
Apple AirPods Pro are wireless earbuds that are designed to provide an immersive listening experience while still allowing some environmental noise to seep in. While the noise-cancelling technology in AirPods Pro significantly reduces sound leakage compared to regular AirPods, it does not eliminate it entirely. Several factors, including volume level, ear fit, and surrounding environment, influence the extent of sound leakage from AirPods Pro. To minimise sound leakage, it is recommended to adjust the volume to around 50%, ensure a snug fit, and be mindful of the surroundings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound Leak | AirPods Pro will leak sound if the volume is too high or if they are not placed perfectly in the ears. |
| Volume | The optimal volume for AirPods Pro is around 50%. |
| Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro has Active Noise Cancellation that blocks out external sounds. |
| Silicone Tips | AirPods Pro comes with three different-sized silicone tips for a perfect fit. |
| Software Problems | In rare cases, software problems may cause audio leakage. Resetting the AirPods Pro can solve this issue. |
| Environmental Noise | Environmental noise and the type of surroundings impact how much sound leaks from AirPods Pro. |
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What You'll Learn

Volume control
The volume of your audio content plays a significant role in determining whether sound will leak from your AirPods Pro. Several users have reported that their AirPods Pro do not leak sound, even when the volume is high. However, some users have experienced sound leakage when listening at high volumes.
One user tested their AirPods Pro by playing music at a high volume with their wife sitting about 10 feet away. She could not hear any music leaking from the AirPods Pro, whereas she could clearly hear the music when the user repeated the experiment with AirPods v2. Another user shared that they have owned their AirPods Pro for a couple of years and have not experienced any sound leakage, even with transparency mode turned on.
On the other hand, some users have reported sound leakage issues with their AirPods Pro when listening at high volumes. One user shared that their AirPods Pro leak sound when they are in a quiet space and have the volume turned up. Another user reported that their AirPods Pro leak sound even at low volumes, and people around them can hear what they are listening to.
It is important to note that the seal of the AirPods Pro in your ears also affects sound leakage. The AirPods Pro have silicone tips that are designed to create a tight seal in your ear canal, blocking out external noise and potentially reducing sound leakage. However, if the seal is not proper or effective, sound leakage may occur more easily.
To minimise sound leakage and maintain a pleasant listening experience for yourself and those around you, it is recommended to keep the volume at a moderate level. Additionally, ensuring a proper seal by selecting the appropriate ear tip size and adjusting the placement of the AirPods Pro in your ears can help reduce sound leakage.
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Fit and placement
The fit and placement of AirPods Pro are important factors in preventing sound leakage. While the AirPods Pro are designed to keep sound from leaking, sound leakage may still occur if the earbuds do not fit snugly in the user's ears.
AirPods Pro come with three different-sized silicone tips, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. The silicone tips help the AirPods Pro fit securely and comfortably in the ears, creating a seal that prevents sound from escaping. It is important to select the right-sized silicone tip for your AirPods Pro. If the silicone tip is too small, the speaker part of the earbud may protrude outwards, allowing sound to leak and others to hear the audio.
To ensure a snug fit, users should choose the appropriate silicone tip size and firmly place the AirPods Pro into their ears. This will help create a tight seal and reduce sound leakage. It is also recommended to adjust the placement of the earbuds until they feel secure and comfortable. A proper fit will not only reduce sound leakage but also improve the overall sound quality and noise cancellation performance of the AirPods Pro.
In addition to the silicone tips, the design of the AirPods Pro contributes to their secure fit. The earbuds are designed to conform to the contours of the user's ears, ensuring a snug and stable fit. The lightweight and ergonomic design of the AirPods Pro also enhances their comfort and helps them stay in place during various activities, such as working out or running.
While the AirPods Pro are designed for a universal fit, it's important to remember that everyone's ears are unique. If you find that the provided silicone tips do not provide a secure and comfortable fit, there are third-party options available. There are various brands that offer alternative ear tips in different materials, sizes, and shapes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ears. These aftermarket ear tips can further enhance the sound quality, noise cancellation, and overall listening experience of your AirPods Pro.
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Noise cancellation
The noise-cancelling feature of AirPods Pro is designed to reduce unwanted external noise, allowing users to listen to their music or other audio content without distractions. This feature can be particularly useful in noisy environments, such as on public transport or in busy offices.
While the noise cancellation in AirPods Pro is considered effective by many users, some have reported issues with sound leakage, where people nearby can hear the audio playing through the AirPods. This sound leakage appears to be more noticeable at higher volumes, with some users reporting that their AirPods Pro could be heard by others at around 50% volume, and that the leakage became significant at 80% volume.
