Understanding the important differences between AirPods and AirPods Pro helps us make the best choice according to our needs and circumstances. The successive generations of wireless earphones or headphones that have entered the market have amazed users and customers, sometimes making it challenging to choose between models that have very similar features.
Before identifying and familiarizing ourselves with the distinguishing points and differences between the two devices, it’s better to become more acquainted with each one separately.
Introduction to AirPods:
AirPods are Bluetooth headphones designed by Apple that function without wires. They were first introduced on September 7, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7. Within just two years of their release, they became the most popular Apple accessory. These headphones connect to an iPhone via Bluetooth, allowing users to listen to the phone’s audio, make and answer calls, listen to and respond to messages, hear reminders when needed, and facilitate clearer conversations in noisy environments, among other uses.
Introduction to AirPods Pro:
Let’s turn to AirPods Pro to understand its dimensions and differences better. This model is another set of Bluetooth wireless earphones designed and brought to the market by Apple. They fit inside the ear and are known as mid-range wireless headphones from the company, alongside the base-level AirPods and the highest-level AirPods Max.
The first generation of AirPods Pro uses the H1 chip, which can also be found in the second generation of base-level AirPods. Notable features of these devices include active noise cancellation, transparency mode for high-quality sound, automatic frequency profile adjustment, water resistance with an IPX4 rating, support for wireless charging with a charging case, and interchangeable silicone ear tips.
Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro contains a newer level of chip, the H2, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, improved sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities, longer battery life, sound adjustment capability, Find My tracking support, compatibility with Apple Watch chargers, and compatibility with very small devices. An update in 2023 added IP54 dust resistance, support for lossless sound with Apple Vision Pro, and a USB-C charging case.
Important Differences Between AirPods and AirPods Pro
Now that we’re familiar with both types of products let’s delve into the important differences between them to make the right choice. Before discussing these differences, it’s important to note some similarities between them:The first generation of AirPods Pro uses the H1 chip, which can also be found in the second generation of base-level AirPods. Notable features of these devices include active noise cancellation, transparency mode for high-quality sound, automatic frequency profile adjustment, water resistance with an IPX4 rating, support for wireless charging with a charging case, and interchangeable silicone ear tips.
Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro contains a newer level of chip, the H2, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, improved sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities, longer battery life, sound adjustment capability, Find My tracking support, compatibility with Apple Watch chargers, and compatibility with very small devices. An update in 2023 added IP54 dust resistance, support for lossless sound with Apple Vision Pro, and a USB-C charging case.
Similarities:
- Both devices are available in one colour (white).
- Battery life and charging times are similar for both.
- Their Bluetooth range is between 20 to 50 feet.
Both models from the AirPods lineup closely resemble each other, with shiny white plastic casings that perfectly match their cases. Both devices come with angled headphone stems for a more ergonomic fit compared to the first and second-generation AirPods. Even with AirPods Pro (second generation) and AirPods (third generation), pressure-sensitive stems are available to customers for media playback control and other functions.
Differences:
- Design and Appearance: The first generation of AirPods Pro and the third generation of AirPods have similar designs and sizes. Both feature force sensors on the headphone stem that can be used for playing and pausing audio, changing ANC modes, and more. The included ear tips with the AirPods model lack the adjustability necessary for a snug fit. In contrast, AirPods Pro comes with three sets of silicone ear tips that can be adjusted according to the user’s needs and preferences.
- Sound Quality: Both the first generation of AirPods Pro and the third generation of AirPods use Apple’s H1 audio chip. Both sets of AirPods feature adaptive EQ and a form of spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. AirPods also have personalized spatial audio.
- Noise Cancellation Capability: ANC modes are available in the first generation of AirPods Pro, but they are not present in the third-generation AirPods. AirPods Pro offers full noise cancellation as well as complete transparency of sounds for its users.
- Charging Speed and Battery Life: Another important difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro is charging speed and battery life. After 5 minutes of charging, each of the two types of earphones can provide up to an hour of full music playback or conversation. Both headphones also support wireless charging. However, the third-generation AirPods allow you to listen to your favourite sounds or have a conversation for about 6 hours, while the first-generation AirPods provide these conditions for about 4.5 hours.
- Connectivity: Both the third generation of AirPods and the first generation of AirPods Pro are recognized as Bluetooth 5.0 devices that support AAC and ALAC audio content. (ALAC is a lossless audio type specific to Apple). The Bluetooth range for both headphone sets is between 20 to 50 feet, and both are compatible with Apple iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and also with Android devices.
- Water Resistance: Water resistance in electronic devices is evaluated using the IPX rating system. The important differences between AirPods and AirPods Pro in this regard are as follows: both the third generation of AirPods and the first generation of AirPods Pro have an IPX-4 rating for water resistance, indicating that they can withstand exposure to some extent, such as sweat or water splashes, but they cannot remain in such conditions for longer periods. With this explanation, we should pay attention to them; also, the headphones and the charging case should be completely dry before charging.
Summary:
Choosing between two very similar models from the AirPods lineup seems challenging. It complicates the decision to buy the right model. In this regard, it is necessary to understand the important differences between AirPods and AirPods Pro fully. The most important difference to consider is the presence of active noise cancellation (ANC) capability in AirPods Pro. This technology involves microphones that eliminate environmental noise and extra sounds. Apple AirPods Pro provides both ANC and Transparency modes for users. You can buy Customized AirPods from the as2 shop.
