Airpods Pro 2 USB C - TB v5.2 vs Huilian H2S Ultra vs Retail

[chilly grove]

UPDATE 9 May 2024 - Go to this webpage i created for an even longer wall of text hahaha (includes some videos too).
https://sites.google.com/view/nanithereviews/reviews/airpods-pro-2-usb-c-comparison

This is probably gonna be somewhat lengthy... I was curious about these clones and haven't seen any detailed comparisons.

Anyway, I took some pictures and it includes several macro (close up) shots of the various Airpods Pro 2 USB C.

• TB v5.2 was bought from a listing on Tao Bao (Advertised as SenLon, seem to use genuine 1562AE chipset).
• Huilian H2S Ultra was bought from EarHive.
• Retail... Well it's from Apple.

Please refer to the pictures, as there are some description/comments already baked onto them. Unable to upload them all due to the limit of 10 images.

I will not get too detailed and technical here, probably upload a more technical comparison elsewhere with better formatting as there is a word limit here.

Review for EarHive and/or Huilian H2S Ultra:

* Shipping 🛳️ 5/10:

The first tracking number, for around 7 days I did not see any updates and EarHive did not notify me. Had to contact them before they issued another tracking number. Only after prompting then they shipped out the item. Not the most efficient I guess..? TBF they apologized for the delay.

Second tracking number took 13 days to reach me (Singapore) which is surprisingly slow. Paid with AliPay and got a branded box.

* Sound 🎵 7/10:

Just above passing grade, compared to the retail unit. Not an "audiophile" but I'm trained in music/audio production and do some mixing here and there. Tested with iPhone without any EQ.

• Treble lacks some airiness and sparkle between 10-16khz, and has more upper mids (3 khz - 6 khz) causing it to sound a little hollow and "shouty".
• Mids is slightly recessed compared to retail, so vocals may not sound as "intimate" and/or "forward".
• Bass is slightly weaker than retail (more on this under ANC & Transparency), but fast enough.

Overall soundstage is decent, just not the most analytical due to the lack of upper treble (>10Khz).

* Connectivity 🛜 10/10:

No issues as of now. Supports multipoint connection between iPhone and Android. Still works with latest iOS (17.4.1).

* Build Quality 🔨 9/10:

Very, VERY close to retail. Without a retail unit, near impossible to differentiate.

* ANC & Transparency 🎵 (5/10, 4/10):

Turning on either mode affects the EQ in some weird way. ANC seems to boost the bass and affects the lower mids/mid bass, while transparency cuts bass.

ANC does a passable job to lower most sounds, but struggles with higher frequencies (> 6 khz) and sub bass rumbles ( < 60 hz, engine sounds, vehicle movement rumble).

Transparency is not really useful except only playing low volume music (2-3 clicks above mute). It sounds unnatural and muffled, likely due to the limited abilities to dynamically tune its EQ to sound as natural as possible compared to retail unit.

Adaptive "works", but doesn't serve much purpose as it sounds practically the same as "Off".

* Spatial Audio 🔉 9/10:

Works really well, almost like retail's but has higher latency. "Head Tracked" mode - retail's almost close to real time while H2S Ultra has a noticeable lag relative to head movement.

* Magnet Strength 🧲 7/10:

H2S Ultra has weaker casing magnets, leading to less satisfying snap when closing. It is also less secure.

The inner magnets to hold the buds are also weaker and has a less satisfying snap when inserting the buds or removing.

* Battery 🔋9/10:

Battery reports properly to iOS (17.4.1). Only used the H2S Ultra for roughly 3 hours with ANC/Transparency and had around 60% left. Not the most scientific/detailed testing as this is too time consuming.

Unlike retails, it lacks the persistent battery reporting when not in use.

* Microphone 🎙️ 4/10 (Previously 2/10):

Basically trash. It exists and "works", but you will sound muffled and slightly far away.

Update: Changed the Mic settings from "Automatic" to "Right bud" however it does not switch over. The left bud is still "the main microphone" when making calls.

* Find My 🔍 4/10:

Just below passing grade. It exists and "works", but does not support UWB tracking.

* Frequency Response and recordings:

I currently do not own any proper "simulated ear dummies" or "couplers" to do such recordings for reference, as it costs a butt load of money to purchase. May upload some in future once I have enough money to purchase.

🙏 Thank you for your attention and time looking through. I will probably upload a better formatted and detailed review/comparison of the TB v5.2 and H2S Ultra somewhere else in future, as this took more time and effort than I expected. Discord is quite inconveninent for wall of texts.

Cheers!

