Airpods vs Airpods Pro 2: Which Apple Earbuds Reign?
Struggling to choose between the iconic Apple AirPods and the upgraded AirPods Pro 2? You’re not alone! With so many features and improvements packed into these wireless earbuds, deciding which pair is right for you can be a challenge.
This in-depth comparison of the AirPods and AirPods Pro 2 will break down everything you need to know, from sound quality and noise cancellation to battery life and price. We’ll explore the key differences and help you determine which model best suits your listening needs and lifestyle.
Get ready to dive deep into the world of Apple audio and discover which earbuds deserve a spot in your ears. Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, this comparison has you covered. Let’s find out which one comes out on top in the battle of the AirPods vs AirPods Pro 2!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | AirPods | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H1 | H2 |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes, with dynamic head tracking |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Adaptive Transparency |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (earbuds and case) | IPX4 (earbuds and case) |
| Charging Case | Lightning | Lightning, MagSafe, Qi |
| Audio Codec Support | AAC | AAC |
| Custom Ear Tips | No | Yes (XS, S, M, L) |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Battery Life (with case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Find My Support | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Audio Quality
- Airpod: Offers decent audio quality, suitable for everyday listening. Provides a balanced sound profile, but lacks the depth and clarity of higher-end models. Bass response can be somewhat lacking.
- Airpod Pro 2: Delivers significantly improved audio quality with enhanced bass, clear highs, and overall richer sound. Features Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, providing a more immersive listening experience.
- Winner: Airpod Pro 2
Noise Cancellation
- Airpod: Does not feature active noise cancellation. Offers some passive noise isolation due to the earbud design, but doesn’t block out external sounds effectively.
- Airpod Pro 2: Includes advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. This creates a more focused listening environment.
- Winner: Airpod Pro 2
Transparency Mode
- Airpod: Lacks a dedicated transparency mode. You can hear some ambient noise, but it’s not optimized for clear conversation or awareness of surroundings.
- Airpod Pro 2: Features Transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings while still listening to audio. This is useful for conversations or staying aware of your environment.
- Winner: Airpod Pro 2
Design and Fit
- Airpod: Features a universal fit with a stem design. Some users find the fit secure, while others experience slippage. No ear tips are included.
- Airpod Pro 2: Offers a more secure and customizable fit with silicone ear tips in multiple sizes (XS, S, M, L). This improves comfort and sound isolation.
- Winner: Airpod Pro 2
Battery Life
- Airpod: Provides approximately 5-6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the charging case offering additional charges. Battery life is generally good for casual use.
- Airpod Pro 2: Offers around 6 hours of listening time with ANC off (or 5.5 hours with ANC on) and the charging case provides additional charges. Battery life is comparable to the standard AirPods.
- Winner: Tie
Water Resistance
- Airpod: Offers basic water resistance (IPX4 rating), meaning they can withstand splashes and sweat. Not fully waterproof.
- Airpod Pro 2: Features a higher IPX4 water resistance rating, similar to the standard AirPods. Suitable for workouts and light rain.
- Winner: Tie
Charging Case
- Airpod: Comes with a charging case that provides additional battery life. The case charges via Lightning cable.
- Airpod Pro 2: Includes a charging case that offers additional battery life. The case charges via Lightning cable, and also supports MagSafe and wireless charging.
- Winner: Airpod Pro 2
Price
- Airpod: Generally more affordable. Good value for users seeking basic wireless earbuds.
- Airpod Pro 2: Pricier. Reflects the advanced features and improved audio performance.
- Winner: Airpod
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Sound Quality | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Value | AirPods |
| Fit | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Portability | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Spatial Audio: Both AirPods and AirPods Pro 2 support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating an immersive, theater-like listening experience. This feature enhances the audio experience, making it feel more three-dimensional.
- Seamless Integration: Both models offer seamless integration with Apple devices, including easy pairing, automatic switching between devices, and access to Siri. This makes them incredibly user-friendly for Apple users.
- Adaptive Eq: Both AirPods and AirPods Pro 2 feature Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts the sound in real time based on the shape of your ear. This ensures a consistent and personalized listening experience.
- “hey Siri” Support: Both models support “Hey Siri” functionality, allowing users to control music playback, make calls, and get information hands-free. This enhances convenience and ease of use.
- Water Resistance: Both the AirPods and AirPods Pro 2 offer IPX4 water resistance, protecting them from splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and everyday use.
Airpod Vs Airpod Pro 2 Buying Guide
Sound Quality
The AirPods 3rd generation provide a balanced sound profile, suitable for general listening. They offer decent clarity and a wider soundstage compared to previous generations, although they lack the powerful bass that some users desire. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, boast significantly enhanced sound quality. They feature improved bass response, clearer vocals, and overall richer audio, thanks to the upgraded drivers and custom amplifier. The inclusion of Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking further enhances the immersive experience, particularly when watching movies or listening to music with spatial audio support.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
The standard AirPods 3rd generation do not offer active noise cancellation (ANC). They provide some passive noise isolation due to their design, but they won’t block out external sounds effectively. They do have Adaptive Transparency mode, which allows you to hear the outside world while still reducing background noise. The AirPods Pro 2 excel in this area, featuring exceptional ANC that effectively blocks out a wide range of ambient noises, from traffic to airplane engines. Their Transparency mode is also improved, allowing for a more natural and clear hearing of the surrounding environment, without removing the earbuds.
