Back when Apple launched its first AirPods, they became massively popular amongst iPhone users. Fast forward to today and Apple makes two models of its True Wireless Earbuds; AirPods (2nd Gen) and AirPods Pro. If we believe the rumours, the AirPods 3 will be launching in the first half of 2021. Waiting a bit longer could win you a price cut. The AirPods and AirPods Pro have their own USP so if you are in the market for wireless buds and are bemused by it, here’s a quick comparison between AirPods and AirPods Pro.
We will be comparing the aspects of design, features, performance, battery life and pricing to choose the best suit for iPhone and Android users as well.
A quick Comparison of AirPods and AirPods Pro:
| AirPods | AirPods Pro | |
| Ear Tip | Universal fit | Customizable fit |
| Resistance | – | Water Resistant |
| Audio Technology | H1 Chip | H1 Chip |
| – | Active Noise Cancellation | |
| Adaptive EQ | ||
| Voice Recognizer | “Hey Siri” always on | “Hey Siri” always on |
| Battery | Up to 5 hours of listening time (on a single charge) | Up to 5 hours of listening time (on a single charge) |
| Up to 24 hours of listening (with wired/ wireless charging case) | Up to 24 hours of listening (with wireless charging case) | |
| Price | $159 (with wired charging case) $199 (with wireless charging case) | $249 |
Design and Fit
The Design of AirPods Pro has shortened stem and come with silicone tips for better fit and comfort. While many people are content with the AirPods’ one-off size fit ( Apple calls it the Universal size ), for the folks who don’t find it satisfactorily, have three ear tips options with the AirPods Pro.
The AirPods Pro are shorter in size, while its case is a bit wider than the AirPods’ case because of the bud’s silicon tip design. For more Specifications checkout the Official Apple Site.
Sound Quality and Performance-H1 instead of W1
The AirPods (2nd Gen) and the AirPods Pro come with H1 chip. It replaced the W1 chip of AirPods (1st Gen, which are no more in a sale). However, the H1 chip has more to offer with the AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro has Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode and has speech recognizer acquitting it.
Apple AirPods Pro performs better than the AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation, yet there is no much difference when the feature is inactive.
Features
The AirPods Pro has:
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Silicon tips
- Force Sensor
- are Water-resistant
- and are $100 costlier,
These are the features that AirPods (1st and 2nd Gen) do not have. Yet there is a common ground between the two options. Both are True Wireless Earbuds, have wireless charging options, have similar battery life, and the design has not changed drastically. The AirPods come with USB-A lightning cable and the AirPods Pro come with USB-C type cable. The android users will prefer a USB-C over a USB-A type cable, hence AirPods Pro becoming a better choice. For an in-depth guide to AirPods check the AirPods Pro- The Ultimate Guide.
AirPods vs AirPods Pro: Battery
Both the AirPods and AirPods Pro has 5 hrs talk time. The listening time on an AirPods Pro decreases by 30 mins with the Active Noise Cancellation feature active. Although, it makes up for it by an impressive 1 hr listening time in just 5 mins of charging. Both cases offer 24 hours of talk time in a single charge.
Wireless Charging
The AirPods come with two variants of cases, one with wireless charging and the other without it. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro has a single variant of the case, which comes pre-loaded with wireless charging feature.
Price Comparison
The AirPods cost $149 for a wired charging case, the wireless charging ones are $199, and the AirPods Pro are $249. There is just a $50 difference between the wireless charging options. For those who are unbothered with the wired charging have a massive price gap of $90 between the earbuds.
Should you upgrade from AirPods to AirPods Pro?
There are certain circumstances when AirPods Pro stands out as a better option between between the two competitors:
- If you want better fitting earbuds,
- If noise cancellation is something you desire,
- you want to take them to the gym.
If you can do without these AirPods Pro offerings, then you don’t need to upgrade. Your AirPods are just as good as the AirPods Pro.
The verdict of AirPods vs AirPods Pro
If you are an iPhone user and are unbothered with wired charging case or the old design of the Earbuds, the AirPods are your choice.
For an Android user, the AirPods Pro becomes the ultimate choice as there is no hassle of carrying different type cables and also have the option of wireless charging. The question remains, how much are you ready to pay?
