Airpods Pro 2 Vs Airpods Pro: Which Should You Buy?
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have been the talk of the town since their release in September 2022. The second-generation AirPods Pro bring noticeable upgrades over the original model from 2019, including improved audio quality, longer battery life, and a revamped charging case with speaker and lanyard loop.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the AirPods Pro 2 are better than the original AirPods Pro in almost every way, with key upgrades like Active Noise Cancellation, transparency mode enhancements, customizable fit, and superior audio.
They’re worth the upgrade for most people.
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at how the AirPods Pro 2 stack up against the AirPods Pro. We’ll compare tech specs, design, sound quality, ANC performance, features, battery life, and more to help you decide which model best fits your needs and budget.
Design
When it comes to design, both the AirPods Pro 2 and the original AirPods Pro have their own unique features that make them stand out. One noticeable difference is the stemless design of the AirPods Pro 2. This design gives them a more seamless look, making them appear more compact and sleek.
The absence of the stem also adds to the overall comfort of wearing them, as it eliminates any pressure points that may have been caused by the stem.
Another design improvement in the AirPods Pro 2 is the introduction of new extra small tips. These tips allow for a more customizable fit, ensuring that the earbuds stay securely in place, even during vigorous activities.
This is particularly beneficial for those with smaller ears, as it provides a better seal and prevents any sound leakage.
In terms of dimensions, both the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro have identical sizes. However, the AirPods Pro 2 is slightly heavier compared to its predecessor. This weight difference is minimal and is unlikely to affect the overall comfort of wearing the earbuds.
It is worth noting that the added weight could be due to technological advancements or additional features that enhance the overall performance of the AirPods Pro 2.
For a more detailed comparison between the design features of the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro, you can refer to the table below:
| Design Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Stemless Design | ✅ | ✅ |
| Extra Small Tips | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dimensions | Identical | Identical |
| Weight | Slightly Heavier | Lighter |
Ultimately, the design differences between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro may not be significant enough to sway your decision. It is important to consider other factors such as sound quality, battery life, and pricing to determine which model is the best fit for your needs.
Audio Quality
When it comes to audio quality, the AirPods Pro 2 takes a step ahead with its superior sound and richer bass. With advanced technology and improved drivers, the AirPods Pro 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.
The sound is crisp, clear, and well-balanced, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and videos with exceptional clarity.
AirPods Pro 2 has superior sound with richer bass
The AirPods Pro 2 boasts an enhanced sound profile compared to its predecessor. The improved bass response adds depth and richness to your music, making it feel more immersive and enjoyable. Whether you’re listening to your favorite tunes or watching a movie, the AirPods Pro 2 will elevate your audio experience to new heights.
You’ll be able to hear every detail, from the subtlest instrument to the powerful beats, with remarkable clarity.
Both models support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
One of the standout features of both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro is the support for Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This technology creates a three-dimensional soundstage, making it feel like the audio is coming from all around you.
Whether you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or listening to music, Spatial Audio enhances the immersion by accurately tracking the movement of your head and adjusting the sound accordingly. This creates a captivating audio experience that truly brings your content to life.
With both models offering Spatial Audio, you can expect an exceptional audio experience that will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Whether you choose the AirPods Pro 2 or the AirPods Pro, you can enjoy high-quality sound and immersive audio that will elevate your entertainment experience.
Active Noise Cancellation
ANC is improved on the AirPods Pro 2
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature for many headphone users, and the AirPods Pro 2 takes it to the next level. Building on the success of the original AirPods Pro, Apple has made significant improvements to the ANC technology in their latest iteration.
The AirPods Pro 2 uses advanced algorithms and enhanced hardware to deliver an even more immersive and noise-free listening experience. Whether you’re on a noisy commute or trying to focus in a busy office, the improved ANC on the AirPods Pro 2 will help you stay in the zone and enjoy your music or podcasts without distractions.
New adaptive transparency mode on AirPods Pro 2
In addition to the improved ANC, the AirPods Pro 2 introduces a new feature called adaptive transparency mode. This innovative feature allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings.
With the AirPods Pro 2, you can choose to completely block out external noise, or let in just enough to stay aware of your environment. This is particularly useful when you need to have a quick conversation or hear important announcements while wearing your headphones.
The adaptive transparency mode ensures that you have full control over your audio experience, making the AirPods Pro 2 a versatile option for various scenarios.
According to a study conducted by SoundGuys, the AirPods Pro 2’s ANC is rated as one of the best in the market, outperforming many other popular noise-cancelling earbuds. The study found that the AirPods Pro 2 effectively reduces ambient noise by up to 90%, allowing users to enjoy their content without any disturbance.
This improvement in ANC technology makes the AirPods Pro 2 an excellent choice for those who value a truly immersive audio experience.
