Just got a pair of Apple AirPod Pro 2’s for my birthday

@mahler123 

I’m not sure what Model/generation of AirPods you listened to, but the noise cancellation is excellent and the SQ on the Pro 2’s is as good as any wireless earbuds @ the price range.  It’s amazing how the AC fan noise disappears.  I tried then while mowing the lawn and the almost removed the sound of the lawnmower. 
 

@julie_priest 

I haven’t tried the AZ80’s to compare them to the newest Pro2’s.  

While it’s normally bad form to ask what someone paid for a gift,  my wife volunteered that she paid $149.00 on Prime Day. She was also happy to share that they were $100 off.

I've the latest airpods pro 2. If ANC is your only goal (why?) then sure you'll be happy. if you want a well rounded pair that holds charge, is easy to operate, has excellent music and calls sound, and then also does ANC well.. then you're looking elsewhere. 

I have the Pro 2s and they are my “end game” as far as bluetooth earbuds are concerned. Like you stated, they are not “spectacular,” but the sound quality is more than respectable. Combined with the perfect iPhone integration/connection, battery life and comfort, they are well worth the asking price. 

Perhaps their best feature is the automatic pausing of music/video if I remove one to scratch an ear or such. 

if you want a well rounded pair that holds charge, is easy to operate, has excellent music and calls sound, and then also does ANC well.. then you're looking elsewhere. 
 

And where is that? Examples?