Airpods Pro vs Airpods Pro 2 – Which Should You Buy?
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You finally decide to upgrade your earbuds. You loved the original AirPods Pro for their snug fit and noise cancellation. Now, the AirPods Pro 2 are here, and you’re wondering if it’s really worth the switch. In this article, we compare the AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2. We’ll walk through what’s improved, what stayed the same, and which one fits your lifestyle better. Is the AirPods Pro 2 a worthy upgrade, or should you hold on to the original?
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | AirPods Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2022 |
| Chip | H1 chip | H2 chip |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes, improved adaptive ANC |
| Transparency Mode | Standard | Adaptive Transparency |
| Sound Quality | Balanced, clear | Richer bass, improved clarity |
| Personalized Spatial Audio | No | Yes, with head tracking |
| Volume Control | No | Yes, swipe gesture on stem |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 4.5 hours with ANC | Up to 6 hours with ANC |
| Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Charging Case Features | MagSafe + Lightning | MagSafe + Lightning + U1 chip + speaker |
| Case Location Support | No | Yes, via Find My with Precision Finding |
| Microphone Performance | Good noise reduction | Enhanced voice isolation |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Compatibility | iOS and macOS devices | iOS and macOS devices |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The design of both models looks nearly identical. You still get the same short stem and in-ear silicone tips. However, AirPods Pro 2 features a redesigned vent system that helps reduce pressure in your ears. The charging case now includes a lanyard loop and a speaker for easier locating. It’s small changes, but thoughtful.
Sound Quality
AirPods Pro already sounded great, but the Pro 2 steps it up. Thanks to the H2 chip and new driver, you get more detail in vocals and better bass response. Music feels fuller and more dynamic. It’s especially noticeable if you listen to high-bitrate audio or classical music.
Active Noise Cancellation
The original AirPods Pro brought solid ANC for everyday noise. AirPods Pro 2 improves on this with twice the noise-canceling power, according to Apple. Real-world use shows that background hums and chatter are more effectively muted. This makes a big difference during commutes or in crowded places.
Transparency Mode
AirPods Pro used a basic transparency mode that let outside noise in. AirPods Pro 2 offers Adaptive Transparency, which automatically lowers loud sounds like sirens while keeping your surroundings audible. It’s smarter and more ear-friendly.
Battery Life
AirPods Pro gave around 4.5 hours per charge with ANC. AirPods Pro 2 pushes this to 6 hours. The case also adds 6 more hours of total battery. This isn’t a game-changer but does mean fewer interruptions if you’re on long calls or flights.
Controls and Usability
AirPods Pro used squeeze gestures to play or pause. AirPods Pro 2 adds swipe volume control right on the stem. It’s a small but incredibly convenient upgrade. You no longer need to pull out your phone to adjust sound levels.
Charging Case Features
The AirPods Pro 2 case adds real improvements. It has a U1 chip for Precision Finding in the Find My app, plus a speaker that makes locating it easier. You also get MagSafe, Lightning, and even Apple Watch charger compatibility. The original case had fewer options.
Connectivity and Performance
AirPods Pro used the H1 chip and Bluetooth 5.0. The Pro 2 uses the H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3. This means better wireless efficiency, more stable connections, and potentially support for future audio features. You’ll notice faster switching between devices and lower latency on calls.
FAQ
Is the sound quality noticeably better in AirPods Pro 2 compared to the original?
Yes, the sound is clearer and the bass is more pronounced in AirPods Pro 2. Thanks to the H2 chip and new driver, you get richer audio and better instrument separation.
Do both AirPods support Spatial Audio?
Only AirPods Pro 2 support Personalized Spatial Audio. The original AirPods Pro do support basic Spatial Audio, but not with head tracking or personalized tuning.
Can I use AirPods Pro 2 with an older iPhone?
Yes, AirPods Pro 2 are compatible with iPhones running iOS 16 or later. If your phone supports that, you can use them fully.
Does AirPods Pro 2 have better battery life?
Yes. You get up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on, compared to 4.5 hours on the first-gen AirPods Pro. The case also adds 6 more hours of total usage.
Is there a difference in the case design?
Yes. The AirPods Pro 2 case includes a speaker for Find My alerts, a lanyard loop, and compatibility with Apple Watch chargers. The original case lacks these features.
Do both support Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes, but AirPods Pro 2 offers improved adaptive ANC that cancels more noise in real-world environments like trains or busy streets.
What’s the difference in Bluetooth version between the two?
AirPods Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0 while AirPods Pro 2 uses Bluetooth 5.3. This provides better connection stability and lower power consumption.
Are the AirPods Pro 2 better for phone calls?
Yes. AirPods Pro 2 improves voice pickup with a new mic arrangement and computational audio that reduces wind and background noise more effectively.
Is the volume control feature available on AirPods Pro?
No. Only AirPods Pro 2 lets you swipe on the stem to change volume directly. The original model doesn’t support this gesture.
Which one should I buy if I already have the first AirPods Pro?
If your AirPods Pro still work fine and you don’t need better ANC or longer battery, you can wait. But if you want improved sound, smarter features, and a better case, the upgrade is worth it.