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Editor's Pick Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) Sold via Amazon
4.5 18,450 buyer ratings

Apple AirPods (2nd Gen)

Best for: iPhone users who want effortless earbuds for calls, podcasts and music

Still the easiest earbuds to live with — instant pairing, a case that disappears in your pocket, and call quality that beats buds twice the price.

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Review updated 12 Oct 2026

4.5 / 5

Our verdict

The default recommendation for iPhone users — not the newest, but still the easiest earbuds to live with daily.

What we like

  • Pairing and switching is genuinely seamless
  • Best-in-class call quality
  • Featherlight — hours of comfortable wear
  • Case is pocketable everywhere

Worth knowing

  • No active noise cancellation
  • Open fit — no noise isolation
  • Bass is polite, not powerful

The full review

The second-generation AirPods are no longer the newest, but they remain the most effortless earbuds you can buy for an iPhone. Open the case near your phone, tap once, done — and every iPhone, iPad and Mac signed into your account just knows about them.

For Kenyan users the killer feature isn't music — it's calls. The beam-forming microphones handle Nairobi traffic noise better than almost anything else at this price, which is why you see them everywhere from CBD offices to campus hostels.

There's no noise cancellation and no silicone tips — they sit in the ear rather than sealing it. For loud matatu rides you might want the Pro model; for desk work, calls and podcasts, these are all you need.

Key features

  • Instant pairing with iCloud devices
  • Up to 24h total with charging case
  • Hey Siri hands-free
  • Beam-forming mics for clear calls
  • Lightning charging case

Alternatives

How it compares

Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) — this review Beats Flex Wireless Earphones Beats Flex Wireless Earphones Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max Apple HomePod Mini Apple HomePod Mini
Our rating 4.5 4.2 4.4 4.4
Best for iPhone users who want effortless earbuds for calls, podcasts and music Active listeners who want bass-heavy sound on a budgetApple users who want flagship noise cancelling without leaving the ecosystemiPhone households wanting a small Siri speaker and HomeKit hub
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Questions

Common questions

Do AirPods work with Android phones?

Yes, they pair as normal Bluetooth earbuds, but you lose instant pairing, battery pop-ups and some gesture features. Android users get better value elsewhere.