Airpods Pro 1 vs 2: Which Airpods Should You Buy?
Are you torn between the original AirPods Pro and the newer model? You’re not alone! Deciding which generation of Apple’s popular earbuds to buy can be tricky. Both promise a premium audio experience, but significant differences might sway your decision.
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and value of the AirPods Pro 1 vs 2. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and noise cancellation to battery life and design. This will help you determine which AirPods Pro best suits your needs and budget.
Get ready to discover the key distinctions! We’ll break down the upgrades and improvements the second-generation AirPods Pro offers. We’ll also help you evaluate whether the older, but still capable, AirPods Pro (1st generation) is the right choice for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AirPods Pro 1 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H1 | H2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Up to 2x better |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Adaptive Transparency |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Personalized Spatial Audio |
| Charging Case | MagSafe Charging Case | MagSafe Charging Case with speaker |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 5 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Controls | Force Sensor | Touch Control |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Ear Tips | S, M, L | XS, S, M, L |
| Find My Support | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Fit
- Air Pods Pro 1: Features a stem design with silicone ear tips for a customizable fit. Offers a comfortable experience for many users, but some may find the fit less secure during intense activities.
- 2: Maintains a similar stem design but introduces an extra-small ear tip size for a wider range of ear shapes. Offers an improved fit and seal compared to the first generation.
- Winner: 2
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Air Pods Pro 1: Provides effective ANC that significantly reduces background noise. Performs well in various environments, but may struggle with higher-frequency sounds.
- 2: Boasts upgraded ANC performance, offering even greater noise reduction. Excels at blocking out a wider range of sounds, including wind noise.
- Winner: 2
Transparency Mode
- Air Pods Pro 1: Offers a natural-sounding transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings. Can sometimes feel slightly less natural than the 2nd generation.
- 2: Features Adaptive Transparency, which dynamically adjusts to reduce loud noises while still allowing you to hear ambient sounds. Provides a more refined and natural listening experience.
- Winner: 2
Audio Quality
- Air Pods Pro 1: Delivers balanced audio with clear highs and decent bass. Sound quality is good for everyday listening, though some audiophiles may desire more detail.
- 2: Features an upgraded H2 chip and custom drivers, resulting in improved audio quality with enhanced clarity and richer bass. Offers a more immersive listening experience.
- Winner: 2
Chip and Processing
- Air Pods Pro 1: Equipped with the H1 chip, which provides quick pairing, seamless switching between Apple devices, and “Hey Siri” functionality.
- 2: Powered by the H2 chip, which enhances ANC, transparency, and audio quality. Enables more advanced features and improved performance across the board.
- Winner: 2
Battery Life
- Air Pods Pro 1: Offers up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC on, and up to 24 hours total with the charging case.
- 2: Provides up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, and up to 30 hours total with the charging case. Significantly improved battery life.
- Winner: 2
Charging Case
- Air Pods Pro 1: Comes with a MagSafe charging case that supports wireless and Lightning charging.
- 2: Includes a redesigned charging case with a built-in speaker for Find My alerts, a lanyard loop, and supports MagSafe, wireless, and Lightning charging.
- Winner: 2
Controls
- Air Pods Pro 1: Features force sensor controls on the stems for playback, calls, and Siri activation.
- 2: Retains force sensor controls but adds swipe controls for volume adjustment on the stems.
- Winner: 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Sound Quality | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Battery Life | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Value | AirPods Pro 1 (potentially) |
| Design | Tie |
| Overall | AirPods Pro 2 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both AirPods Pro models feature Active Noise Cancellation to block out unwanted background noise, allowing for a more immersive listening experience.
- Transparency Mode: Both offer Transparency mode, which allows you to hear the outside world while still wearing the earbuds.
- Spatial Audio: Both support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a theater-like listening experience.
- Water Resistance: Both are rated IPX4, meaning they can withstand splashes of water and sweat.
- Find My Support: Both models are compatible with Apple’s Find My network, making it easier to locate your AirPods if they are lost.
Air Pods Pro 1 Vs 2 Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
Both AirPods Pro generations share a similar design, featuring a stem and silicone ear tips for a secure fit. The main difference lies in subtle refinements. The AirPods Pro 2 are slightly shorter and have a redesigned acoustic vent for improved comfort, especially during extended use. The ear tips come in extra small, small, medium and large. The stem also features swipe controls for volume, unlike the first generation. Consider your ear shape and preferences to determine which design feels best. Comfort is crucial for a pleasant listening experience, so try both if possible.
Sound Quality
The AirPods Pro 2 boast significant sound quality upgrades. They feature an upgraded H2 chip and custom audio drivers, resulting in richer bass, clearer vocals, and a more immersive listening experience. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is also noticeably improved, effectively blocking out a wider range of ambient sounds. While AirPods Pro 1 still offer excellent sound, the second generation takes audio fidelity to the next level. If sound quality is a top priority, the AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winner.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Active Noise Cancellation is a key feature of both models, but the AirPods Pro 2 excel in this area. Thanks to the H2 chip and improved acoustic design, they offer significantly better noise cancellation, effectively blocking out distracting sounds in noisy environments. Transparency mode also sees improvements, allowing you to hear your surroundings more naturally without removing the earbuds. This means more awareness. The AirPods Pro 1 still provide good noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro 2 set a new standard.
