When Apple introduced the AirPods Pro (1st Gen), they were a game changer for anyone who is looking to escape the noisy world and dwell on the crisp quality of music in their ears. However, as with all technology, improvements happen, and the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are the result of those improvements. Now, if you already have a pair of the 1st generation AirPods and want to make a switch or buy an AirPods for the first time, this guide should be the only guide you need: AirPods Pro vs AirPods Pro 2.
Here, we will compare both the AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 with key aspects from design to performance to help you make an informed decision.
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But before we dive into the details, did you know that there are two microphones under each AirPod: one is outward at the ear level, and the second is on the bottom of the stem? Yet, my friends hear less on calls when I have my AirPods on.
Back to the business; here is the detailed review on AirPods Pro vs AirPods Pro 2 and which one you should be picking. For rush-goers, don’t worry; we have a quick 1-minute review for you right below this paragraph.
1-Minute Take
The AirPods Pro 2 is definitely a worthy upgrade from the AirPods Pro, and there are a few reasons for this. Most prominently, why say no to better sound quality and active noise cancellation? The battery life is slightly longer in the newer model, and you also get a few inches of extras such as Spatial Audio, Find My, and better touch control. In a nutshell, the AirPods Pro 2 are much better in terms of performance and are worthy of an upgrade from the 1st Gen AirPods Pro.
- Design: The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation has an identical design to the AirPods Pro with the slightest change. Here, you can find the speaker at the bottom of the case and a lanyard loop for easy handling.
- Sound Quality: In terms of sound quality, the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro offers a clearer and crispier sound with better bass and immersive music and call experience.
- Noise Cancellation: ANC or Active Noise Cancellation is the prime highlight of the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro, and there is so much better blocking of background noise, and this gets much better for music creators and gaming enthusiasts.
- Battery Life: Of course, the AirPods Pro 2 has a slightly bigger battery as it is an improvised version of the 1st Generation AirPods Pro. It is a dealbreaker for those who use AirPods throughout the day.
- Extras: The AirPods Pro 2 does offer additional features such as spatial audio, locating your AirPods with Find My, and better touch controls. You cannot expect these on your AirPods Pro 1st Generation as they are newly introduced.
Detailed Review: AirPods Pro (1st Generation) vs AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
AirPods Pro is the first AirPods to get a silicone tip, a more practical design, and made our lives so much easier, but with time, improvements are needed, so we have the AirPods Pro 2, and there cannot be a head-to-head comparison between both the models as one of it is the upgrade of the other.
Through this review, we are only trying to help you make a pick between the AirPods Pro models that fit your use and need. So, remember to read between the lines and make a suitable choice with the help of this review.
1. Design and Build Quality
AirPods Pro (1st Gen) made a strong first impression with its sleek and compact design. These AirPods are lightweight and come with three sizes of ear tips for a relaxed fit. So, be at the gym, take a run in the park, or during rush hour, and you will feel them comfortably sitting for longer periods without feeling any pressure. Of course, it takes a lot for these AirPods to fall out of your ears as they are in perfect shape.
The first-generation AirPods Pro also comes with IPX4 water resistance, so they can bear a few splashes or sweat, and you can comfortably bag them for the gym or light rain.
AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) retains the overall look as the design itself is quite practical; however, with the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), Apple introduces a speaker at the bottom of the case and a lanyard loop on the side. The speaker on the case is to help users with a chime sound when they are looking for their AirPods using the Find My features. While the lanyard loop is helpful for easier handling and avoiding slipping the AirPods case, which is common due to the slippery and shiny surface.
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2. Comfort and Fit
I know how irritating it is when your earbuds feel falling out, especially when you are working, either in the office or at the gym. Most of the time, I lost earbuds in packed places and never found them back. So, comfort and fit are most important, not only with AirPods but with all kinds of earbuds.
In the case of AirPods Pro (1st Gen), Apple gave us the silicone tips for the first time, and these are a lot more comfortable in the ear. If you have a smaller or bigger ear, you also get two additional pairs of fit to tailor your ear size, and these don’t fall even when you are running for your life.
The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) didn’t bring much of a change with these fits, as it is obvious that the fit from the 1st Gen was perfect enough. Thankfully, Apple didn’t make a blunder here, like the butterfly keyboard, just to brand them “All New AirPods Pro.”
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The AirPods get dusty, greasy, and dirty as soon as you remove them from the box and no wonder you can see scratches on them in just a few days. It is always best to carry an AirPods case or cover; here are some of the options that are definitely not a bore.
3. Sound Quality
This is where the 2nd Gen really starts to stand out. While both generations feature great sound, the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) takes things to another level. Apple’s new H2 chip is what powers the sound improvements, offering richer bass, clearer mids, and crisper highs. In simpler terms, the music feels more immersive, and you’ll notice a more refined balance across all audio ranges. This makes a big difference whether you’re listening to classical or hip-hop or taking a call in a noisy environment.