[sharp bough]

gah damn

that's a really detailed review

[sharp bough]

lmao

designed by SenLon in california

[fossil sentinel]

Should had contact me though @chilly grove

At least i can check if the taobao is legit store or not, that sell from top factory or the other 4 factories

cause alot of taobao will resell cheaper factory unit and paste the stickier

[chilly grove]

Do you have any links? I'll check and compare

[fossil sentinel]

plus I know of 3-4 more popular stores and what factory they reselling from

send me the taobao link I take a look, was it the one that claimed shenlong tigerbuilder official etc

Also personally I bought from other platform rather than taobao, since platform fees though

JD and Taobao they tend to price a bit higher than regular

my friend operated a store at JD Taobao selling reps and locally in china, the prices are like usually 30 cny higher than locally

[chilly grove]

What's a JD?

[fossil sentinel]

jingdong

京东

its like lazada

more verified for electronics etc

but yah if u buying from taobao u get the "prints" and even no apple box - stores might not take the risk of providing those

[chilly grove]

China and their wide varieties of apps and websites 😅

[ripe plank]

This is what you called a “HONEST” review.

@chilly grove Please buy a top tier option from here and let us know if it’s same you got. Because we got so many mixed reviews.

[chilly grove]

Define top tier?

Is EarHive H2S not top tier 🤔

[ripe plank]

Could someone confirm the quality of Jenny’s 5.2TB meshes are same?

[chilly grove]

Oh as in for TB

Tbh i wont be spending more for now on more clones, unless someone is willing to loan me a unit.

[fossil sentinel]

its by the same factory

so same unit/mesh for the jenny hicity earhive (TB)

the mesh part is procured, so it should be the same, the only issue is

huilian HR is glued on, its more of mesh stickier - which was one of reason why I dont recommend them for build quality - since any sweat rain - the mesh will lose its stickiness

while TB is clipped on (at least for the top 2 factories)

Cannot say the same for 4th - 5th, cause they can use a different shell so it might be similar to HR/Huilian - using mesh stickier

how to know, u just push - the stickier will give way. - but the benefit of mesh stickier it looks better initially and usually since it doesnt need point to point installation (clip system) usually its more flatter.

cause TB is using clip system, it doesnt peel/drop so easily but negative is from all case /shell mould, there's a ~2mm gaps - so the clip -due to slightly different case opening - the fit will be better/similar/worse

if that help

@ripe plank

Its more of a logic thing due to how shell mould works.

[ripe plank]

Yeah but much cheaper reps got something similar for retails mesh. Aren’t they? Comparing 5.2TB vs H2S, H2S have a something look similar to retails. What’s that on 5.2TB? Looks like a dot patterned rubber.

[fossil sentinel]

its glued

will drop after 2-3 month

or u pushed it

if water get in it will drop out

its not a clipped on system

TB can use that though but the mesh will drop out

eventually

[ripe plank]

5.2TB Mesh is not really a mesh. Isn’t it?

[fossil sentinel]

its just that the case was designed w the clip system so the mesh dont peel/drop overtime

that's how it works

Mesh is mesh - its just different type of netting

[fossil sentinel]

Chipset: BES/Airoha/Huilian
Magnet: Retail/ 3 Pc / 2 Pc
Batteries: Retail (600 CC)/ LIR3054 Black(500 CC - 1.5 usd)/ LIR3054 Yellow (500 CC - 1 usd)
Mesh: Retail/ Clipped/Glued
USB C Port: Apple/Android
Case: HZ/BY/ZJ
Hinge: Retails/ Rep 1:1/ Electroplated Zinc alloy/ Zinc alloy/ Plastic

5.2TB
Chipset: Airoha 1562AE
Magnet: 3Pc (stronger due to 3 magnet)
Batteries: LIR3054 Black(500 CC - 1.5 usd) - currently top battery in reps (Top SW factory)/ LIR3054 Yellow (500 CC - 1 usd) (2nd-5th)
Case Batteries: 450mah/500mah (commonly 360 2nd-5th/400mah SW)
Mesh: Clipped (Benefit - wouldn't drop out, negative its not as flushed as retails or sticker)
USB C Port: Android White
Case: HZ (strongest in firmness, tend to be too whitish - currently only works w Electroplated Zinc Alloy/Zinc alloy)
Hinge: Electroplated Zinc Alloy (Benefit better than Zinc alloy - paint wouldnt peel unless friction etc)

