Updated September 2026: in 2021 I listed what I loved about AirPods Pro: sound, automatic switching between my Apple devices, noise cancellation and long-wear comfort. I have rewritten it into a guide to the AirPods Pro features most people do not fully use.
I used AirPods Pro for long stretches of office work, and four things stood out: immersive sound with noise cancellation on, the way they connected automatically to my iPhone, iPad or MacBook Pro, the strength of the noise cancelling for such small earbuds, and comfort for long periods. Several useful features go beyond those.
How does automatic switching work?
AirPods connect to whichever Apple device you start using, if the devices share the same Apple Account. If switching is too eager, for example taking audio to an iPad you only glanced at, set each device to connect "When Last Connected to This iPhone" in the Bluetooth settings for the AirPods.
Which features are easy to miss?
- Ear tip fit test: checks the seal, which affects both sound and noise cancellation.
- Audio sharing: two pairs of AirPods can listen to the same iPhone.
- Find My: shows the last location and can play a sound from the earbuds.
- Personalised spatial audio: tunes spatial audio using a scan of your ears.
- Press and hold controls: can be set to switch noise modes or trigger Siri.
How do you get the best noise cancellation?
A good seal matters most. Try each tip size with the fit test, and replace worn tips. Keep the microphones' mesh clean, as blocked mesh can reduce noise cancellation and call quality.
Are AirPods Pro comfortable for long office days?
For many people, yes, as I found during long calls. Taking them out for a few minutes between meetings helps, as does using transparency mode when you need to hear the room. Some people prefer a headset for very long call days to avoid charging breaks.
How do you look after AirPods?
Clean them with a dry, lint-free cloth, avoid liquids near the openings, and keep the case closed in pockets and bags. Battery capacity declines over time with heavy use; if battery life drops noticeably, check Apple's battery service options.
Are they still worth it?
For people using several Apple devices, the switching and integration remain the strongest reasons. For Android users, other earbuds usually offer more for the money.