The EarFun Air Pro 2 is a new iteration of the EarFun Air Pro, a successful and popular earphone that we've reviewed previously. The Air Pro 2 and accompanying clamshell case carry upgraded drivers and Bluetooth and a whole new look.
Resident tech writer William Lobley has been using the original generation on-and-off for over a year now and was excited to put the newcomers to the test. Will the latest version usurp the old guard?
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Connection: | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Drivers: | 10mm |
| Battery: | 31 hours (earphones: 7, case: 24) |
| Charge time: | 2 hours (case via USB-C) |
| Other: | IPX5 (earphones only) |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Well balanced and accurate audio | • Very weak microphone performance on calls |
| • Still comfortable after hours of use | • A smidge too expensive |
| • Loads of battery when combined with case |
Verdict: The EarFun Air Pro 2 are, on the whole, a welcome improvement over their predecessors. The subtle changes that EarFun has made to the audio performance pay off, and the physical design of the earphones is sleeker and lighter. While there is a lot to love here, some will undoubtedly avoid them due to the blight of poor microphone performance on calls - a blight on an otherwise satisfying package.
Build
• A fresh new look
• Some nice tech upgrades
• Wireless charging and USB-C quick charging
The second generation of the EarFun Air Pro looks nothing like the first. Out are the sharp lines and chunky panels, and in are smooth and rounded. It’s no bad thing – though I was a fan of the previous design, they weren’t to everyone’s taste. Visually, the EarFun Air Pro 2 sit more comfortably among their peers, such as the Apple AirPods and Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2.
The earphones are well put together, with the outer gloss plastic sitting tightly against the main body of the bud. The earphones are rated IPX5, which means they are robustly waterproof, so sweat and rain won't kill them. The new design is also light and well proportioned – switching between these and the original Air Pro makes for a stark contrast, with the new leaving the old feel clucky and bulky.
There’s plenty of tech lurking in the newly designed shell. The EarFun Air Pro 2 connects to a device via Bluetooth 5.2 and holds up to seven hours of charge – two hours down on the previous generation, but still enough for a day of use. The Air Pro 2 use 10mm audio drivers, three mics take care of noise-cancelling and six mics are onboard for voice calls. Touch controls are also supported.
Related: EarFun Free Pro Earbuds review | EarFun Air Pro Wireless Earbuds review
The change in design isn’t limited to the earphones - the clamshell case has received a little makeover. The case of the Air Pro 2 is a fraction smaller than its predecessor, with a uniform oval shape, matte coating and engraved logo. It’s an improvement, both visually and functionally – the previous gloss finish was a tad slippery and fiddly. The new is easy to grip and open, which may seem like a small thing, but when you’re in a rush to get to the morning train, fiddling with a case can peeve.
The case holds 24-hours of additional power and recharges via either the USB-C connection or a wireless Qi pad. While wireless charging is a handy feature, most will want to use the USB-C – it provides a full charge in only two hours.
Usability
• Comfortable
• Strong Bluetooth performance
The EarFun Air Pro 2 are easy to wear and easy to use. The earphones ship with several different tip sizes, allowing you to pick the best fit for your ear canal. The lightweight design means they sit well during movement, including running and cycling and can be worn for hours without causing aches and niggles.
Maybe it’s the upgrade from Bluetooth 5.0 to Bluetooth 5.2, or maybe it’s some wizardry from EarFun, but pairing with devices is quick and simple. The pairing button on the case does what it should, too, allowing new connections to be established quickly. This new Bluetooth is also adept at keeping audio synced with onscreen entertainment, too.
The touch controls are implemented well, with all commands being given via the top round section of the earphone - it’s a simple step up from the previous generation. As I stated in my review of the original Air Pro, the touch controls were good. However, with the new design doing away with the large panelling, it’s much easier to tell by touch where you are on the earphone, and therefore, that you’re in the right place to give some commands.
Performance
• Improved audio
• Good ANC
• Poor phone calls
Edifier tuned the drivers found in the original EarFun Air Pro and the sound was full of life. Edifier isn’t involved with the EarFun Air Pro 2, but it certainly sounds like EarFun has learnt from the brand. The all-new Air Pro 2 takes the best qualities of its previous iteration and improves upon it in some really pleasing ways.
Unlike the physical design, the changes that EarFun has made to the audio are subtle, but the impact is notable. The change comes through increased separation and the introduction of more space into the soundstage. This means that it sounds as though the instruments are spread out more, resulting in a better sense of direction and an improved sense of clarity. It’s a cleaner, neater experience.
Most of the change is felt in the bass response, which no longer booms in quite the same way, instead of sitting slightly further back and out, offering up a taught and accurate sound. Though there is energy in boomy bass, the maturity of the new sound is welcome and certainly an improvement.
Related: The best wireless headphones | The best bone conduction headphones
The Active Noise Cancellation is solid, too. It silences a good amount of the outside world without much fuss, only the loudest of distractions. However, I often found that ANC was not needed as the snug fit and volume of the Air Pro 2 blocked enough of the world for me.
What has been a letdown on the Air Pro 2 is the phone call quality. If you’re in a quiet indoor space, hands-free calls are fine. Dare to step outside into the city, chat in windy weather or on a train, and you’re better going old school and use your smartphone directly. The mics are too sensitive to noise, and the noise cancellation isn’t up to handling that volume of information well. Your voice will sound scratchy and distant to the caller – it’s not good at all. It’s a shame because everything else on the EarFun Air Pro 2 has been an improvement.
Price
The EarFun Air Pro 2 have an RRP of £69.99, cementing them as a lower mid-range option. Competition here includes the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 and Razer Hammerhead, of which both are highly accomplished designs. Comparing with these rivals, the EarFun Air Pro 2 will make a more compelling alternative when and if the price drops by £10 to £15.
At the time of writing, the EarFun Air Pro 2 earphones are listed on Amazon at the same price as the previous generation: £69.99. This leaves potential buyers needing to make a choice. The original earphones have a slightly longer battery life, boomier bass and better call quality. The Air Pro 2 exchange these qualities for comfort, design and a maturity of sound.
Verdict
The EarFun Air Pro 2 are, on the whole, a welcome improvement over their predecessors. The physical design of the earphones is sleeker and lighter, with a shape that better lends itself to quick and easy touch controls. The battery life is plenty for a day of listening, and the extra power carried by the case will keep them alive for a week of commuting or gym outings. The subtle changes that EarFun has made to the audio performance pay off, too, providing a refinement on what was already an enjoyable sound. The sense of space lends maturity and versatility across all genres.
If you’re a social butterfly, be aware that you’ll need to take calls the old fashioned way. The poor microphone performance is a real letdown on what is otherwise a satisfying package.
{#h-}
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Well balanced and accurate audio | • Very weak microphone performance on calls |
| • Still comfortable after hours of use | • A smidge too expensive |
| • Loads of battery when combined with case |
How we tested it:
The EarFun Air Pro 2 took over from all of my earphones and headphones. I used them for calls, music and podcasts over the course of two weeks. Though I don't wear headphones when running, I used them on a couple of cycle rides, too.
What to read next
**William Lobley******is a Content Writer and reviewer for What's The Best, specialising in technology, gaming and outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the What’s The Best team.