5.2Huilian
Chipset:Huilian
Magnet: 2Pc (weaker magnet)
Batteries: LIR3054 Yellow (500 CC - 1 usd) (2nd-5th)
Case Batteries: 400mah (commonly 320mah)
Mesh: Glued (Looks better initially - negative: naturally lose stickiness over 1-3 months - recommend to buy more sticker mesh)
USB C Port: Android
Case: BY (2nd in firmness - only works for 1:1/rep1:1 hinge. Cheaper than HZ, negative is gaps are obviously bigger than HZ/Retails)
Hinge: Retails/ Rep 1:1

5.2HR
Chipset: Airoha 1562AE
Magnet: 3Pc (weaker magnet though - better than huilian, a bit worse than TB)
Batteries: LIR3054 Yellow (500 CC - 1 usd) (2nd-5th)
Case Batteries 450Mah (360mah)
Mesh: Glued (Looks better initially - negative: naturally lose stickiness over 1-3 months - recommend to buy more sticker mesh)
Lightning Port
Case: ZJ (softest, similar to what used for bluetrum)
Hinge: Zinc alloy (naturally peel over time to show darker metal - that's how zinc looks.

---

To clear up the misunderstanding:
TB be it externals looks, gaps etc. - never going for closer to retails looks - they always been doing their own stuff, they going for functionality stuff (providing a better average experience) - battery life, stability and bass heavy is always their thing (22nm). They always been more of a JBL/Beats type of bass tuning - its what popular in china - edm dj

Huilian goes for closer to retails, that‘s always their personal advantage, so they more willingly to devote cost on hinge and speaker, its also to make up their weakness in computing - ANC (huilian 40nm). Negative is they are known for random bugs (left right earbuds un-pair) + batteries known to fail more often.

HR is weird, they provide for me the best anc transparency even personally my favorite sound profile but using mid end case hinge material (22nm).

TLDR:
It's harder to find 5.2Huilian with better looks due to the gaps between case hinge (compatibility of case hinge issue)
Closest to retails: 5.2Huilian
Jack of all trades.: 5.2TB
Best sound/ANC(Master at some): 5.2HR

@ripe plank hopefully it clear things up

[grim cove]

Please post on our subreddit as well

[ripe plank]

Nice! Thank you for info. I’ll save this message.

[errant plinth]

Nothing beats retail

[ripe plank]

Obviously

[upbeat tide]

5.1

[digital venture]

Great post ! Consider posting it on reddit as well

[muted igloo]

Look forward to comparing this review to your opinion of the 5.2TB @chilly grove

[marble token]

I purchased a used airpods pro in order to check if it's a knockoff before I found this discussion, these two items seem to be the top models at the moment, are they A2931 series in terms of system, and also is it possible to switch between ios/mac automatically?

[chilly grove]

Heyyy howie_bling, please refer to this web i created https://sites.google.com/view/nanithereviews/reviews/airpods-pro-2-usb-c-comparison

[chilly grove]

Hmmm i think this "A2931" you are referring to is for originals lightning connector variant?

The ones in discussion here are for the latest USB-C variants of AirPods Pro 2 (A3048 on my retails).

Unfortunately i do not own a Mac, so cant test any of the handover/switching features.

[sharp bough]

tb doesn't work on mac

volume bug

[chilly grove]

Similar observation for TB v5.2 for "Shared Audio" on iPhone, if playing on two different AirPods (e.g. Retail + TB v.5.2 simultaneously)

[grim cove]

@chilly grove I saw your modmail, but your account seemingly vanished. So I can't do anything

[chilly grove]

😅 maybe reddit decided to shadow ban my account 😢

[chilly grove]

Oh well

[grim cove]

rip

[chilly grove]

Is it alright for me to repost on the subreddit? Or would that be a nuisance 🤔

[grim cove]

It seems like your post is still up

[chilly grove]

😮

Ahhh right, thanks 🙂

[wispy minnow]

which one do you think is all around better

[merry sun]

retail

duh

[wintry siren]

In your review it seems that the Huilian are much better than the TB 5.2... Why then do so many people say that the TB 5.2 are the best

[hybrid bloom]

This review is a 10/10

[wispy minnow]

i agree why do they say that TB are the best?

[wintry siren]

@chilly grove where did you bought your airpods case protector?

[chilly grove]

Retail/legit ones beats all these dupes

[wispy minnow]

but between the dupes?

[chilly grove]

@wispy minnow @wintry siren

Regarding audio, it is highly subjective to many people.

Some may not care about the minor details, but only cares whether a certain product is able to min-max (as in spend as little as possible, with maximum results).

Also one thing to note - to the average crowd, they tend to prefer strong bass/treble. TB v5.2 checks that out of the box (which is a horrendous tuning).

