Fit is the single biggest factor in how well noise-cancelling earbuds actually work — a perfect ANC chip can’t compensate for a seal that keeps breaking. The original Cadence Pro’s biggest complaint was exactly that. The Cadence Pro 2 redesigns the ear tip shape specifically to fix it, and after two weeks of daily commuting and gym use, it mostly succeeds.
Fit and comfort
The new oval-profile silicone tips (four sizes included) held a consistent seal through runs, gym sessions, and a full day of wear in a way the previous generation’s round tips didn’t. Ear fatigue after 3+ hours of continuous wear was noticeably lower as well, likely due to the reduced insertion depth.
Noise cancelling performance
With a proper seal achieved, ANC performance is genuinely strong against low-frequency, constant noise — subway rumble and airplane engine drone are both reduced dramatically. Higher-frequency, variable sounds like conversation and typing are reduced but still audible, which is typical for ANC at this price point rather than a specific weakness.
Sound quality
Default tuning leans slightly bass-forward, which suits most casual listening but can feel muddy on bass-heavy electronic music at high volume. The companion app’s EQ presets meaningfully improve this — the “Balanced” preset in particular is a noticeable upgrade over the default sound signature.
Battery life and case
Rated at 6 hours with ANC on, our real-world testing landed close to that at 5 hours 40 minutes. The case adds three additional full charges, and a 10-minute quick charge provides roughly 90 minutes of playback — useful for rushing out the door.
Call quality
Call quality in quiet environments is clear, but the microphones struggle noticeably in windy outdoor conditions, cutting out briefly during gusts in our testing.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Much improved fit and seal over the original, strong ANC once sealed properly, useful EQ customization, fast charging
- Cons: Default sound signature is bass-heavy out of the box, call quality drops in windy conditions
Verdict
If the original Cadence Pro’s fit issues were a dealbreaker, the Pro 2 is worth revisiting — the ear tip redesign addresses that complaint directly and the ANC performance that follows from a proper seal is genuinely strong for the price.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Cadence Pro 2 earbuds work well for running?
Yes — the improved fit held securely through interval runs and gym sessions in testing, and they carry an IPX4 sweat resistance rating.