Airpods Pro 1 vs 2: Which Apple Airpods Are Right?
Are you ready to upgrade your listening experience? The Apple AirPods Pro lineup has consistently set the standard for true wireless earbuds. But with the release of the second generation, the question arises: is it worth the upgrade from the original?
This in-depth comparison of the Apple AirPods Pro 1 vs 2 will help you decide. We’ll dive into the key differences, from audio quality and noise cancellation to battery life and features. Prepare to discover which AirPods Pro model best suits your needs.
Whether you’re a long-time Apple enthusiast or new to the AirPods world, this guide will provide a clear understanding. We’ll break down the specifications and real-world performance of both the first and second-generation AirPods Pro, so you can make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | AirPods Pro 1 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H1 | H2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes, Improved |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes, Adaptive |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes, Personalized |
| Charging Case | MagSafe Charging Case | MagSafe Charging Case with Speaker & Lanyard Loop |
| Sweat and Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 5 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Controls | Force Sensor | Touch Control |
| Ear Tips | 3 sizes | 4 sizes (XS, S, M, L) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Apple Airpod Pro 1: Features a stem design and a comfortable fit with three included ear tip sizes. They offer a sleek and premium feel but can be prone to scratches.
- 2: Maintains a similar design but with improved materials and a more durable build. Offers a better IPX4 water resistance rating and a new XS ear tip size for a more secure fit.
- Winner: 2
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Apple Airpod Pro 1: Provides effective noise cancellation, reducing ambient sounds significantly. However, it can sometimes struggle with higher-pitched noises.
- 2: Boasts a significant upgrade in ANC performance, canceling up to twice as much noise as the first generation. This results in a much quieter listening experience.
- Winner: 2
Transparency Mode
- Apple Airpod Pro 1: Offers a good transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings. It’s generally clear but can sometimes sound slightly artificial.
- 2: Includes Adaptive Transparency, which further enhances the transparency mode by dynamically adjusting to reduce loud noises and provide a more natural listening experience.
- Winner: 2
Sound Quality
- Apple Airpod Pro 1: Delivers balanced sound with clear highs and decent bass. Sound quality is generally good for everyday use.
- 2: Features an upgraded H2 chip and enhanced audio drivers, resulting in richer, more detailed sound with improved clarity and a wider soundstage.
- Winner: 2
Battery Life
- Apple Airpod 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. The case also includes a speaker for easier location and lanyard loop.
- Winner: 2
Chip and Connectivity
- Apple Airpod Pro 1: Powered by the H1 chip, offering seamless pairing with Apple devices and reliable connectivity.
- 2: Equipped with the new H2 chip, which improves performance across the board, including ANC, transparency mode, and sound quality. Offers better connectivity and lower latency.
- Winner: 2
Charging Case Features
- Apple Airpod Pro 1: Comes with a MagSafe charging case, offering wireless charging capabilities.
- 2: Includes a redesigned charging case with the U1 chip for Precision Finding, a built-in speaker for alerts and locating, and a lanyard loop.
- Winner: 2
Price
- Apple Airpod Pro 1: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more accessible option.
- 2: Priced higher than the first generation, reflecting the upgraded features and performance.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Audio Quality | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Battery Life | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Value | AirPods Pro 1 (potentially) |
| Charging Case | 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, providing an immersive listening experience.
- Transparency Mode: Both offer Transparency mode, allowing you to hear the outside world while still wearing the earbuds. This is useful for conversations or remaining aware of your surroundings.
- Spatial Audio: Both support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a theater-like listening experience by placing sound all around you.
- Sweat and Water Resistance: Both AirPods Pro models are rated IPX4, meaning they are resistant to sweat and water, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Seamless Integration: Both AirPods Pro models provide seamless integration with other Apple devices, including easy pairing and automatic switching between devices.
- Comfortable Design: Both models share a similar in-ear design with silicone ear tips for a comfortable and secure fit.
Apple Airpod Pro 1 Vs 2 Buying Guide
Sound Quality Comparison
The second-generation AirPods Pro boast enhanced sound quality compared to the first generation. Apple upgraded the drivers and introduced personalized spatial audio, delivering a more immersive and refined listening experience. You’ll notice improvements in clarity, particularly in the mid and high frequencies. The AirPods Pro 2 also offer improved bass response, resulting in a fuller and more dynamic soundstage. While the original AirPods Pro still sound excellent, the upgrades in the second generation are noticeable, especially when listening to complex audio tracks.
Noise Cancellation Performance
Noise cancellation is a key feature, and the AirPods Pro 2 take a significant lead. They offer up to twice the noise cancellation power compared to the original AirPods Pro. This means they’re better at blocking out a wider range of ambient sounds, from the rumble of an airplane engine to the chatter in a busy cafe. The improved noise cancellation makes a noticeable difference, creating a more peaceful and focused listening environment. The original AirPods Pro still offer effective noise cancellation, but the second generation delivers a superior experience.
