Almost three years after the launch of the first-gen AirPods Pro, Apple unveiled the second-gen model alongside the iPhone 14 lineup and several new Apple Watches. Although the second-gen AirPods Pro share the same design as their predecessor, they improve on features like active noise cancellation, in-ear detection, and battery life while introducing new features like adaptive transparency, touch controls for volume control, and precision search.
In late 2021, Apple announced a major update to its standard AirPods, with new earbuds featuring spatial audio, adaptive EQ, force sensor control, sweat and water resistance, MagSafe charging, and more.
Should you consider buying the $179 third-gen AirPods, or do you need the higher-end AirPods Pro, which retail for $249? Our guide will help answer the question of how to decide which of these AirPod sets is best for you.
Comparison of the AirPods and AirPods Pro
The AirPods and “AirPods Pro” share a large number of important features such as spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, sweat and water resistance, and skin detection sensors. Still, there are some significant differences between them that are worth highlighting, including design and active noise cancellation.
differences
Third generation AirPods
- Semi-in-ear design
- force sensor controls
- H1 chip
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Up to 5 hours of listening time with Spatial Audio enabled
- Up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge
- Up to 20 hours talk time with MagSafe charging case
- MagSafe charging case with Find My
- MagSafe charging case compatible with MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats and Lightning
Second generation AirPods Pro
- In-ear design with silicone ear tips (four sizes)
- Venting system for pressure equalization
- Force sensors and touch controls for volume control
- H2 chip
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Active noise cancellation
- Transparency and Adaptive Transparency
- conversation boost
- Up to 5.5 hours of listening time with Spatial Audio enabled
- Up to 4.5 hours of talk time on a single charge
- Up to 24 hours talk time with MagSafe charging case
- MagSafe charging case with integrated speaker for Find My, U1 chip for precision tracking and wrist strap
- MagSafe charging case compatible with Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging pads and Lightning
Final Thoughts
The standard AirPods are now very similar to the “AirPods Pro” and offer almost all the same features at a lower price. As a result, the third-generation AirPods should be the default choice for most potential buyers. If you also have AirPods Max, which already offer ANC, and are looking for an additional pair of headphones to use while exercising or on the go, the third-gen AirPods are also a great choice.
You should only buy the “AirPods Pro” if you specifically prefer the fit and enhanced sound that in-ear silicone tips can offer, or if you need active noise cancellation. It’s also worth buying “AirPods Pro” if you could make good use of Apple’s Conversation Boost accessibility feature. Otherwise, the H2 chip advances, minor battery life improvements, and adaptive transparency might not be worthwhile upgrades over the standard AirPods.
AirPods Pro often get hefty discounts from Amazon and other third-party retailers, so it might be worth upgrading to the Pro version if you can take advantage of one of those deals. The standard AirPods often see solid discounts too, so it’s always worth checking out the best price with our deal roundup.
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