Battery Life and Charging
AirPods Pro 2 offer a slight edge in battery life. With the charging case, you’ll get around 30 hours of total listening time. The AirPods Pro 1, with the charging case, provide about 24 hours. The charging cases themselves are similar, both supporting wireless charging and fast charging via Lightning. The AirPods Pro 2 case also features a speaker, making it easier to locate the case using the Find My app. If you listen for extended periods, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a worthwhile advantage.
Features and Functionality
Both generations offer a suite of features, including Adaptive EQ, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and seamless pairing with Apple devices. The AirPods Pro 2 introduce some new features like Personalized Spatial Audio and the ability to control volume with a swipe on the stem. The H2 chip also enables features such as Adaptive Transparency, which automatically adjusts the level of transparency based on your environment. Both offer great features, but the AirPods Pro 2 have a slight edge in added functionality.
Price and Value
The AirPods Pro 2 generally cost more than the AirPods Pro 1, especially when considering the current market. Consider your budget and the importance of the upgrades offered by the second generation. If you’re looking for the best possible audio experience and noise cancellation, the extra investment in the AirPods Pro 2 is worthwhile. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, the AirPods Pro 1 can still provide excellent value, especially if you can find them at a discounted price. Assess your individual needs to make the best decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods Pro 1 If…
- You want a great pair of noise-canceling earbuds at a potentially lower price point.
- You are happy with the original design and controls.
- You don’t need the latest features like Adaptive Transparency.
- You primarily use them for casual listening.
Buy AirPods Pro 2 If…
- You want the best possible noise cancellation and sound quality.
- You prioritize the latest features like Adaptive Transparency and Personalized Spatial Audio.
- You want extended battery life.
- You prefer the convenience of touch controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between AirPods Pro 1 and 2?
The AirPods Pro 2 feature an upgraded H2 chip, resulting in improved sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life. They also boast new features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive Transparency. The design has been slightly refined for better comfort, and the charging case includes a speaker for easier location using the Find My app. The AirPods Pro 1 still offer a great experience, but the AirPods Pro 2 are an upgrade.
Is the sound quality significantly better on AirPods Pro 2?
Yes, the sound quality on the AirPods Pro 2 is noticeably improved. The upgraded drivers and the H2 chip deliver richer bass, clearer vocals, and a more immersive listening experience. Adaptive EQ also works better. The AirPods Pro 1 still sound good, but the AirPods Pro 2 offer a more refined and detailed audio profile, making them a better choice for audiophiles or those who prioritize sound.
Does the noise cancellation make a big difference?
Yes, the noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro 2 is significantly improved compared to the AirPods Pro 1. The H2 chip and refined acoustic design allow for a greater reduction of ambient noise. This is particularly noticeable in noisy environments like public transport or busy streets. The AirPods Pro 2 provide a quieter listening experience, allowing you to focus on your music or calls.
How long does the battery last?
The AirPods Pro 2 offer slightly better battery life, providing up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. The AirPods Pro 1 offer up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case. The charging cases for both generations support wireless charging. The AirPods Pro 2 case has a speaker.
Are the AirPods Pro 2 worth the extra cost?
The AirPods Pro 2 are worth the extra cost if you prioritize the best possible audio quality, noise cancellation, and battery life. The upgrades are significant, particularly in sound quality and noise cancellation. If you are on a tighter budget, the AirPods Pro 1 are still an excellent choice, especially if you can find them at a discounted price. Consider your individual needs.
Do both AirPods Pro generations have Spatial Audio?
Yes, both AirPods Pro generations support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature creates an immersive listening experience by simulating a surround sound environment. The AirPods Pro 2 offer Personalized Spatial Audio, which further tailors the experience to your individual ear shape. Spatial audio is a great feature for watching movies or listening to music.
Can I use AirPods Pro with Android phones?
Yes, you can use both AirPods Pro generations with Android phones. You’ll get basic functionality like music playback and phone calls. However, you’ll miss out on some Apple-specific features, such as automatic device switching, personalized spatial audio, and easy pairing. You will still get the benefit of good noise cancellation and comfortable fit. The experience is best within the Apple ecosystem.
Final Verdict
The AirPods Pro 2 represent a significant upgrade over the original AirPods Pro, offering improved sound quality, superior noise cancellation, and enhanced battery life. While the AirPods Pro 1 are still a capable option, the advancements in the second generation make them the better choice overall for most users, particularly those seeking the best possible audio experience and noise isolation. The updated features add to the overall value.
Winner: AirPods Pro 2