Airpods Pro 2 vs 1: Which Apple Airpods Are Best?
Are you ready to dive into the world of premium audio and noise cancellation? The battle is on: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2nd generation face off against the original AirPods Pro. Choosing the right pair can significantly elevate your listening experience, whether you’re commuting, working out, or simply relaxing at home.
The AirPods Pro series has consistently set the standard for true wireless earbuds. Both generations boast impressive features, but the advancements in the newer model promise notable improvements. We’ll explore these differences to help you decide which AirPods Pro best suits your needs and preferences.
From enhanced audio quality to upgraded noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 2 bring a lot to the table. But does the original AirPods Pro still hold its own? Let’s find out how these two titans of the earbud world stack up against each other, detailing key features, and performance aspects.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods Pro 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H2 | H1 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Improved | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Adaptive Transparency | Standard |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio | Yes |
| Charging Case | MagSafe Charging Case with speaker | MagSafe Charging Case |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | 6 hours | 5 hours |
| Total Battery Life (with case) | 30 hours | 24 hours |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Controls | Touch Control | Force Sensor |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Audio Codec Support | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Find My Support | Yes, with case speaker | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Chipset
- Apple Airpod Pro 2: Features the H2 chip, offering improved audio processing, more efficient noise cancellation, and enhanced battery life. This results in a more immersive listening experience and longer usage times. The H2 also enables personalized spatial audio.
- 1: Equipped with the H1 chip, known for its strong performance and responsiveness. It provides good audio quality and active noise cancellation. The H1 chip is a proven performer, but lacks the advanced features of the newer H2.
- Winner: apple airpod pro 2
Noise Cancellation
- Apple Airpod Pro 2: Offers significantly improved active noise cancellation (ANC) compared to the first generation. It can block out twice as much noise, providing a much quieter listening environment. This is achieved through the H2 chip and redesigned acoustic vents.
- 1: Provides effective active noise cancellation, blocking out a noticeable amount of ambient noise. While effective, it doesn’t match the enhanced performance of the second generation. It reduces surrounding sounds, but not to the extent of the newer model.
- Winner: apple airpod pro 2
Transparency Mode
- Apple Airpod Pro 2: Features Adaptive Transparency, which dynamically reduces loud noises like construction or sirens, while still allowing you to hear the surrounding environment. This offers a more natural and balanced listening experience in transparency mode.
- 1: Offers standard Transparency mode, which allows you to hear the outside world. This is useful for conversations and situational awareness. However, it doesn’t have the advanced features of Adaptive Transparency.
- Winner: apple airpod pro 2
Audio Quality
- Apple Airpod Pro 2: Delivers improved audio quality with enhanced clarity and detail, thanks to the H2 chip and updated drivers. The overall sound profile is refined, providing a richer listening experience. Supports Personalized Spatial Audio.
- 1: Provides good audio quality with a balanced sound profile. The sound is clear and enjoyable for most listeners. However, the 2nd gen AirPods Pro offers an upgrade in audio fidelity.
- Winner: apple airpod pro 2
Battery Life
- Apple Airpod Pro 2: Offers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC enabled (up to 30 hours with the charging case). The charging case also features improvements.
- 1: Offers up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC enabled (up to 24 hours with the charging case). Battery life is good, but is surpassed by the 2nd generation.
- Winner: apple airpod pro 2
Charging Case
- Apple Airpod Pro 2: The charging case now includes a speaker for easier location, lanyard loop, and support for MagSafe charging. The case is also more water-resistant.
- 1: The charging case offers wireless charging but lacks the speaker, lanyard loop, and enhanced water resistance of the second generation. It functions well but does not have the additional features.
- Winner: apple airpod pro 2
Controls
- Apple Airpod Pro 2: Features touch controls for volume adjustment directly on the stems, in addition to the existing controls. This makes it easier to manage audio settings.
- 1: Features force sensor controls on the stems for playback, calls, and Siri activation. It works well, but lacks the volume control option available on the newer model.
- Winner: apple airpod pro 2
Price
- Apple Airpod Pro 2: Generally more expensive due to the advanced features and improvements.
- 1: Typically available at a lower price point, making them a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: Depends (If price is the main factor: 1)
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Transparency Mode | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Battery Life | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Value | AirPods Pro 1 |
What They Have in Common:
- Water Resistance: Both AirPods Pro models share an IPX4 water resistance rating, protecting them from splashes and sweat.
- Spatial Audio: Both offer Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating an immersive listening experience.
- Seamless Integration: Both generations seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem, including easy pairing and device switching.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both models feature Active Noise Cancellation to block out unwanted background noise.
- Transparency Mode: Both include a Transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings.
- Comfortable Design: Both AirPods Pro models share a similar in-ear design with interchangeable silicone ear tips for a comfortable fit.
