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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize active noise cancellation for noisy environments or during air travel, AirPods Pro 2 stand out with their high noise isolation and suitability for workouts, given they're sweatproof and have a secure in-ear fit. They offer better sound quality for music and are optimized for Apple devices with features like ear/head detection, wireless charging, and an integrated microphone suitable for calls. However, they're more expensive. On the other hand, Steelseries TUSQ, being more budget-friendly, boasts a superior mic with a boom style, which may be advantageous for gaming and clear communication. They are wired, which negates battery concerns but limits movement compared to wireless options. They're also heavier and lack both noise cancellation and optimization for Apple devices. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro 2
Good for phone calls
Very good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
The Steelseries TUSQ has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro 2.
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
7.6/10
The Steelseries TUSQ and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for music, though the Steelseries TUSQ is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.8/10
5.2/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
4.7/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
6.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Steelseries TUSQ is only fair.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Steelseries TUSQ does not have a battery.
Cost
$199
$55
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $55.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the Steelseries TUSQ has very good build quality.
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro 2 or the Steelseries TUSQ
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.