Features
AirPods Pro 2 adds touch control for volume
The AirPods Pro 2, the highly anticipated successor to the AirPods Pro, comes with an exciting new feature – touch control for volume. This means that users will no longer have to rely solely on their connected device to adjust the volume of their AirPods.
With a simple swipe or tap on the earbuds, users can easily increase or decrease the volume to their desired level. This added convenience makes the AirPods Pro 2 a great choice for those who want quick and seamless control over their audio experience.
Both have in-ear detection, wireless charging case
Whether you choose the AirPods Pro or the AirPods Pro 2, you can enjoy the convenience of in-ear detection. This feature allows the earbuds to automatically pause playback when you take them out of your ears, and resume when you put them back in.
It’s a small but helpful feature that ensures you never miss a beat.
Additionally, both the AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 come with a wireless charging case. This means that you can easily charge your earbuds by simply placing the case on a wireless charging pad. No more fumbling with cables or worrying about running out of battery on the go.
It’s important to note that while both models share these features, the AirPods Pro 2 may offer enhanced performance and improved battery life compared to its predecessor. As technology continues to advance, Apple strives to provide users with the best possible audio experience.
Battery Life
AirPods Pro 2 offers longer battery life
When it comes to battery life, the AirPods Pro 2 takes the lead. With advancements in technology, Apple has managed to extend the battery life of the AirPods Pro 2 compared to its predecessor. The AirPods Pro 2 boasts a longer battery life, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and calls for even longer without having to worry about recharging.
According to Apple’s official website, the AirPods Pro 2 offers up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over the AirPods Pro, which offers up to 4.5 hours of listening time.
With the AirPods Pro 2, you can have that extra half hour of uninterrupted audio enjoyment.
In addition to the longer listening time, the AirPods Pro 2 also offers a longer battery life for talk time. The AirPods Pro 2 provides up to 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge, while the AirPods Pro only offers up to 3 hours.
This means you can have longer conversations without having to reach for your charging case.
Faster charging on the AirPods Pro 2 case
Not only does the AirPods Pro 2 offer longer battery life, but it also comes with a charging case that has improved charging capabilities. The AirPods Pro 2 case supports fast charging, allowing you to get more juice in less time.
According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 2 case can provide up to 1 hour of listening time or 1 hour of talk time with just 5 minutes of charging. This is a great feature for those moments when you’re in a hurry and need a quick boost of battery life.
Furthermore, the AirPods Pro 2 case supports wireless charging, just like the AirPods Pro. You can conveniently charge your AirPods Pro 2 case by placing it on a compatible wireless charging pad or using a Qi-certified charger.
Price
AirPods Pro 2 costs $50 more than the original
When it comes to the price, it’s important to consider your budget and what you’re willing to spend on a pair of wireless earbuds. The AirPods Pro 2 comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to the original AirPods Pro.
At the time of writing, the AirPods Pro 2 is priced at $249, while the original AirPods Pro is priced at $199.
Although the AirPods Pro 2 is $50 more expensive, it’s essential to consider the improvements and new features that come with the newer model. The AirPods Pro 2 offers enhanced sound quality, improved active noise cancellation, and better battery life, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the latest technology and a premium audio experience.
AirPods Pro 1 is better value if you find it on sale
If you’re looking to save some money and still enjoy the benefits of the AirPods Pro, keeping an eye out for sales and discounts on the original model can be a great option. Retailers often offer promotions and deals on older models when a new version is released.
By purchasing the original AirPods Pro on sale, you can potentially save a significant amount of money while still enjoying the high-quality audio and active noise cancellation features that Apple’s AirPods Pro line is known for.
It’s worth noting that the original AirPods Pro are still an excellent choice for most users, even with the release of the newer model.
Remember to check reputable websites and authorized retailers for any ongoing sales or promotions. Websites such as Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy often have special offers and discounts on Apple products, including the AirPods Pro.
Ultimately, the decision between the AirPods Pro 2 and the original AirPods Pro comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you value the latest technology and are willing to invest in the enhanced features of the AirPods Pro 2, it may be worth the extra $50.
On the other hand, if you can find a good deal on the original AirPods Pro, it can still provide great value for your money.
Conclusion
Overall, the AirPods Pro 2 are a solid upgrade over the original AirPods Pro in key areas like audio quality, noise cancellation, and battery life. They justify their higher price tag with noticeable improvements to the user experience.
However, if you can find the AirPods Pro 1 at a discount, they remain an excellent pair of true wireless earbuds that will satisfy most listeners. It depends on your budget and desire for the latest features.
For many buyers, the AirPods Pro 2 will be worth the investment. But don’t sleep on the original AirPods Pro if you spot a good deal – they still have a lot to offer.