Battery Life and Charging
The AirPods Pro 2 offer slightly improved battery life compared to the first generation. You can expect around 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled, a slight increase from the original. The charging case also provides additional charges, extending the total battery life. The second-generation case features a speaker for finding it easier and supports MagSafe charging, adding to convenience. Both models offer fast charging capabilities, but the enhancements in the Pro 2 make it more practical for extended use.
Design and Comfort
Both generations share a similar design, but the AirPods Pro 2 include an extra-small ear tip size for a better fit for more users. The overall comfort level remains high, with the silicone ear tips providing a secure and comfortable seal. The stems are slightly shorter on the second generation, which some users may find more aesthetically pleasing. The IPX4 water resistance rating remains the same for both models, protecting them from sweat and splashes. Overall, the design differences are subtle but contribute to a slightly improved experience with the newer model.
Features and Functionality
The AirPods Pro 2 introduce several new features, including Adaptive Transparency mode, which dynamically adjusts to reduce loud noises while letting you hear surrounding sounds. They also offer touch controls on the stems for adjusting volume, making them more convenient to use. The second-generation case also includes a lanyard loop for easier carrying. While the original AirPods Pro offer excellent features, the Pro 2 expands on them with enhanced functionality and convenience. Both models seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem.
Price and Value
The price is a crucial factor when deciding between these two models. The original AirPods Pro are often available at a lower price, making them a more budget-friendly option. The second-generation AirPods Pro are priced higher, reflecting their improved features and performance. Consider your budget and the importance of features like enhanced noise cancellation and personalized spatial audio. While the Pro 2 offers significant improvements, the original AirPods Pro still provide excellent value, especially if you can find them at a discounted price. Evaluate your priorities to determine the best value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods Pro 1 If…
- You want a great pair of noise-canceling earbuds at a potentially lower price.
- You are satisfied with the existing feature set and don’t need the latest upgrades.
- You are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and want a seamless experience.
Buy AirPods Pro 2 If…
- You prioritize the best possible noise cancellation and audio quality.
- You want the latest features, including the H2 chip and improved battery life.
- You want the convenience of the new charging case with a speaker and lanyard loop.
- You value the improved touch controls for volume adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between AirPods Pro 1 and 2?
The AirPods Pro 2 offer improvements in several areas, including noise cancellation (significantly better), sound quality (more refined), battery life (slightly better), and features (Adaptive Transparency, touch volume controls). The charging case also has some upgrades like a speaker for finding it and MagSafe charging. The design is similar, but the Pro 2 includes an extra-small ear tip size and slightly shorter stems.
Is the sound quality significantly better on the AirPods Pro 2?
Yes, the sound quality is noticeably improved on the AirPods Pro 2. The upgraded drivers and personalized spatial audio contribute to a more immersive and detailed listening experience. You’ll hear enhanced clarity, particularly in the mid and high frequencies, and a fuller bass response compared to the original AirPods Pro. It’s an upgrade that many listeners will appreciate.
How much better is the noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro 2?
The noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro 2 is significantly better, offering up to twice the noise cancellation power of the original AirPods Pro. This means they are more effective at blocking out a wider range of ambient sounds, making them ideal for noisy environments. The improvements result in a more peaceful and focused listening experience.
Do the AirPods Pro 2 have better battery life?
The AirPods Pro 2 have slightly better battery life compared to the original AirPods Pro. You can expect around 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled, a small increase. The charging case also provides additional charges. While it’s not a huge difference, it extends the overall usage time.
Is the design of the AirPods Pro 2 different?
The overall design is similar, but there are some subtle differences. The stems are slightly shorter on the AirPods Pro 2. Also, the Pro 2 comes with an extra-small ear tip size to accommodate a wider range of users. They retain the same IPX4 water resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts and everyday use.
Are the AirPods Pro 2 worth the extra cost?
Whether the AirPods Pro 2 are worth the extra cost depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize superior noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and the latest features, the Pro 2 are a good choice. If you’re on a tighter budget, the original AirPods Pro still offer excellent value and performance, especially if you find them at a discounted price.
Can I use the AirPods Pro 2 with Android devices?
Yes, you can use the AirPods Pro 2 (and the original AirPods Pro) with Android devices. However, you’ll miss out on some of the exclusive features that are optimized for the Apple ecosystem, such as automatic device switching and personalized spatial audio. You can still use them for listening to audio and taking calls.
Final Verdict
The AirPods Pro 2 clearly outperform the original AirPods Pro in several key areas, including noise cancellation, sound quality, and feature set. While the original AirPods Pro remain a solid option, the improvements in the second generation are significant and provide a superior listening experience. The enhanced features and performance justify the higher price point for those seeking the best possible experience.
Winner: AirPods Pro 2