However, it's worth noting that the level of sound leakage can also depend on the environment. For example, one user reported that their AirPods Pro leaked sound in a completely silent room at around 65% volume, but it was barely noticeable. In contrast, the active noise cancellation feature effectively blocked out almost all outside noise when they were in noisier environments, such as on a bus or walking around.
To minimise sound leakage, it's recommended to ensure that the AirPods Pro are properly sealed in the ears. The silicone tips of the AirPods Pro are designed to create a tight seal, blocking out external noise and preventing sound from escaping. Users can also try adjusting the volume to a lower level, as the noise cancellation feature allows audio to be heard clearly even at lower volumes.
Additionally, keeping the AirPods Pro clean and well-maintained can also help optimise their performance and reduce sound leakage. Some users have reported success in reducing sound leakage by resetting their AirPods Pro, which can be done by following the instructions provided by Apple Support.
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Software problems
Several users have reported sound leakage issues with their AirPods Pro. Some have suggested that the problem may be related to the Active Noise Cancellation feature, which is designed to reduce background noise and improve the listening experience. However, in some cases, users have noticed that their AirPods Pro leak sound even with this feature enabled.
One user suggested a possible solution to the sound leakage issue. They recommended testing the AirPods Pro by setting the volume to your normal listening level, removing one of the AirPods, and then covering the tip with your fingertip to create a seal. If you can still hear the music at arm's length, then there may be a problem with the seal of the AirPods, which could be causing the sound leakage.
In some cases, sound leakage may be caused by a faulty unit. Apple has acknowledged that a small percentage of AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 may experience sound issues, including crackling or static sounds and problems with Active Noise Cancellation. If you believe your AirPods Pro are affected by this issue, you can contact Apple or an authorized service provider to have them serviced or replaced free of charge.
It's worth noting that sound leakage can also occur due to improper fit or usage. For example, if the AirPods Pro are not inserted correctly or if the ear tips do not create a proper seal in the ear canal, sound can escape and be heard by others. Additionally, playing music at extremely high volumes can increase the likelihood of sound leakage, as it overpowers the noise cancellation capabilities of the AirPods Pro.
If you're experiencing sound leakage with your AirPods Pro, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. First, ensure that you have the latest firmware version installed, as software updates often include improvements and bug fixes that can enhance the performance of your AirPods Pro. You can usually update your AirPods Pro by connecting them to your iPhone or iPad and following the on-screen instructions.
Another possible solution is to reset your AirPods Pro. This can help resolve any software glitches or settings that may be causing the sound leakage issue. To reset your AirPods Pro, simply hold the button on the back of the case for at least 15 seconds until the status light between the AirPods begins to flash amber and then turns white. Once you've reset your AirPods Pro, you can reconnect them to your device and test them again to see if the sound leakage issue has been resolved.
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Environmental factors
In quieter environments, even at lower volumes, sound leakage from AirPods Pro may be more noticeable to those nearby. On the other hand, in noisier environments, such as on public transportation or in crowded spaces, higher volumes may be necessary to hear the audio clearly, which can result in increased sound leakage. Therefore, it is advisable to adjust the volume according to the surroundings to minimise sound leakage.
The design of AirPods Pro, with its open design and silicone tips, allows users to interact with their environment while wearing them. This design feature ensures that users can hear important external sounds, such as traffic or announcements in a train station, without having to remove their AirPods Pro. However, this open design also means that sound can escape more easily, especially in quieter environments.
Additionally, the fit of the AirPods Pro in the user's ears can impact sound leakage. If the AirPods Pro does not fit snugly in the ears, it can result in sound leakage, as the speaker part may protrude outwards. Therefore, it is important to select the appropriate-sized silicone tips provided with the AirPods Pro to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, reducing the chances of sound escaping.
In certain environments, it may be advisable to opt for over-the-ear headphones instead of AirPods Pro to minimise sound leakage. For example, in confined spaces such as airplanes, sound leakage from AirPods Pro can be more noticeable and disturbing to others. In such cases, choosing headphones that cover the ears can provide better sound isolation and reduce the impact of sound leakage on those nearby.
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Frequently asked questions
All types of AirPods will leak some sound into their environment, but AirPods Pro models are more isolating thanks to their noise-cancelling technology. However, if the volume is too high, sound will leak.
To prevent sound leakage, lower the volume of your AirPods Pro to around 50%. Ensure that they are placed perfectly in your ears by choosing the right-sized silicone tip.
Your AirPods Pro may be leaking sound because they are not placed perfectly in your ears or because the volume is too high. In rare cases, there may be a software problem or a hardware issue.






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