In my review, there's both "subjective" and "objective" preferences - I tend to prioritise realism and accuracy than "hype", which is why i bought both models to compare even when i already own a retail unit, and seems to say that Huilian is keyword: objectively better.

[wispy minnow]

Me personally i also prioritise the realism and i also don’t really care about having bass heavy tuned earbuds just wondering how each different model performs and how close they are to the real airpods

So i think im gonna be purchasing the huilian v5.2

[chilly grove]

Well my other reply to you disappeared probably due to me posting a link.

The white casing shown in the vids is some cheap ass casing came together with TB v5.2.

Rn im using a proper casing by Catalyst. You can try googling for "Catalyst Essential airpods pro 2 case"

[chilly grove]

Sure, hope my review has helped you in some way(s).

One more thing, if EQ/sound is a factor - TB "pure" EQ is slightly closer to retails than Huilian.

But if every other thing matters (case hinge, case sound, in airpod sound effects), then Huilian is still "objectively better".

[wispy minnow]

thanks

[finite prairie]

Hey man, first awesome review it really did help alot. I just wanted to ask what you would recommend?, I had the retail version or the first airpods pro but they became staticky about 6 months ago but a month back they stopped working completely, I mostly listen to rap and watch videos and Id just like to get your opinion on which would my best option, I mostly js care about the ANC , the audio quality itself and the microphone quality, Thank you In advance!

[chilly grove]

Hmm are you able to do a replacement with Apple for the retails? Worth a try. It is a much better choice than any reps imo.

[finite prairie]

I don’t know I had people saying the TB 5.2 where better than the retail airpods pro Idk exactly though, I never had the reps

[chilly grove]

Based on my rough and extremely unscientific tests, i'd say both of the reps are pretty much trash in terms of microphone quality 😂 .

That aside, ultimately depends on your priorities

1. Tweaking EQ for that boomy bass - TB v5.2.
2. Objectively replicates a genuine APP2 - Huilian H2S Ultra

(I personally prefer Huilian H2S Ultra because I prioritize realism and accuracy over "hype" and whonky-ness, BUT this is just my opinion.)

[chilly grove]

😅 Well audio stuff is highly, HIGHLY subjective. General population tend to prefer V-shaped sound signature.

[chilly grove]

How about you share with me a few of the tracks you are extremely familiar with? I'll give both of these clones a test with their default sound tuning

[finite prairie]

okay thanks give me a second

[finite prairie]

Hear me calling by Juice wrld
OYE by Fuerza Regida
Potato Salad by Tyler the creator

[chilly grove]

Disclaimer: i cant test for every single scenario, tested with iOS 18.0 beta 5. I might add more findings/observations to this reply.

1. Previously on your legit APP gen 1, did you use any EQ in any player apps (spotify etc)? If yes refer to point (1a) if no point (1b)

1a) assuming there is EQ, i suggest getting H2S Ultra and tweaking the EQ to get the sound you prefer.

1b) assuming there is no EQ, TB v5.2 technically has boosted bass out of the box, and slightly superior "Pure EQ" or other EQs to switch to using flycc app.

Some further observations using your recommended test tracks:

i) I stuck to "Hear Me Calling" for consistency.

Without spotify's EQ, with ANC on, in public transport/commuting (train, above and underground)

ii) ANC on both are equally bad lol maybe reduced around 20-40% of external noise. But tbf i feel like TB v5.2 is able to cut a tiny bit more (maybe -1 to -3 dB perceived by my ears, not scientific) mid-high frequencies (around 2-8 khz, more on this at point iv)

iii) TB v5.2 with default EQ (aka Z-EQ) has more bass, but vocals sounds quite nasally. Meanwhile H2S Ultra is slightly more controlled and slightly better airiness ( >10 khz ), leading to slight edge over TB v5.2 in terms of soundstage/separation, but nowhere close to actual APP gen 2.

iv) TB v5.2 is roughly 1.5 clicks of volume louder than H2S Ultra, with or without ANC. (Referring back to point ii, this might have contributed to making me "feel" like the ANC is able to cut slightly more noise. When i volume match according to perceived loudness, they sounded quite similar?)

v) Unfortunately i didnt and cant do any new mic tests.

Conclusion:
It is quite subjective.

If you prioritize having ALL small details like sound effects, stability etc., being 1:1 to retail - H2S Ultra with slight adjustment of EQ is what i would recommend.

If you prioritize boomy bass and loudness with slightly better material durability - TB v5.2 is the recommendation.

[chilly grove]

Question: ignoring the static problem, were you satisfied with APP gen 1's sound signature? Or feels like it is lacking something?

