Airpods Pro 2 ANC and Dolby Atmos Concerns

I recently got a pair of Airpods Pro 2 (APP2).


I was expecting something close to complete silence with the ANC or at least maybe some faint voices without understanding what other people talk about. From many scenarios I tried, including different ear tips, the result was pretty underwhelming. In a crowded dining hall I can hear what others talk about with ANC on. Other noises that it couldn't cancel with ANC on include car noises when I walk on the street, sound of a plastic protractor hitting a wooden table or sounds of running water. Does anyone have the same bad experience with APP2 ANC like me? The APP2 is currently running on firmware 7E93.


Also, I see that APP2 supports Dolby Atmos which should mean that I can hear sounds from all dimensions including over head and from behind. I cannot really feel the sounds from these directions when playing Dolby Atmos demo videos on YouTube, however. Does anyone have the same experience? Or do you have suggestions of songs or videos in which sounds from behind and above can be clearly perceived?


I hope you will share your experience with me. Thanks a lot.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Posted on May 5, 2025 8:23 PM

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3 replies

May 5, 2025 10:44 PM in response to hg_nguyen

Regarding Dolby Atmos, my experience is that it sounds good, but I can't fully tell the sound from the direction (up and behind). It depends a little bit on what movie you're playing, but also, if the track has Dolby Atmos support. On YouTube, that might not be the case. Try with a Movie from Apple Movies (the Apple TV app), and it also shows clearly which movies have the Dolby Atmos track included.


Secondly, there is the Head Tracking that might not be turned on. Go to Settings > Accessibility > AirPods and tap Reset Head Tracking. You can then re-calibrate it.


You can also try Personalized Spatial Audio. Set it up via Settings > Airpods > Personalized Spatial Audio and follow the prompts. This can enhance the precision of overhead and surround sound placement.


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Airpods Pro 2 ANC and Dolby Atmos Concerns

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