AirPods Pro vs AirPods 2: Which Are The Best True Wireless Earbuds From Apple?

AirPods are Apple's first True Wireless (wireless) headphones, and the perfect companions for all new smartphones that do not integrate a 3.5mm jack, such as the iPhone X or iPhone 8. They were first launched alongside the iPhone 7, and completely revolutionized the market…

On the 20th of March 2019, Apple released a new version that some call AirPods 2. The new AirPods are almost the same as the original model, but integrate the new H1 chip, and can be charged wirelessly. Many expected a more revolutionary model and were somewhat disappointed. However, Apple's truly innovative headphones appeared later the same year: the AirPods Pro.

Apple AirPods Pro come with noise cancellation, a more pragmatic and attractive design, and superior sound quality, although they are also more expensive. In this article, we will examine all the features of both AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro.

Apple AirPods 2

Technical Characteristics of Apple AirPods 2:

• Type: In-Ear
• Battery: 5 hours (24 hours with case)
• Dimensions: 1.65 x 1.8 x 4.05 cm (1.65 x 1.8 x 4.05 in.)
• Weight: 4 g (each)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth

AirPods 2 Design

They look identical to the previous model, yet they have a strange and striking design. They look like the Apple earbuds that come with iPhones, but it looks like they've cut the wires with scissors. The main difference is that the buds are longer, to accommodate the improved microphones they integrate. They stick out a bit from the ears, and the design is not very subtle, but it's an iconic product.

These Apple earbuds are small and delicate, but feel sturdy and comfortable. The one major drawback is that they do not fit all users well. It's a pity that Apple did not include tips or hooks of different sizes with the purchase, to ensure a good fit for any user, as is the case with the Sony WF-1000X or the Jabra Elite Sport.

Connectivity and Functionalities

The most significant improvement in the Apple AirPods 2 is their connectivity. The H1 Chip replaces the W1, and offers a noticeably faster connection than the original AirPods, although the original AirPods were already syncing quite fast. If you have an iPhone, you will see an option to connect the earbuds by simply removing them from the case/charger, as well as the charging status of the AirPods and charger.

The H1 chip also allows you to use Apple AirPods as a handsfree and take advantage of all Siri features. You can activate the virtual assistant to make calls, change songs, etc., without using your phone. Siri works flawlessly, and the microphone picks up your voice very well, even in noisy environments.

Apple claims that the new H1 chip is twice as fast when switching devices, produces 30% lower latency for gaming and is 50% faster for transferring calls. If you prefer, you can also access Siri by double-tapping the outside of the buds. You can set the AirPods' touch controls to play or change songs, but you can also turn them off completely.

Apple AirPods 2: Sound quality

In terms of audio quality, nothing changes when we compare the AirPods 2 with the previous version. They present a warm, powerful and lively profile, although it offers neither the best treble nor a very deep bass. If you are looking to purchase True Wireless headphones and your main concern is sound quality, the Sony WF-1000X is a better choice. However, few people will choose this Apple product for that reason alone.

The AirPods 2 have a far superior sound to that offered by the EarPods, but fall short of being a product that can satisfy demanding audiophiles. As with many True Wireless, these Apple earphones produce decent mids, but the detail and clarity of instruments and vocals are not the best. Bass, on the other hand, is perceived as more powerful and richer than on the EarPods. Bass is much more decent than Beats headphones, and performs well when playing any genre of music.

These Apple headphones deliver sound with energy and rhythm. They allow you to appreciate the different instruments in instrumental pieces with clarity. They do not produce the clarity or quality of good wired headphones in this price range, but offer a good sound experience. Compared to the Airpods 2, the sound of the Earpods is perceived as poor and flat.

Battery and Charging System

The battery life of the AirPods is one of its best features, and is maintained in the second gen. It can give you up to five hours , although the capacity drops a bit if you use the phone a lot. In addition, these Apple wireless earphones come with a charging case that can add up to 20 additional hours.

In addition to the H1 chip, the other major new feature of the AirPods 2 is that their charger is wireless. This means you can use them with Qi charging mats to avoid the hassle of cables, but they also have a Lightning port. Apple claims the second gen model yields up to three hours of talk time on a single charge, a one-hour improvement over the previous model.

Conclusion on AirPods 2

Apple Airpods 2 wireless headphones remain one of the best True Wireless headphones on the market. They have an eye-catching design, a high-performance battery, and their Bluetooth connection is one of the best we have tested. The sound quality is not the best of the competition, but they are a great option if you have other Apple products. However, the new AirPods Pro are quite a bit better.

AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods Pro Technical Features:

• Type: In-Ear
• Battery: 4 1/2 hours (24 hours with case)
• Dimensions: 3 x 2,2 x 2,4 cm
• Weight: 5.4 g (each)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth

Design

AirPods Pro corrects the cons that the original version has. Apple listened to all the feedback on their popular earbuds and applied the improvements to this model. They are truly excellent and worthy of admiration.

The design of the AiPods is iconic, but not very attractive. The long shape is understandable given all the technology they integrate, but they draw a lot of attention as they stick out from the ears. The new AirPods Pro are almost a centimeter shorter, and the difference is quite noticeable. They look great and polished, like a designer product.

Another significant improvement that the AirPods Pro feature is that they come with three interchangeable and different sized silicone tips. Earlier models did not fit all users well, and could fall off, but the Pro's pads keep them secure in any situation. In addition, they are very easy to remove.

AirPods Pro come with a new venting system that equalizes pressure and minimizes the uncomfortable seal in the ear canal. They are also IPX4 certified against water and sweat, making them a good option for any type of exercise.

Connectivity and Functionalities

Apple changed the touch system of the AirPods 2 for new sensors located in each cup, which are easier to use. These sensors allow you to switch between Transparency and noise cancellation modes. You can also control playback, change songs or answer a call by simply touching them. If you have an Apple Watch, you can skip these controls and use the watch to manage audio and noise cancellation mode.
Like the AirPods 2, the Pro integrate the H1 chip that gives you a seamless and instant Bluetooth connection with iOS devices, and all the functions of the Siri personal assistant. This process is not as smooth when using an Android phone as opposed to iPhones, but the Bluetooth sync is very fast anyway.

Apple AirPods Pro: Sound Quality

The first thing we noticed about the AirPods Pro is that they sound better than previous models, perhaps because they offer deeper bass. The main reason is their new drivers, designed for active noise cancellation technology. The AirPods 2 sound great in quiet environments, but do not perform as well when faced with ambient noise.

The noise cancellation of the AirPods Pro is effective. In addition, the seal provided by the new tips also helps to deliver a much clearer sound in noisy environments. The Pro use two microphones that reduce ambient noise. One is in charge of detecting external sounds, and the second is aimed at the ear while the software adapts the audio signal 200 times per second.

The noise cancellation offered by the AirPods Pro is one of the best among True Wireless headphones, and they also feature Transparency mode, a common feature in the best noise-canceling headphones. This mode allows you to listen to ambient sounds without removing your headphones, which is very useful in train stations or airports.

The Sony WH-1000XM3s sound better for a similar price point. However, we have to note that the Sony are over-ear headphones, and offer different functions, so the comparison is not entirely fair. That said, the AirPods Pro offer remarkable sound for True Wireless earphones. Apple created an automatic equalization system that optimizes low and mid frequencies according to the shape of your ear. The sound profile features high-end dynamics, no perceptible distortion and offers deep bass down to 20Hz.

Battery and Charging System

Apple claims that the AirPods Pro's built-in battery lasts approximately four and a half hours with noise cancellation active. The capacity is a bit lower than that of the AirPods 2, but this is understandable because of the ANC technology. However, they come with a case/charger that gives you an additional 24 hours.

The earbuds charge quickly in the case, and only 5 minutes is enough to use them for an hour. The case can be charged wirelessly with a Qi charging port, or through the Lightning port. They come with a USB-C to Lightning cable, but you will need to get the power supply.

Apple AirPods Pro Conclusion.

The True Wireless AirPods Pro headphones are just about perfect. They correct all the cons of the previous models: they fit any user very well, are more attractive, are IPX4 certified and have very effective active noise cancellation and great sound. They are somewhat expensive, but if you have iOS devices they are the best option on the market.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, we recommend checking out the Xiaomi Airdots Pro 2. They look the same and are cheaper, although the sound doesn't come close in terms of quality.

We recommend you check out the AirPods Max. They are the company's first over-ear headphones. They are quite expensive, but offer all the features of the AirPods Pro, and a sublime sound in a more convenient form. Also, check out the new AirPods 3, a necessary upgrade from the previous version, Beats Fit Pro and Beats Studio Buds.

On the other hand, if you don't need active noise cancellation, the Beoplay E8 is a good choice.

Technical features Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods 2