Airpods Pro 2 vs 1: Which Apple Airpods Are Right?
Are you ready to dive into the world of premium audio and noise cancellation? You’re in the right place! We’re putting the spotlight on two titans of the wireless earbuds market: the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and the original AirPods Pro. Choosing between these two can be tricky.
Both promise an exceptional listening experience, but the newer AirPods Pro 2 boasts several upgrades. We’ll explore the key differences between these two models to help you make the best choice for your needs. Prepare to discover which AirPods Pro reigns supreme!
We will examine the design, sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and battery life of both the AirPods Pro 2 and the first generation. This in-depth comparison will provide you with all the information you need. Get ready to find out which AirPods Pro is the perfect fit!
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 | Yes |
| Charging Case | MagSafe with Speaker | MagSafe |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (earbuds & case) | IPX4 (earbuds) |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | 6 hours | 5 hours |
| Total Battery Life (with case) | 30 hours | 24 hours |
| Touch Controls | Swipe for volume | Tap controls |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Case speaker | Yes | No |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | S, M, L |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Chipset
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Features the H2 chip, offering improved audio processing, enhanced noise cancellation, and longer battery life. The H2 chip also enables features like Personalized Spatial Audio.
- 1: Equipped with the H1 chip, providing solid performance for its time with decent noise cancellation and spatial audio capabilities. It offers a good balance of performance and efficiency but is now surpassed by the H2.
- Winner: 2
Noise Cancellation
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Significantly improved active noise cancellation (ANC) compared to the first generation, blocking out more ambient noise. Provides a higher level of immersion and a quieter listening experience.
- 1: Offers effective active noise cancellation, but not as advanced as the second generation. It reduces a good amount of background noise, suitable for general use.
- Winner: 2
Transparency Mode
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Features Adaptive Transparency, which can dynamically reduce loud noises while still allowing you to hear surrounding sounds. This offers a more natural and safer listening experience.
- 1: Provides standard Transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings. It’s functional but lacks the advanced features of the newer model.
- Winner: 2
Audio Quality
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Delivers improved audio quality with richer bass, clearer vocals, and a more balanced sound profile. Offers an enhanced listening experience across a variety of music genres.
- 1: Provides good audio quality, but the sound profile is not quite as refined as the second generation. The sound quality is clear and enjoyable for most listeners.
- Winner: 2
Battery Life
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Offers slightly improved battery life, with up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC on and up to 30 hours total with the charging case.
- 1: Provides good battery life, with up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 24 hours total with the charging case.
- Winner: 2
Charging Case
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: The charging case includes a built-in speaker for Find My alerts, a lanyard loop, and supports MagSafe charging.
- 1: The charging case is more basic. It supports wireless charging but lacks the speaker, lanyard loop, and MagSafe capabilities.
- Winner: 2
Controls
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Features touch controls on the stems, allowing for easier adjustment of volume and other settings.
- 1: Uses touch controls, but volume adjustment requires using Siri or your connected device.
- Winner: 2
Price
- Apple Airpods Pro 2: Generally more expensive due to the advanced technology and features.
- 1: Usually available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: 1
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Transparency Mode | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Sound Quality | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Battery Life | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Value | AirPods Pro 1 (potentially) |
What They Have in Common:
- Design: Both AirPods Pro models share a similar in-ear design with silicone ear tips for a secure and comfortable fit, and a stem for controls.
- Spatial Audio: Both offer Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive listening experience, creating a theater-like sound.
- Seamless Integration: Both AirPods Pro generations offer quick pairing and effortless switching between Apple devices.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both models have Active Noise Cancellation to reduce unwanted background noise.
- Transparency Mode: Both include Transparency mode, allowing you to hear the outside world while still wearing the earbuds.
- Hey Siri: Both support “Hey Siri” voice activation for hands-free control.
Apple Airpods Pro 2 vs 1 Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
The design differences between the AirPods Pro 2 and the original are subtle but significant. While both retain the iconic stem design, the AirPods Pro 2 features improved ergonomics for a more secure and comfortable fit. Apple has included an extra-small ear tip size with the second generation, catering to a wider range of ear shapes and sizes. The charging case has also been slightly redesigned, with a built-in lanyard loop and speaker for easier location.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro 2 boasts a significant upgrade in sound quality, thanks to the new H2 chip. This results in richer bass, clearer vocals, and overall improved audio fidelity compared to the first-generation model. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is also noticeably better, effectively blocking out more ambient noise. Transparency mode has also been enhanced, allowing for more natural sound passthrough.