Design and Comfort
The AirPods 3rd generation feature a redesigned, more streamlined shape with a shorter stem compared to earlier AirPods. They aim to fit a wider range of ears, but the fit can still vary depending on individual ear shape. The AirPods Pro 2 come with silicone ear tips in multiple sizes, allowing for a customizable and secure fit. This ensures a better seal for both noise cancellation and sound quality. The Pro design provides a more comfortable fit for prolonged use for many users. Their design is a little more compact, which assists with comfort.
Features and Functionality
Both models offer features like automatic ear detection, seamless pairing with Apple devices, and access to Siri. The AirPods Pro 2 include additional features like Adaptive Transparency, personalized Spatial Audio, and a MagSafe charging case with a built-in speaker for easier locating. The AirPods 3rd generation offer a more basic feature set, focusing on core functionality. Both are splash and sweat resistant, but the Pro model is more water resistant. They integrate well with other Apple products, allowing easy device switching.
Battery Life and Charging
The AirPods 3rd generation offer slightly better battery life in terms of listening time per charge, approximately 6 hours, with the charging case providing multiple additional charges for a total of 30 hours. The AirPods Pro 2 provide around 6 hours of listening time with ANC turned off, and around 5.5 hours with ANC enabled. The charging case offers a total of 30 hours of listening time with ANC off, and 24 hours with ANC on. Both cases support wireless charging and MagSafe charging, adding convenience to the charging process.
Price and Value
The AirPods 3rd generation are more affordable, making them a good option for users on a budget. They offer a solid listening experience and a range of features at a reasonable price. The AirPods Pro 2 are significantly more expensive, reflecting their advanced features and superior performance. While the higher price point might be a deterrent for some, the enhanced sound quality, ANC, and additional features make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium audio experience. The value lies in the features provided.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods If…
- You prioritize simplicity and ease of use.
- You want a more affordable option.
- You don’t need active noise cancellation.
- You prefer a more universal fit.
Buy AirPods Pro 2 If…
- You want the best possible audio quality and noise cancellation.
- You need a more secure and customizable fit with different ear tip sizes.
- You frequently listen in noisy environments and need effective noise isolation.
- You value advanced features like Adaptive Transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro 2?
The main differences lie in sound quality, noise cancellation, and design. AirPods Pro 2 offer superior sound quality, with richer bass and clearer audio, as well as active noise cancellation. They also feature a customizable fit with silicone ear tips, unlike the standard AirPods. The AirPods 3rd generation are more affordable and offer a balanced listening experience, but lack the advanced features of the Pro 2.
Do AirPods Pro 2 have better noise cancellation than the original AirPods Pro?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 have significantly improved noise cancellation compared to the original AirPods Pro. Apple refined the ANC technology to block out more ambient noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments such as commutes, offices, or airplanes. The improved transparency mode also offers a clearer way to hear the outside world when needed.
Are AirPods Pro 2 water resistant?
Yes, both the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 3rd generation are water resistant. The AirPods Pro 2 have an IPX4 rating, meaning they can withstand splashes of water from any direction. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. Regular AirPods also have this rating, providing protection against sweat and light rain.
How long does the battery last on AirPods and AirPods Pro 2?
AirPods 3rd generation offer around 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the charging case providing a total of 30 hours. AirPods Pro 2 offer around 6 hours of listening time with ANC off and 5.5 hours with ANC on. The charging case provides a total of 30 hours of listening time with ANC off, and 24 hours with ANC on.
Which AirPods are better for phone calls?
Both AirPods and AirPods Pro 2 provide good call quality. However, the AirPods Pro 2 often have a slight edge due to their improved microphone array and noise cancellation capabilities. This results in clearer voice transmission, especially in noisy environments. Both perform well and the difference is not always noticeable.
Can I use AirPods Pro 2 with Android devices?
Yes, you can use AirPods Pro 2 with Android devices. They connect via Bluetooth. However, you will not have access to all the features, such as automatic device switching and personalized Spatial Audio. These features are optimized for Apple devices. Basic functionality like music playback and phone calls will still work.
Are AirPods Pro 2 worth the upgrade from the AirPods 3rd generation?
Whether or not the upgrade is worth it depends on your priorities and budget. If you value superior sound quality, effective noise cancellation, a customizable fit, and extra features, then the AirPods Pro 2 are likely worth the upgrade. If you prioritize affordability and a more basic, but still good, listening experience, the AirPods 3rd generation are a fine choice.
Final Verdict
The AirPods 3rd generation offer a balanced listening experience at a more accessible price point. However, the AirPods Pro 2 provide a significant upgrade in sound quality, noise cancellation, and overall features. The Pro 2’s customizable fit and enhanced features make them the superior choice for those seeking a premium audio experience. While the AirPods 3rd generation are great for casual listening, the AirPods Pro 2 excel in all key areas.
Winner: AirPods Pro 2