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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) - Great overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80
Sound6.5
Battery3.5
Calls6.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$125$65
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great62 / 100 · Average
Released20222021
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size11 mm12 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance16 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity100 dB/mW-
Wireless
Wireless-Yes
Bluetooth5.35.0
Bluetooth version5.35.0
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Wireless range-10 m
Battery
Battery life-4 h
Battery incl. case30 h16 h
Full charge time-120 min
Wireless chargingYesNo
Features
Active noise cancelling-No
ANC typeadaptive-
Transparency modeYes-
Companion appYes-
Custom EQNo-
Wear detectionYes-
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSirivoice control / wake word
Design
Weight10.6 g4.47 g
Case weight50.8 g46.9 g
Water resistanceIP54IPX8
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones-4
Call noise reduction-CVC 8.0

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Pro:Decent battery life with case
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Limited to AAC codec
  • Con:No custom EQ in app

TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80

The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80 offers a distinctive, eye-catching design as a budget-friendly alternative to mainstream wireless earbuds. While its compact fit and solid feature set appeal to many, the short playback time per charge is a notable drawback. For those willing to accept frequent recharging, these earbuds deliver decent value with aptX support and strong water resistance.

  • Pro:Supports aptX for improved audio quality
  • Pro:Excellent IPX7 water resistance for workouts
  • Pro:Compact and lightweight earbuds with touch controls
  • Con:Only 3.5 hours of battery life per charge
  • Con:Case provides modest total playback of 16 hours
  • Con:Design may look too flashy for some users

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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