Apple Airpod Pro 2 Vs 1 Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
The design differences between the AirPods Pro 2 and the original AirPods Pro are subtle but impactful. The AirPods Pro 2 maintain the iconic stem design but offer improved ergonomics. Both models come with silicone ear tips in various sizes for a customizable fit. However, the Pro 2 includes an extra-small ear tip size, catering to a wider range of ear shapes. Comfort is subjective, but the improved design and fit of the Pro 2 make them a slightly better choice for extended listening sessions. The charging case of the Pro 2 also incorporates a speaker for easier location.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro 2 boast significant improvements in sound quality and noise cancellation. They feature an upgraded H2 chip that delivers richer audio with improved clarity and a wider soundstage compared to the H1 chip in the original AirPods Pro. Noise cancellation is noticeably enhanced, effectively blocking out more ambient noise in various environments, from bustling city streets to airplane cabins. Transparency mode is also improved, allowing for clearer awareness of surroundings without removing the earbuds. These upgrades translate to a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
Features and Functionality
The AirPods Pro 2 introduces several new features and enhancements. The updated charging case now includes a speaker for Find My functionality, making it easier to locate the case if misplaced. Swipe controls on the stems allow for volume adjustments, adding a convenient control option. Battery life is also slightly improved on the Pro 2. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, available on both models, enhances the immersive listening experience, but the Pro 2 refines this feature further, providing a more refined effect. The Pro 2 also brings personalized spatial audio.
Battery Life and Charging
While both AirPods Pro models offer respectable battery life, the AirPods Pro 2 edges out the original. The Pro 2 offers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled, compared to the original’s 4.5 hours. The charging case extends the total listening time to around 30 hours for the Pro 2, slightly more than the original. Both models support wireless charging and can be charged via a Lightning cable. The improved battery life of the Pro 2 is a significant advantage for users who listen for extended periods.
Price and Value
The price difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and the original AirPods Pro is a key factor in the buying decision. The AirPods Pro 2, being the newer model, typically comes with a higher price tag. However, the enhanced features, improved sound quality, and longer battery life justify the price difference for many users. The original AirPods Pro can often be found at a discounted price, making them a more budget-friendly option. Consider the value you place on the upgrades when making your decision, balancing cost against the benefits offered by each model.
Connectivity and Ecosystem
Both AirPods Pro models seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem, offering effortless pairing with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The H1 and H2 chips facilitate quick switching between devices and provide features like automatic device switching. Both support Bluetooth 5.0. Compatibility is straightforward for both models. The key difference lies in the improved performance of the H2 chip in the Pro 2, resulting in a more responsive and reliable connection. The deep integration with Apple devices is a major selling point for both models, but the Pro 2 offers a slightly more refined experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods Pro 2 If…
- You prioritize the best Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode performance.
- You want longer battery life.
- You want the latest features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive Transparency.
- You want a charging case with a built-in speaker for easier location.
Buy AirPods Pro 1 If…
- You want to save some money.
- You still want excellent noise cancellation and sound quality.
- You don’t need the absolute latest features.
- You’re happy with the existing charging case features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 1?
The AirPods Pro 2 feature an upgraded H2 chip, offering improved sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, and a longer battery life. They also include new features such as swipe controls for volume adjustment and an improved charging case with a built-in speaker. Furthermore, the Pro 2 offers an extra-small ear tip size for better fit and personalized spatial audio.
Is the sound quality significantly better on the AirPods Pro 2?
Yes, the sound quality on the AirPods Pro 2 is noticeably improved. The H2 chip delivers richer audio with enhanced clarity and a wider soundstage compared to the original AirPods Pro. This results in a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience, particularly noticeable in the depth of bass and the overall balance of the sound.
Are the noise cancellation capabilities improved in the AirPods Pro 2?
Absolutely. The AirPods Pro 2 boast significantly improved noise cancellation. The enhanced processing power of the H2 chip allows them to effectively block out more ambient noise, making them ideal for noisy environments such as commutes, flights, or busy offices. This leads to a more focused and uninterrupted listening experience.
Does the AirPods Pro 2 have better battery life?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 offer slightly improved battery life. You can expect up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled, compared to the original’s 4.5 hours. The charging case also provides more total listening time, making the Pro 2 a better choice for extended 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 sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life are priorities, the Pro 2’s upgrades justify the price. However, if you are on a budget or the upgrades are not essential, the original AirPods Pro remains a capable option, especially if on sale.
Do both AirPods Pro models support Spatial Audio?
Yes, both the original AirPods Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature creates an immersive listening experience by placing sound in a three-dimensional space. The AirPods Pro 2 provide a slightly more refined and personalized Spatial Audio experience, adding to the immersion.
Can I use the AirPods Pro 2 with Android devices?
Yes, you can use the AirPods Pro 2 with Android devices. They connect via Bluetooth. However, some features, such as automatic device switching and personalized spatial audio, are optimized for Apple devices and may not be fully functional on Android. You’ll still get a great listening experience but may miss some exclusive features.
Final Verdict
The AirPods Pro 2 represent a significant upgrade over the original AirPods Pro, offering improved sound quality, superior noise cancellation, and enhanced features. While both are excellent choices, the Pro 2’s advancements in audio performance and overall user experience make it the superior option for most users. It provides a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience with a longer battery life.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2