[finite prairie]

Id say I was I never really had any complaints just when they broke you know

[finite prairie]

and Thanks for the review and help! I was wondering if changing how strong the ANC is in the flycc app would make them any better?

and looks like I had to go with the 5.2TB from earhive, first it said the order got canceled but then said it was already shipped lol

[chilly grove]

Based on the testing i did few months back, there are three settings - the strongest setting is "traffic". Other two were either meh/mid, bit worse than traffic.

Legit APP 2 is more like a "vacuum effect" cutting around 80-90% of external noise (except some of the high frequencies around 8khz and above)

[chilly grove]

Ahh, congrats on your purchase! Hope you enjoy them once they arrived.

[finite prairie]

Thank you really hoping I will just wanted something around what I had before but just couldn’t justify the 250 lol

[finite prairie]

because the reviews are really mixed its like 70 percent really good reviews or saying their 1:1 or the “best” but then theirs also reviews saying their good for the price yk

[chilly grove]

😅 i feel your pain. It's the "apple premium" but tbh retails destroys the clones

[chilly grove]

Ahaha yea ik. Audio products is highly subjective - therefore in my review there's "subjective" and "objective" preferences/priorities.

[finite prairie]

yeah I get what you mean, I mean for the most part on my music apps I always add a bass boost eq so hopefully the TB are actually good

[finite prairie]

cause Ive heard with tweaking the EQ you can actually get them decently close to retail but again wouldn’t know since mine still in china lol

[chilly grove]

Later i'll give those a try (there are some pinned in help-and-advice). It can be quite a pain to tweak

[finite prairie]

Thanks In advance and thank you for the help so far aswell really helping out alot💪🏻

[chilly grove]

@finite prairie well i tried the first EQ settings (pic on the left), it's not that profile of "Pure EQ", but it sounds better than the default "Z EQ". Haven't tried the 2nd EQ (pic on the right).

Just a little note - Yes it has strong sub bass, but might be too much lel so i suggest dropping the 32 Hz by 6 to 8 dB so it doesnt overpower the other frequencies.

[finite prairie]

what do you think of this EQ? like does it make the airpods sound any better or about the same as before

[chilly grove]

Please refer to my above reply.

Tl:dr - yes to a small extend, but there's too much sub bass.

[finite prairie]

well hopefully their good I think they should arrive soon

[wispy minnow]

@finite prairie which airpod reps are getting?

[finite prairie]

the 5.2 TB from earhive

I bought from their alibaba link

[wispy minnow]

oh alr

[finite prairie]

Hello mine arrived today and I am really impressed so far! their extremely good I tried different EQs but z eq is my preference sounds exactly how my retails sounded when I had EQs on my music apps if not better

[chilly grove]

Congrats! Enjoy~

[finite prairie]

Thanks! and quick question is it normal that the cases battery percentage doesn’t show up on the widget?

[fossil sentinel]

atm yah, its either the case speaker sound or widget

[finite prairie]

dammm

[finite prairie]

theirs no way to fix it?

[fossil sentinel]

till they find a way to get both its either one

[finite prairie]

ahh okay

[tranquil oyster]

Singlehandedly the best review Ive seen so far. Well done.

[haughty yew]

So which one is better tb or hulian

[chilly grove]

This is the extremely simplified TL;DR, should help you to make a decision. Just FYI -> "which one is better?" it is highly subjective, due to every individual's preference and priorities, are different.

I'd highly suggest visiting my google site, it contains some observations in deep technical detail. (It is extremely wordy unfortunately)

[nocturne kettle]

5.2 tb

[smoky void]

@chilly grove Any plans to do this for the new 5.3 TB and Hulian? Would be appreciated substantially

[chilly grove]

Most likely not. Unfortunately, im not financially stable to purchase all these clones...

Are they even out/released? Havent been keeping up with clones

[smoky void]

Yes they are out - can I dm you?

@chilly grove

[chilly grove]

Yea sure go ahead

[dry crane]

I’m not going to lie, this is the best review I’ve seen so far @chilly grove

[chilly grove]

Heyyy there thank you 🙏

[rare shoal]

Bruh I just got v5.2TB. Now anc is trash 😢😢😢

[tacit zinc]

From this review o understand that the hulian h2s ultra is the closest to retail

Where can I get that

[chilly grove]

Yep to certain extend or aspects

You can check with the bot or airreps website for links to purchase

[tacit zinc]

Found it’s the v5.2 hulian yes?

@chilly grove

[plush vector]

I'm trying to update the headphones through the flycc app, but it says that the device is not currently supported? is there anything i can do to update it

[fossil sentinel]

ios only 5.3tb