Apple AirPods 2, AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 (2022) might be in your sights if you’re looking for a new set of wireless headphones and you also have an iPhone or iPad. But how do they compare in terms of both price and performance? Continue reading to see how Apple Airpods Pro vs Airpods 2 compare.
Above Apple’s second-generation AirPods is the AirPods Pro. They cost more, but they have a new look, active noise-cancellation technology, and some special functions. Is it worth buying these instead of the normal AirPods? Should you count on the upcoming AirPods 3 or perhaps the upcoming AirPods Pro 2 (2022)?
Here is a thorough comparison of Apple Airpods Pro vs Airpods 2 to assist you in choosing the best option at checkout.
Apple Airpods Pro Vs Airpods 2: Sound Quality
Apple’s second-generation AirPods turned up the volume and added a little more subtle sound to the proceedings. As with the majority of Apple devices, the sound is clear, carefree, and well-balanced. The regular AirPods don’t have as much bass, as the more expensive Pros, but they perform well when it comes to harsh vocals.
There is no artificial treble or bass boost in the Pros. The advantage of AirPods is especially prominent in the mid-range, there is a lot of texture and depth but the brightness is not obvious. They dig in a bit more information and deliver a deeper, fuller sound than the AirPods 2. We found, however, that the Pros performed slightly better without noise cancellation.
Apple Airpods Pro Vs Airpods 2: Noise-Cancelling
The Apple AirPods 2 rely on noise isolation from the earcups themselves rather than any kind of noise-canceling technology.
That is covered by the AirPods Pro. They feature active noise cancellation that is continuously adjusted 200 times per second and (very effective). While more unpredictable sounds like office chatter are reduced to whispers, noises like the pounding of locomotives are virtually eliminated. A useful feature of the Pro bud’s “Transparency” mode is that it allows sounds from the outside world to come in while jogging or riding.
Impressive, however, you may want to consider the 2021 Sony WF-1000XM4 (£250, $280, AU$280) if noise cancellation is your top priority. Their noise cancellation is among the best out there of any true wireless earbuds at this price point.
You can also think about pausing until the AirPods Pro 2, which is said to have better noise cancellation.
Apple Airpods Pro Vs Airpods 2: Design And Fit
According to Apple’s “universal fit,” the regular AirPods should be comfortable in any ear. In truth, that’s not always the case, and if they do feel a little loose, there’s no way to change the fit.
The silicone tips on the AirPods Pro come in a variety of sizes, allowing for a far more personalized fit. And if you’re uncertain which to use, Apple will assist you in determining the ideal fit with the use of the included “Ear Tip Fit Test that you can use once the headphones are on.
While the in-ear noise-canceling AirPods Pro is made to fit securely, they also have small air vents to reduce the pressurized sensation that is sometimes associated with these types of headphones. If you’re sensitive to that type of stuff, it’s a great addition.
Are you considering bringing your Apple earphones to the gym? The IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant design of the AirPods Pro makes them far more suitable for athletic endeavors (standard AirPods offer no water resistance).
Apple Airpods Pro Vs Airpods 2: Connectivity
According to Apple’s “universal fit,” regular AirPods should be comfortable in all ears. In fact, that’s not always the case, and if they feel a little loose, there’s no way to change the fit.
The silicone tips on the AirPods Pro come in a variety of sizes, allowing for a much better fit. And if you’re not sure which one to use, Apple helps you determine your ideal fit using the included “Headphone Fit Test,” which you can use when the headphones are on.
While the in-ear noise-canceling AirPods Pro is built to fit securely, they also have small air vents to alleviate the feeling of pressure that is sometimes associated with these types of headphones. If you’re sensitive to that type of content, it’s a great addition.
Are you considering bringing your Apple headphones to the gym? The AirPods Pro’s IPX4 sweat and water-resistant design make them even more suitable for sports activities (standard AirPods are not water-resistant).
Both AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro offer error-free wireless performance and incredibly fast pairing thanks to the combination of Apple’s excellent H1 processor and Bluetooth 5.0.
We haven’t given up yet and found Apple’s automatic pairing to be quick and responsive (insert a headset and it instantly connects to your phone).
Apple Airpods Pro Vs Airpods 2: Controls
You can manage the Apple AirPods Pro vs AirPods 2 with just your voice thanks to Apple’s H1 processor, which enables the buds to respond to any “hello Siri” spoken requests.
The touch controls on both devices are also present but in somewhat different configurations.
Touching the AirPods once will play or answer a call, touching twice will skip music, and so on. Squeezing the little ridge on either stem of the AirPods Pro allows you to change the noise-canceling settings, skip songs, stop music, and take calls.
Apple Airpods Pro Vs Airpods 2: Battery life
The 2019 second-generation AirPods have a battery life of up to five hours, and the charging case extends that by an additional 19 hours. It’s a respectable performance, but Apple is said to be adding a major battery bump to the future AirPods 3.
With the charging case, the AirPods Pros are said to last for 19 hours, which is a little less time than the AirPods 2 – 4.5 hours. (You must turn off noise-canceling if you want the AirPods Pro to last the longest on the battery.)
Both bud covers for wireless charging are of comparable size and work with Qi wireless charging mats. The second-generation AirPods may be purchased with either the conventional charging case (£159/$159) or a wireless charging case (£199/$199) whereas the Pros come equipped with the wireless charging case.
If each pair runs out of juice, five minutes in the case will extend your listening time by an additional hour.
Apple Airpods Pro Vs Airpods 2: Price
Above Apple’s second-generation AirPods is the AirPods Pro. Compared to the £159 ($159, AU$249) AirPods 2, they cost quite a little more at $249 ($249, AU$399), but they do include active noise-cancellation and a few other special capabilities. Each model made its début in 2019.
Conclusion
Both types of AirPods offer a great user experience, especially if you’re currently using an iPhone. You also have to consider the rather significant price disparity that persists even after the Black Friday sale.
By opting for the AirPods 2i, you can save yourself around £100 ($100) and enjoy a slightly longer battery life. And that was before the Apple AirPods 3 were even considered.
However, the AirPods Pro raises the bar and delivers outstanding sound quality, modern noise cancellation, and increased comfort to warrant their premium price tag.
If you have the money, we recommend buying the AirPods Pro on Black Friday, but if not (and you’re happy with the fit), the basic AirPods will still work just fine for you.