The 1st Gen AirPods Pro is no slouch, though. It still delivers great sound for its time, but users often find that the bass isn’t as punchy or the vocals are not as crisp compared to newer models.
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4. Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
Noise cancellation has always been a major feature of the AirPods Pro lineup, and for people who work in noisy environments or frequently travel, this feature is vital. Both the 1st and 2nd Gen features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but there’s a big leap in performance with the newer model.
The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offers twice as much noise cancellation power as the 1st Gen, according to Apple. Whether you’re dealing with loud traffic, a crowded café, or a bustling office, the 2nd Gen blocks out background noise much more effectively, especially lower frequencies like the hum of an engine or chatter from people around you.
In terms of Transparency Mode, which lets external sounds in when you need to be aware of your surroundings, the 2nd Gen feels more natural. The external sounds come through more clearly, almost like you aren’t wearing earbuds at all, whereas the 1st Gen, though effective, sometimes made ambient noise sound a bit artificial.
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5. Battery Life
Battery life can be a dealbreaker for many users, and both models offer good performance in this regard. However, the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) does give you a slight edge.
- 1st Gen AirPods Pro: Up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
- 2nd Gen AirPods Pro: Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
The improvement in battery life may seem minor, but for those who rely on their AirPods throughout the day, those extra hours make a real difference. Additionally, the 2nd Gen supports faster charging through MagSafe and has slightly better charging options overall.
6. Additional Features
There are also a few extra features in the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) that the 1st Gen doesn’t offer:
- Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking: Both models offer this feature, but the 2nd Gen personalizes it more based on the shape of your ears, making the surround sound feel even more immersive.
- Find My feature: The speaker on the 2nd Gen’s case makes it much easier to locate, and the U1 chip offers precise tracking with the Find My app.
- Touch controls: The 2nd Gen adds swipe controls on the stem to adjust the volume, which is a handy feature missing from the 1st Gen.
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7. Price and Value for Money
You can often find the 1st Gen AirPods Pro frequently appearing at a discounted price, making it one of the budget options for those who aren’t looking for more than some great quality sound. These AirPods Pro might feel a little outdated as the newer version offers more, but fancy features such as lanyard loops and much better noise cancellation shouldn’t be a reason for paying extra when you are just a casual user and can afford an AirPods Pro case with lanyard loops case.
The 2nd Gen AirPods Pro comes at a higher price, but it’s justified for those looking for better sound, stronger ANC, and extra features, especially if you are immersed in creating music, video editing, gaming, and other creatives that require you to cut off from the outside world and listen to sounds/music more with more clarity. The 2nd Gen AirPods Pro is also suitable for you if you are among those who are forgetful and keep your belongings here and there; the Find My tracking feature is quite helpful here.
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Most Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Yes, the 2nd Gen offers clearer audio with better bass and overall sound balance, thanks to the new H2 chip.
The 2nd Gen’s noise cancellation is significantly improved, especially in blocking out lower-frequency sounds like traffic or voices.
Yes, both models use the same silicone ear tips, so you can swap them if needed.
Yes, the 2nd Gen’s case has a built-in speaker and enhanced Find My features, making it much easier to locate.
The fit is largely the same, but the 2nd-generation ear tips are slightly better at providing a more secure and comfortable fit, especially for smaller ears.
Yes, the 2nd Gen offers up to 1.5 hours more listening time per charge and a longer overall battery life with the case.
The 2nd Gen has a better H2 chip, enhanced noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and additional features like volume touch controls and Find My integration.
If you value better sound, stronger noise cancellation, and advanced features like improved Find My, upgrading to the 2nd Gen is worth it. Otherwise, the 1st Gen still delivers a solid performance.
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Verdict: AirPods Pro (1st Gen) vs AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), Who Should Buy Which?
If you are looking for a decent option with not many fancy features but solid and reliable sound quality, the AirPods Pro 1st Gen is a preferable choice, and it would be great if you could find it on sale. The design is practical, the mics work great, they sit comfortably, and the battery life is decent, too. For users who use AirPods for personal use and just to listen to music, this is no less of an option; in fact, it is one of the best.
However, if you are into more creative fields or you prefer a more immersive experience, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen is a great choice. Over the 1st Gen, this model offers a much clearer and crisp sound quality with better battery life and ANC. Features like Find My Tracking is the cherry on top, making it one of the perfect picks.
What are your thoughts on these AirPods Pro models? Do let us know in the comment section below. Feel free to explore our AirPods guides to explore more useful and handy tips on the Apple AirPods. If you like this article, quickly share it on your social media handles and tag us. Also, join our Telegram channel, Facebook page, and Twitter to never miss a quick update.
