AirPods Pro 2nd Generation vs. AirPods Pro: Which one is better?

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation vs. AirPods Pro: Which one is better?

Are you looking for an enhanced listening experience with Apple AirPods? Congrats! The wait is over.

AirPods Pro has been updated almost three years after Apple first released them. In addition to new features, a longer battery life, and a wholly revamped active noise cancellation mode, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are the next generation of AirPods. There's no denying the fact that the design is nearly identical; however, there's a whole new bag under the hood.

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation vs. AirPods Pro: Comparison

AirPods Pro is undoubtedly more improved than previous AirPods models, but are they worth upgrading? Our comparison of the original AirPods Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 will help you decide whether to upgrade.

1. Design:

It's hard to tell the difference between AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro in size and shape. Their weights, however, have changed slightly. With the addition of silicone ear tips, the design has been enhanced. AirPods Pro 2 will now be available with an XS ear tip to provide an optimal fit for a broader range of people. 

Okay, but design-wise, you'll only notice a significant change in the charging case. Featuring a lanyard loop on the subject, the AirPods Pro 2 case can be attached to anything and carried. 

What's the fix if you lose your AirPods? It's not a problem.

Apple has added a new feature in AirPods Pro 2: a speaker grill on the bottom of the case that would assist in locating it using the Find My app. In addition to its thinner profile, the new charging case is also lighter.

The stems of the AirPods Pro 2 don't change the design, but they've got touch controls. Now you can swipe on the AirPods Pro stems from controlling your volume and existing controls.

2. Water-resistant:

Do you plan on using your AirPods during your workout, or will you need water-resistant buds?

It's important to note that both the AirPods Pro and Pro 2 are waterproof to IPX4, but the AirPods Pro 2 go the extra mile and provides a waterproofing case as well, so you don't have to worry about sweating and spills.

3. Call Quality:

The original AirPods Pro is better suited to calling than the AirPods Pro 2. Besides being louder and more evident, the mics minimize incidental noise better. When you're on video and voice calls, the AirPods Pro 2 dampens a lot, and wind resistance is also a problem.

One advantage of the AirPods Pro 2 is head tracking for FaceTime calls. Despite the uniqueness and utility of this feature, we prefer AirPods Pro because they offer less background interference.

Due to their upgraded noise-cancelling features, the second-generation AirPods provide excellent call quality for those who frequently use their earbuds for taking calls. Suddenly, the background noise of random cars and construction projects disappears, allowing you to concentrate fully on the other person.

4. Sound:

In addition to the AirPods, Apple also showed off its AirPods Pro audio capabilities. It produces a more consistent and precise sound thanks to its adaptive EQ. Compared to AirPods 2, the soundstage is more considerable and warmer, and the frequency range is better balanced. A vital feature of this version is spatial audio, Apple's 3D sound format, which delivers immersive music and movies with Dolby Atmos technology.

AirPods Pro 2 has many of the same audio features as AirPods Pro. Audio can be balanced, ranged, and brightened, with the soft sounds either boosted or reduced. By scanning your ears, Headphone Audio Customization creates a sound profile tailored to your hearing preferences. 

A killer feature of Apple's AirPods Pro 2 is Personalized Spatial Audio, which is also available on the original AirPods Pro. With this feature, you can create a sound profile by scanning your head and ears using the iPhone's TrueDepth camera, similar to Headphone Audio Customization. With AirPods Pro 2, the feature works better, along with dynamic head tracking.  

However, the AirPods Pro 2 doesn't just offer 3D audio. A new low-distortion driver and custom amplifier crank out crisper mids and deeper bass in the buds. It's also common to hear high notes on orchestral tracks, especially those with complex arrangements. 

5. Connectivity:

The H2 processor powers the new AirPods Pro 2nd generation. AirPods Pro's H2 processor is designed to improve audio clarity and quality compared to the H1 processor. Moreover, the AirPods Pro 2 has the most recent Bluetooth technology, which can also be more efficient, allowing for a broader range of connectivity, etc. New codec support for LE Audio and LC3 is the most noticeable change.

