AirPods Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2: Which one should you buy?

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 have just been released and are already being compared to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. They cost a lot less, but are they just as good? You can read that in this AirPods Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2 comparison!

AirPods Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2

OnePlus (known for its Android phones) recently released the new version of its earbuds. What features do the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 earbuds have? And are they better than Apple’s AirPods Pro 2?

They already have an advantage: the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are cheaper than the Apple AirPods Pro 2, but are they also better? Or is it better to buy the more expensive AirPods Pro 2?

Pair and use earbuds

Pairing AirPods on an iPhone is a lot more streamlined than with the OnePlus earbuds. You don’t need a separate app and the AirPods are completely integrated into the operating system.

Do you want to use the One Plus Buds Pro 2 on an iPhone? Then you need the HeyMelody app. Then, for the advanced features of the earbuds, you always have to be in this app. Do you have a OnePlus smartphone? Then all these functions are in the bluetooth settings. Other Android devices must also use the dedicated app.

Noise cancelling, transparency and spatial audio

Both the OnePlus and Apple earbuds have noise canceling. This suppresses ambient noise and you can enjoy the music in peace. This function is also very useful for telephone calls.

Furthermore, both earbuds have a transparency mode. When you turn on this function, you can put in the earbuds and still hear the sounds in the environment.

The AirPods Pro 2 also have adaptive transparency. This allows you to hear all the noise around you when you have the earbuds in, but noises that are too loud are suppressed. So you are less bothered by, for example, a noisy concrete drill during roadworks or noisy football supporters in the train.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 have a similar feature called ‘Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation’. This ensures that the earbuds adjust the degree of noise reduction based on the ambient noise.

Both earbuds support Spatial Audio. This converts the sound to a kind of three-dimensional sound. There is also the option to have the sound come from one direction.

Spatial Audio on iPhone only works with Apple’s AirPods. So for Spatial Audio with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 you must have a OnePlus smartphone.

Battery life: good and better

You can use the AirPods Pro 2 for up to 6 hours (50% volume with noise reduction) without charging in between. With the charging box, you can add another 30 hours of listening pleasure. So a total of 36 hours with a charged charging box and earplugs.

According to OnePlus, you can also use noise reduction for six hours with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 (and 50% volume). With a charged charging box and earplugs you can use the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 for about 25 hours. In that respect, the AirPods are slightly better, although both caps simply have an excellent battery life.

More features

It is possible to use only one earpiece with both the Buds Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 2 (and case) have an IPX4 rating (sweat and splash resistant). The box of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 also has the IPX4 rating. However, the Buds Pro 2 earbuds have a higher IP55 rating (so they’re splash proof). You should not swim with both ears.

Both the box of the AirPods Pro 2 and that of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 can be charged wirelessly. Wired is of course also possible: with Apple you use the Lightning cable, with the OnePlus earbuds you use a USB-C cable.

Both the Buds and the AirPods have touch controls in the stems that allow you to skip to the next song, among other things. The AirPods Pro 2 also have the option to adjust the volume with the stems. OnePlus’ Buds don’t have that. You are then always designated to control the volume via the iPhone.

Prices and color

The AirPods Pro 2 are only available in white and currently cost € 267.95. That makes them a lot more expensive than OnePlus earbuds.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 come in two colors: green and black. The suggested retail price is 179 euros, so they are a lot cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2. The price is close to the AirPods 3, but they do not have noise reduction.

AirPods Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds Pro 2: conclusion

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are excellent earbuds for a decent price. If you have an iPhone, you have to wonder if the main benefits of Apple’s earbuds outweigh the difference in price.

If you want to use the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 on an iPhone, you always have to use the app for the extra functions. With the AirPods Pro 2, all functions are easily accessible and incorporated in iOS.

In addition, the AirPods also work better with other Apple products. The battery life is a bit better with the AirPods Pro 2 and you can use Spatial Audio.

Buy AirPods Pro 2

Do you want to buy the AirPods Pro 2? Then check out our AirPods Pro 2 price comparison! With this you can easily find the best price.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 can now be pre-ordered. The earplugs will be officially released in Dutch on February 17.

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