AirPods Pro vs AirPods Pro 2 – Which Should You Buy?
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AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 have some key differences, but both offer Apple’s latest audio technology. However, the AirPods Pro 2 include advanced Active Noise Cancellation, a Hearing Aid feature, customizable ear tips, and superior sound quality. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!
- In a Rush? Here’s the Winner! AirPods Pro 2
Design & Comfort
Processor
Battery Life
Water Resistance
Active Noise Cancellation
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Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
AirPods Pro 2 has an advanced H2 chip for better noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and more efficient performance
AirPods Pro has H2 older chip.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
AirPods Pro 2 features 2x better Active Noise Cancellation for blocking out more background noise and delivering an immersive audio experience.
AirPods Pro has standard ANC.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Custom Driver and Amplifier:
AirPods Pro 2 feature a custom high-excursion driver and high-dynamic-range amplifier for providing clearer highs, deeper bass, and overall better sound quality.
AirPods Pro uses a custom-built driver and amplifier tuned for balanced audio.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Listening Time:
AirPods Pro 2 deliver up to 6 hours with ANC on, and up to 30 hours with the case.
AirPods Pro are expected to offer up to 4 hours of listening, and 24 hours with the case.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
On-Device Volume Controls:
AirPods Pro 2 features on-device volume controls with swipe gestures on the stems to adjust volume easily
AirPods Pro lacks volume control on the stem.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Charging:
AirPods Pro 2 charging case supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging and includes USB-C charging for more flexibility.
AirPods Pro lacks USB-C charging.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Advanced Inward-Facing Microphone:
AirPods Pro 2 has advanced inward-facing mics for improved voice pickup, call quality and ANC in real-time, adapting to how the earbuds fit and sound in your ears.
AirPods Pro uses standard beamforming and inward-facing mics.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Hearing Aid Function:
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 features a clinically validated Hearing Aid function for enhancing accessibility and hearing assistance.
AirPods Pro does not offer hearing assistance functionality.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Adaptive Transparency Mode:
AirPods Pro 2 feature Adaptive Transparency that dynamically reduces loud environmental noises while still allowing ambient awareness.
AirPods Pro has standard Transparency Mode.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Ear Tip:
Apple AirPods Pro 2 includes an extra XS ear tip size to ensure a better fit with smaller ears.
Apple AirPods Pro has S, M, and L ear tips.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Durability:
The AirPods Pro 2 is IP54-rated for dust and water resistance, providing extra durability for the case and earbuds.
Apple AirPods Pro has IPX4 rating.
Winner:
AirPods Pro 2
Built-in Speaker & Lanyard Loop (Case):
Apple AirPods Pro 2’s charging case has a built-in speaker and lanyard loop for easy location tracking and convenience.
Apple AirPods Pro has standard case with no built-in tracking enhancements.
Are AirPods Pro 2 better than the original AirPods Pro? Yes, AirPods Pro 2 offer improved Active Noise Cancellation, longer battery life, better sound quality, a more powerful H2 chip, and extra features like on-stem volume control, Adaptive Transparency, and a hearing aid function.
Do both AirPods Pro models support Spatial Audio? Yes, both AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive listening experience.
Is there a difference in battery life between AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2? Yes, AirPods Pro 2 provide up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case, compared to up to 4.5 hours and 24 hours for the original AirPods Pro.
Can I control volume directly on the earbuds? Only AirPods Pro 2 support on-device volume control through swipe gestures on the stem. The original AirPods Pro do not have this feature.
Do both cases support wireless charging? Yes, both AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 cases support Qi and MagSafe wireless charging, but only AirPods Pro 2 comes with a USB-C port and built-in speaker.
Is the sound quality different between AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2? Yes, AirPods Pro 2 feature a new custom driver and amplifier with improved inward-facing microphones, resulting in richer bass, clearer mids, and more refined sound overall.
Do either models offer a hearing aid feature? Only AirPods Pro 2 support an iOS-based hearing aid function through the Live Listen and Conversation Boost features found in the iPhone accessibility settings.
Can I use Find My with both cases? Yes, but AirPods Pro 2 offer improved Find My integration with a built-in speaker in the case and precision tracking via the U1 chip, unlike the original AirPods Pro.
Are the designs different between the two models? The external design is nearly identical with in-ear silicone tips and a short stem, but AirPods Pro 2 improve internal architecture and case features like the lanyard loop.
Which should I buy if I already have the original AirPods Pro? If you value better noise cancellation, longer battery life, improved sound, and added convenience features like volume control and Find My enhancements, the AirPods Pro 2 are a worthwhile upgrade.