6. Battery life:

AirPods Pro 2 has improved battery life as well. Original AirPods Pro can last four to five hours on one charge, and the charging case can last up to 24 hours.

AirPods Pro 2 will last longer, offering six hours on one charge and up to 30 hours with a charging case. This option can make a big difference if you're using the AirPods while commuting, vacationing, working out, or just away from a charger. 

Each model has an hour of playtime after a 5-minute charge. While both cases have lightning ports, Apple AirPods Pro 2 supports charging via Apple Watch chargers. MagSafe or Qi charging are also charging options.

7. Noise Cancellation:

Again, let's start with the older AirPods Pro. Already, they have amazing noise cancellation that can block most frequencies. You'll be happy with how much of the surrounding noise they block - no matter if it's people's voices or rumbling engines or clacking keyboards - if you have them on and no music playing.

High frequencies are all you'll hear from these sounds if they're close. You won't hear any background noise once you play some music.

How do the AirPods Pro 2 compare? Since Apple says "up to two times more noise cancellation" than their predecessor, that's a bold statement!

Yeah, they block even more noise, meaning to a greater degree. It's really, really impressive that you'll hear so little of any surrounding sounds in the same scenario.

Is that really "two times more noise cancellation"? There's a chance it's true, but it's not noticeable.

AirPods Pro's ANC is pretty good, and most people are going to be happy with them. Objectively, they're better than the old ones, but I wouldn't say that's a reason to upgrade.

8. AirPods Pro 2nd Generation vs. AirPods Pro: Specs

Features	AirPods Pro	Airpods Pro 2
Dimensions (inches)	1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94	1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94
Weight (ounces)	0.19	0.19
Case Dimensions (inches)	1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85	1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85
Case Weight (ounces)	1.61	1.79
Battery Life (earbuds)	4.5 hours with ANC	6 hours with ANC
Battery Life (with case)	Up to 24 hours	Up to 30 hours
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.3
Microphones	Dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone	Dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone
Sweat and Water Resistance	IPX4	IPX4
Active Noise Cancellation	Yes	Yes
Spatial Audio	Yes	Yes

 

9. Price:

The price will decide if you are on a tighter budget. Even though Apple has discontinued AirPods Pro, and cannot be purchased from Apple.com, third-party retailers still sell them for around $180. It's $250 for AirPods Pro 2. 

Many people make a quick decision based on the $70 difference, but we recommend looking at more factors. It's worth the extra $70 to get AirPods Pro 2 since they offer massive upgrades. If you can still find the original model, it is the winner on price alone. 

Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Specs compared

Features	Apple AirPods Pro 2	Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Price	$249	$229
Wireless charging case	Yes	Yes
Chip	H2	Unknown
Battery life (rated)	5.5 - 6 hours  30 hours with charging case	5 hours  30 hours with charging case
Water resistance	IPX4 (buds and charging case)	IPX7
Dimensions (inches)	1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94	0.7 x 0.85 x 0.7
Weight (ounces)	0.19	0.19

 

Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Google Pixel Buds Pro: Specs compared

 

Features	Google Pixel Buds Pro	Apple AirPods Pro 2
Price	$199	$249
Wireless Charging Case	Yes	Yes
Chip	Google six-core processor	H2
Battery Life (Rated)	7 hours, 31 hours with charging case	5.5 - 6 hours,  30 hours (with charging case)
Water Resistance	IPX4	IPX4
Dimensions (inches)	0.88 x 0.87 x 0.93	1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94
Weight (ounces)	0.22	0.19

 

Final thoughts:

With their impressive performance in almost every category, the AirPods Pro 2 is superior to the AirPods Pro. AirPods Pro is great, but the new ones are even better, especially with Apple's upgrades. Better sound quality and customization give you the best value. 

They are best for people already deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem. For them to work effectively, you will need an iPhone and Apple charger. 

It's better to get Galaxy Buds 2 Pro if you've always used Android and aren't planning to switch anytime soon. Even so, AirPods Pro 2 are better because of their superior sound quality, improved transparency mode, and enhanced noise cancellation.