment, but one that’s well worth it for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Ultimately, both the AirPods Pro 2 and Pi7S2 are exceptional earbuds that cater to different user demographics. By understanding your needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Are AirPods Pro 2 better than B&W Pi7S2 in terms of sound quality?
The AirPods Pro 2 and B&W Pi7S2 both offer high-quality sound, but the B&W Pi7S2 edges out the AirPods Pro 2 in terms of pure sound quality. This is because the Pi7S2 uses bespoke 9.2mm drivers that provide a more detailed and nuanced soundstage. The Pi7S2 also has a more neutral frequency response, which means it reproduces music more accurately without emphasizing specific frequencies.
That being said, the AirPods Pro 2 are still an excellent choice for those who want a more convenient and seamless listening experience. The AirPods Pro 2 have improved drivers compared to their predecessors, and they offer a more balanced sound with better bass response. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 have features like Spatial Audio and Dynamic Head Tracking, which can enhance the listening experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Do AirPods Pro 2 have better noise cancellation than B&W Pi7S2?
The AirPods Pro 2 have improved noise cancellation compared to their predecessors, thanks to their new H2 chip. They offer advanced noise cancellation with a feature called “Adaptive EQ,” which adjusts the sound in real-time to compensate for external noise. The AirPods Pro 2 also have a “Conversation Boost” feature that helps to amplify voices and reduce background noise.
However, the B&W Pi7S2 also offer excellent noise cancellation, thanks to their dual-mic system and proprietary noise-cancellation technology. While they may not be quite as effective as the AirPods Pro 2 in extremely noisy environments, they are still capable of delivering a quiet and immersive listening experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Are AirPods Pro 2 more comfortable to wear than B&W Pi7S2?
The AirPods Pro 2 are designed to be incredibly comfortable to wear, with a new “XS” ear tip size and a lightweight design that fits snugly in the ear. They are also IPX4 rated, which means they can withstand sweat and water. Many users find the AirPods Pro 2 to be extremely comfortable, even for extended periods of wear.
The B&W Pi7S2 are also designed to be comfortable, but they have a slightly larger size and weight compared to the AirPods Pro 2. This may make them less comfortable for users with smaller ears, although they still fit snugly and securely. Ultimately, comfort is a highly subjective measure, and it’s recommended to try both options before making a decision.
Do AirPods Pro 2 have better battery life than B&W Pi7S2?
The AirPods Pro 2 have a battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge, with up to 30 hours of total battery life when using the charging case. This is an improvement over the previous generation of AirPods Pro, and it’s competitive with other premium earbuds on the market.
The B&W Pi7S2 have a battery life of up to 5 hours on a single charge, with up to 24 hours of total battery life when using the charging case. While they don’t quite match the AirPods Pro 2 in terms of battery life, they are still a solid choice for users who want a premium listening experience without sacrificing too much battery life.
Are AirPods Pro 2 easier to use than B&W Pi7S2?
The AirPods Pro 2 are incredibly easy to use, with seamless integration with Apple devices and intuitive controls. They also have features like automatic ear detection, which pauses music when you remove an earbud, and voice assistant integration, which allows you to access Siri or other voice assistants with a simple tap.
The B&W Pi7S2 are also relatively easy to use, with intuitive controls and features like automatic pause and play. However, they may require a bit more effort to set up and pair with your device, especially for users who are new to premium earbuds. Overall, the AirPods Pro 2 are a solid choice for users who want a hassle-free listening experience.
Are AirPods Pro 2 more affordable than B&W Pi7S2?
The AirPods Pro 2 are priced competitively in the premium earbud market, with a starting price of around $249. This is on par with other high-end earbuds, and it’s a relative bargain considering the advanced features and technology you get.
The B&W Pi7S2 are priced slightly higher, with a starting price of around $399. While they are more expensive, they offer a more premium listening experience and advanced features like Hi-Res Audio support. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your budget and your priorities.
Should I choose AirPods Pro 2 or B&W Pi7S2 for exercising and working out?
The AirPods Pro 2 are an excellent choice for exercising and working out, thanks to their IPX4 rating and sweat-resistant design. They are also incredibly lightweight and secure, making them a great choice for high-intensity activities.
The B&W Pi7S2 are also a solid choice for exercising and working out, although they may not be quite as durable as the AirPods Pro 2. They have a slightly larger size and weight, which may make them less comfortable for intense activities. However, they are still IPX4 rated and sweat-resistant, making them a solid choice for users who want a premium listening experience during their workouts.