If you’re looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that pack some of Apple’s latest technology but won’t break the bank, the AirPods 2 might be right for you. Apple took the world by storm when it debuted the original AirPods. Then, in 2019, Apple released the AirPods 2, which kept what was great about the originals while bringing a host of new features to the earbuds.
Here are seven reasons why the AirPods 2 are still worth picking up.
1. You Can Pick Them Up for a Great Price
When they were first released in 2019, the AirPods 2 with a wireless charging case sold for $199. Now you can pick up that same model directly from Apple for only $129. That’s a great discount for a product that was once an Apple flagship.
Better yet, the AirPods 2 are frequently on sale. So, if you’re a savvy shopper you can get them for even less. If you’re on a tight budget and aren’t interested in charging your AirPods wirelessly, you can even get the AirPods 2 without the wireless charging case from some retailers for just $79. That’s an incredible price for true wireless earbuds.
2. They’re the Most Popular Wireless Earbuds Ever
Apple’s AirPods weren’t the first true wireless earbuds on the market, but they are no doubt the most successful.
It wasn’t always that way. When the original AirPods released in 2016, many reviewers actually slammed them for their unconventional design. However, those opinions didn’t age well. Since the first AirPods hit store shelves, they’ve become a common sight almost everywhere. Whether you’re on a college campus, working out at the gym, or taking a ride on public transport, you’ll be hard-pressed not to see someone using AirPods.
Better yet, because of how iconic and widespread AirPods have become, there’s a ton of accessories available for them. Whether you want to dress your AirPods 2 up with a cute case, make your AirPods more rugged, or extend their battery life, there’s no shortage of ways to make your AirPods unique.
3. They’ve Got Standard Wireless Charging
While the wireless charging case was once a premium feature you had to pay extra for, it’s now standard on the AirPods 2. Wireless charging makes juicing up your AirPods almost effortless. If you own any compatible Qi charger or MagSafe charger, all you need to do is plop the AirPods’ case down, and it’ll immediately start charging.
One of the biggest drawbacks of wireless charging is the speed. For now, wired charging is just faster. However, while it might take a while to charge your iPhone on a wireless pad, the battery in the AirPods’ case is much smaller. With the right charger you can get your AirPods 2’s case charged from 0 to 100% in around an hour. That’s enough power for up to 24 hours of listening time.
Standard wireless charging on the AirPods 2 makes using them just that much more convenient.
4. They Are Extremely Comfortable (For Some People)
Unlike most earbuds, the AirPods 2 don’t have a silicone tip that’s inserted into your ear canal. Instead, the AirPods are designed to sit in the outer part of your ear, giving you a much more natural fit. The unique design of the AirPods 2 can give you an extremely comfortable, almost-not-there feeling when worn. In fact, they’re so comfortable that many users even forget they’ve got them in.
Unfortunately, they’re not a perfect fit for everyone. If your ears are too small the AirPods 2 might be uncomfortably tight, and if your ears are too large they might fall out completely. While Apple designed the AirPods 2 to fit a wide range of ear shapes and sizes, there are some people who just prefer a more traditional earbud shape.
Although they’re not a perfect fit for everyone, the AirPods 2’s long-lasting popularity proves that if the shape works for you, it works extremely well.
5. They’re Packing Great Battery Life
The original AirPods debuted with great battery life, and the AirPods 2 improved on it. Just one charge of the AirPods 2 will give you up to three hours of talk time and up to five hours of listening time.
Better yet, charging up AirPods 2 is super quick. Placing your AirPods in the case will charge them from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes. If you’re in a rush, just 15 minutes in the case will charge them to over 50%. That’s enough juice for a two-hour phone call or three hours of listening to music.
Don’t forget that the case will get you up to six full charges, meaning the AirPods 2 will be there for you when you need them.
6. They’ve Got Some Secret Water-Resistant Capabilities
Unlike the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, Apple makes no claims to the AirPods 2’s water resistance. You won’t find any tests or IPX certifications directly from Apple. That being said, the AirPods 2 do seem to pack some defense against liquids.
YouTubers have submerged the AirPods 2 in water for extended periods of time, and found them still working afterwards. Also, there are plenty of stories on Reddit of people running their AirPods through the washing machine, using them in the rain, and even dropping them in the pool. Although you won’t hear it from Apple, the AirPods 2 are no slouch when it comes to water resistance.
7. They’ve Got the Same H1 Chip as AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro
The H1 chip debuted in the AirPods 2, and is still at the heart of Apple’s latest AirPods lineup. The H1 chip makes pairing the AirPods 2 with your iPhone super quick, and makes it possible to switch between devices on the fly.
With the H1 chip, when setting up your AirPods for the first time all you need to do is bring them close to your iPhone, and they’ll automatically sync. After that’s complete, your AirPods 2 will be able to connect to and switch between all your Bluetooth-capable Apple devices.
This means that if you get a call while you’re watching a movie on your iPad, your AirPods will automatically switch over to your iPhone. So if you pick up the AirPods 2, you’ll be getting a device with Apple’s latest technology built in.
The AirPods 2 Give You the Best of Both Worlds
Apple’s original AirPods changed the game when it came to wireless earbuds. The AirPods 2 followed up on that success, adding new features like wireless charging and increased connectivity. Since then, Apple has released the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, but the AirPods 2 are still a great combination of design, features, and a low price.
The AirPods 2 kept what was great about the originals while bringing key updates that keep them fresh, making them a great buy then and a great buy now.