So you're considering earbuds and your options are a creation from a 14-person Finnish company and a product from the world's most valuable corporation. This is like comparing the local market sausage stand to a Michelin-star restaurant. Except in this case, the sausage stand's banger is actually better.
But let's not get distracted by Henri's Alfa Romeo-tier analogies. Let's look at the facts.
Sound quality – the thing that actually matters
The NL25's sound was tuned by Jasse, whose ears are insured. That's not a joke. The man can hear if the neighbour's dog barked at the wrong frequency three blocks away.
NL25 supports the aptX Adaptive codec. In practice, that means better audio quality than AirPods Pro 2's AAC, as long as your phone supports it. For Android users, this is a clear win. On iPhone, both use AAC, so the gap narrows – but Jasse's tuning still shines through.
AirPods Pro 2 sounds good. No argument there. But NL25 sounds more accurate. You'll notice the difference especially in the midrange, where vocals and instruments live. Apple favours a slightly softer, consumer-friendly sound. We favour honesty – in sound too.
ANC and transparency
Let's be straight: AirPods Pro 2's adaptive noise cancellation is impressive. Apple has thrown billions in R&D money at it. We had Jasse and a couple of pizzas.
NL25's ANC works well. It kills airplane hum, office background noise, and most of the suffering that comes with open-plan offices. But if you need absolute silence in a home with three kids, Apple is a hair ahead. Honesty is our thing, remember.
In transparency mode, both get the job done. On the NL25, you switch modes with a single press of the left bud: ANC, transparency, off. Simple.
Ecosystem and compatibility
This is where the comparison gets interesting. AirPods Pro 2 is designed for the Apple ecosystem. If you own an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch, they switch between devices automatically, Find My works, and settings sync up. It's seamless.
NL25 works over Bluetooth 5.4 with any device. Android, iOS, Windows, Linux – doesn't matter. No golden cage. Freedom to choose is our thing.
If you have even one Android device, AirPods Pro 2 loses half its features. NL25 doesn't punish you for your phone choice.
Repairability and durability
This is where Apple can't compete. AirPods Pro 2's battery starts fading after a year and a half. Then you buy new ones. 279 euros, thanks and cheerio.
NL25 gets repaired in Kajaani. By Jasse and the team. If something breaks, it gets fixed. Because headphones aren't disposable tableware.
Jussi Timonen's design is built to last. Both memory foam and silicone tips are included, so you'll find the right fit. The tips are replaceable. As everything should be.
Price
AirPods Pro 2 costs around 279 euros. NL25 costs considerably less. With the savings, you can buy beer, petrol, or donate to the Death Star construction fund. Every euro helps – we're only at 0.000003 percent.
Who should pick AirPods Pro 2?
Be honest with yourself. AirPods Pro 2 is the better choice if:
- You live entirely in the Apple ecosystem and never plan to leave
- You need the best adaptive noise cancellation on the market in earbuds
- You don't care about repairability and prefer to buy new ones every two years
- You want Apple's Find My tracking
Nobody here will judge you. We'll be a bit puzzled, but we won't judge.
Who should pick NL25?
- You use Android or multiple different devices
- You value sound quality more than ecosystem
- You want earbuds that can be repaired, not tossed in the bin
- You like the idea of your money going to a 14-person Finnish company instead of a trillion-dollar corporation
- aptX Adaptive support matters to you
- Wireless charging for the case is a nice bonus
Summary
AirPods Pro 2 is a great product. Apple knows how to do things that require billions. But NL25 is the better earbud for most people who haven't sold their soul to the Apple ecosystem. Better sound, freer compatibility, repairable build, and a lower price.
The money you save, you can spend on whatever you like. We recommend beer and supporting the Death Star. Henri recommends a Ferrari, but he's famously got terrible taste in cars – the man drives an Alfa Romeo that breaks down more often than the postal service's tracking system.