Battery Life and Charging
The AirPods Pro 2 improves battery life, offering up to six hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC enabled, and up to 30 hours with the charging case. The original AirPods Pro provide up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC, and 24 hours with the case. Charging is done via Lightning, with the AirPods Pro 2 also supporting MagSafe charging, adding another convenient charging option for users.
Features and Functionality
The AirPods Pro 2 introduces several new features, including Personalized Spatial Audio, which tailors the spatial audio experience to your head shape and ear size. The charging case now includes a speaker for easier location using Find My, and also allows for precise location tracking. Volume control is now available directly on the stems of the AirPods Pro 2, a feature not available on the first generation.
Microphone Performance and Call Quality
Both generations offer excellent microphone performance, making them suitable for calls and voice recordings. The AirPods Pro 2, with the upgraded H2 chip, provides slightly clearer voice capture and improved noise reduction during calls, especially in noisy environments. Overall the clarity of the voice is improved with the second generation. The beamforming microphones work effectively to isolate your voice.
Value and Pricing
Considering the improvements in sound quality, noise cancellation, and features, the AirPods Pro 2 command a higher price point than the original AirPods Pro, particularly after the first generation has been on the market for a while. Evaluate your budget and needs: the AirPods Pro 2 offer a premium experience, but the original AirPods Pro can still provide excellent value, especially if purchased at a discounted price. Consider the feature set and value offered.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods Pro 2 If…
- You want the best possible noise cancellation and transparency mode.
- You value longer battery life, especially on the earbuds themselves.
- You want the latest features like Adaptive Transparency and Personalized Spatial Audio.
- You want a charging case with a speaker for easier location.
Buy AirPods Pro 1 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You still want excellent noise cancellation and sound quality.
- You don’t need the absolute latest features.
- You can find them at a significantly discounted price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 1?
The AirPods Pro 2 features the H2 chip, which delivers improved sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life. It also includes Personalized Spatial Audio, volume control on the stems, and a redesigned charging case with a speaker and lanyard loop. The original AirPods Pro offers a good experience but lacks these enhancements.
How much better is the noise cancellation on AirPods Pro 2?
The AirPods Pro 2 offers significantly improved noise cancellation compared to the first generation. The H2 chip and updated acoustic design allow for greater reduction of ambient noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments such as airplanes or busy streets. This enhancement makes a noticeable difference in daily use.
Does the AirPods Pro 2 have better battery life?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 provides slightly longer battery life. You can expect up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and up to 30 hours with the charging case. The original AirPods Pro offers up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC, and 24 hours with the charging case.
Are the AirPods Pro 2 more comfortable to wear?
The AirPods Pro 2 is designed with improved ergonomics. While both generations are comfortable, the inclusion of an extra-small ear tip size with the AirPods Pro 2 caters to a wider range of ear shapes. This can contribute to a more secure and comfortable fit, even during extended use.
Does the AirPods Pro 2 support lossless audio?
No, neither the AirPods Pro 2 nor the original AirPods Pro currently supports lossless audio. Both headphones utilize Bluetooth, which currently does not support lossless audio transmission. While they provide excellent sound quality, they are not designed for lossless listening.
Can I use the AirPods Pro 2 with my older iPhone?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 is compatible with older iPhones, as long as your iPhone supports the latest iOS versions. The AirPods Pro 2 work with devices running iOS 16 or later. However, certain advanced features like Personalized Spatial Audio may require specific iOS versions.
Is it worth upgrading from AirPods Pro 1 to AirPods Pro 2?
Upgrading from the AirPods Pro 1 to the AirPods Pro 2 is worth considering if you value improved sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, and new features like Personalized Spatial Audio and volume control on the stems. The battery life improvements and the addition of a speaker on the charging case also make it a worthwhile upgrade for many.
Final Verdict
The AirPods Pro 2 represents a significant advancement over the original AirPods Pro, with enhanced sound quality, superior noise cancellation, and a range of new features. While the first-generation AirPods Pro remain a solid choice, the improvements offered by the AirPods Pro 2 justify the upgrade for those seeking the best possible audio experience. The enhanced features, such as personalized spatial audio, make the Pro 2 the better choice overall.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2