Compare the Apple AirPods Pro to the Apple AirPods 2
Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case
- The active noise canceling mutes distracting ambient noise, so you can lose yourself in your music.
- Ambient noise is more audible in the transparent mode, so you can pay attention in traffic, for example.
- Because of the new design with air holes, the AirPods Pro don't cause pressure in your ear when you wear them.
- To make optimal use of the AirPods Pro, you need an Apple iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Apple AirPods 2 with charging case
- With the H1 chip, you can automatically connect your AirPods 2 to your Apple devices.
- Ask digital assistant Siri for help by simply saying 'Hey Siri'.
- To make optimal use of the AirPods 2, you need an Apple iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- These earbuds don't have noise canceling to mute ambient noise.
Compare AirPods Pro to AirPods 2
| AirPods Pro with wireless charging case | AirPods 2 with charging case | |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless charging case | Yes | No |
| Noise canceling | Yes | No |
| Battery life | You can listen to music for 4.5 hours on one charge, or 24 hours thanks to the battery of the charging case. | You can listen to music for 5 hours on one charge, or 24 hours thanks to the battery of the charging case. |
| Earbuds | Silicone ear tips (3 sizes) | Universal earbud |
| Water-resistant | Sweat and water-resistant | Not waterproof |
Design
Apple AirPods Pro: silicone ear tips
The Apple AirPods Pro have the recognizable white color. They have an oval shape and they come with 3 sizes of silicone ear tips. These ear tips shape themselves to your ear, so they stay in place and close off your ear canal well. The mesh on the sides of the earbuds let through air. This way, the pressure in your ears is the same as outside and the AirPods Pro are more comfortable to wear than other in-ear earbuds. The AirPods Pro have a IPX4 certification. That means they're sweat resistant and splash proof, so there's no need to worry if you're listening to music while cycling through the rain.
Apple AirPods 2: universal earpiece
The Apple AirPods 2 have a universal ear piece that you don't insert into your ear canal entirely. This is basically the same design as the EarPods that you receive by default when you buy an iPhone. And that's convenient if the in-ear earbuds aren't a nice fit for you. On the other hand, the Apple AirPod 2 are less compact and have a longer stem. This way, they stick out from your ears more than the AirPods Pro. Though they're pretty close, the wireless charging case for the AirPods 2 is slightly more compact than that of the AirPods Pro.
Performance
Apple AirPods Pro: noise canceling
Simply squeeze the bottom of the stem on the Apple AirPods Pro to turn noise canceling on and off, or to turn on transparent mode. The active noise canceling mutes ambient noise, so nothing interrupts your private karaoke session. In transparent mode, the microphones pick up sounds from outside. That way, you can hear the traffic when you're on your run without having to take the AirPods Pro out of your ears. Thanks to Adaptive EQ, bass and mid-range frequencies are automatically adjusted to the shape of your ear. This lets you get completely absorbed in your favorite music.
Apple AirPods 2: no noise canceling
The Apple AirPods 2 don't have noise canceling, so ambient noise is still audible. But if you like to hear what is going on in your surroundings at all times, it's not necessarily annoying. The AirPods 2 also don't have the new Adaptive EQ technique that the AirPods Pro have. That means the sounds aren't automatically optimized for the shape of your ears and sound a little less intense. Just like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 2 do have the H1 chip. This establishes a stable wireless connection with your devices and lets you use Siri.
Battery life
Apple AirPods Pro: listen for 4.5 hours
With the Apple AirPods Pro, you can listen to your Spotify playlist for 4.5 hours straight. Add the battery of the charging case and you can enjoy your AirPods Pro for about 24 hours. Is the battery of your earbuds empty? Put them in the charging case for 5 minutes and you have enough power for a 1-hour phone call with your mom. You charge the battery of the charging case via a wireless charger or with the included Lightning to USB-C cable.
Apple AirPods 2: listen for 5 hours
The Apple AirPods 2 last 5 hours on a full battery. That means you can listen to popular podcasts for an extra half hour compared to the Apple AirPods Pro. If you count in the battery life of the charging case as well, you can use the earbuds for about 24 hours. Is the battery of the charging case empty? Use the Lightning to USB-C cable for wired charging or a Qi charger for wireless charging.
Conclusion
It depends on your preferences which AirPods you should choose. Do you want to get lost in your music without distracting ambient noise? Then choose the in-ear Apple AirPods Pro with noise canceling. Aside from that, the AirPods Pro are more comfortable because of the air holes and they are resistant to sweat and rain drops. Don't care for noise canceling and don't like the feeling of in-ear earbuds? Then the Apple AirPods 2 are the right fit for you. And if you want an extra hour of battery life or have a smaller budget, you should also choose the Apple AirPods 2.
