In the world of wireless earbuds, Apple’s AirPods Pro have set a high standard. With the launch of the second-generation AirPods Pro, users are curious about how they stack up against the first generation. This comprehensive guide will delve into various aspects to help you decide which model suits you best.
User Experience Comparison
The first-generation AirPods Pro, launched in late 2019, introduced a transformative experience with their in-ear detection and Active Noise Cancellation features. The second-generation, with its enhancements, aims to elevate this experience further. Both generations offer seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, making them a perfect match for iPhone 14 users and the new Apple Watches lineup.
Controlling the AirPods Pro
Control mechanisms have seen an upgrade in the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen. The first-gen featured force sensor controls for playback and calls. The second-gen adds volume adjustment touch controls, a much-requested feature, providing users with more control directly from the earbuds.
App Support for AirPods Pro
Both generations enjoy robust app support from Apple, with features like Find My and Precision Tracking. However, the second-gen AirPods Pro offer improved integration, thanks to the new H2 chip and enhanced software capabilities.
Connectivity
Connectivity is key in wireless earbuds. The first-gen AirPods Pro uses the H1 chip and supports Bluetooth 5.0, while the second-gen has upgraded to the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3, offering a more stable and efficient connection.
Battery Life
The first-generation Apple AirPods Pro didn’t excel in battery performance. In tests involving real music playback at 75dB(SPL), the original AirPods Pro provided only 4 hours and 20 minutes of playtime with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) active. This duration is average among true wireless earbuds, and it’s a somewhat underwhelming starting point, especially considering the tendency of AirPods batteries to degrade over time.
On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2nd generation features the new H2 chip, designed to enhance battery efficiency. In similar testing conditions, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro offered a more impressive 5 hours and 43 minutes of usage with ANC on, marking a notable improvement. However, this increase in battery life doesn’t substantially alter the environmental concerns associated with frequently charging small lithium batteries.
Noise Cancellation
The H2 chip in the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd generation really shines when it comes to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This latest version exhibits a marked improvement in ANC capabilities compared to the first-generation AirPods Pro.
While the original AirPods Pro model remains effective, particularly in isolating higher frequency sounds, it doesn’t quite match the 5-10dB enhancement in ANC performance offered by the 2nd generation, especially from the low to mid-range frequencies. The updated AirPods Pro are more adept at handling typical ANC scenarios, such as reducing the hum of a car engine or the buzz of a busy café. This level of ANC efficiency is not just about providing a quieter listening experience; it also plays a crucial role in maintaining safe listening volumes, thus helping to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Sound Quality
Sound quality sees a noticeable improvement in the second-gen AirPods Pro. The advanced H2 chip allows for richer audio and better bass response, making it a significant upgrade over the first-gen.
Microphone Quality
The second generation AirPods Pro generally offers an audio experience similar to the first generation, with a few subtle differences. They both align well with our ideal sound profile, but the newer model emphasizes the lower frequencies slightly more, particularly below 200Hz. This results in a stronger sub-bass presence in the second generation AirPods Pro. For those who enjoy a bit more bass in their audio, this could be a noticeable improvement. However, the overall differences between the two models are minor, often less than 5dB across most of the frequency range. The impact of these differences might not be very prominent in everyday listening, especially if your music doesn’t heavily feature sub-bass elements. In short, the new AirPods Pro might offer a bit more punch in the bass, but both models deliver a high-quality audio experience close to our target sound profile.
Choosing Between AirPods Pro 2nd Gen and 1st Gen
Choosing between the two generations depends on your needs. If you’re looking for the latest technology and enhancements, the second-gen is the way to go. However, the first-gen, though discontinued, can still be a great choice, especially at reduced prices from third-party resellers.
Alternatives to AirPods Pro
If you’re exploring alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 and Samsung Buds Pro are noteworthy. These offer competitive features like noise cancellation, wireless charging, and adaptive transparency at different price points.
AirPods Pro Comparison Table
| Feature | AirPods Pro (First-Generation) | AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation (2x stronger) | 2nd Generation |
| Transparency | Transparency | Transparency and Adaptive Transparency | 2nd Generation |
| Audio Driver and Amplifier | High dynamic range amplifier powering a high-excursion, low-distortion speaker driver | New low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier for richer bass and clearer sound | 2nd Generation |
| Chip | H1 chip | H2 chip | 2nd Generation |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | 2nd Generation |
| In-Ear Detection | Optical IR sensors | Skin-detect sensors | 2nd Generation |
| Control Mechanism | Force sensor controls | Force sensors and touch controls for volume adjustment | 2nd Generation |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 sweat and water resistant earbuds | IPX4 sweat and water resistant earbuds and charging case | 2nd Generation |
| Listening Time with ANC Enabled | Up to 4.5 hours | Up to 6 hours | 2nd Generation |
| Total Listening Time with ANC and Charging Case | 24 hours | 30 hours | 2nd Generation |
| Charging Case Features | MagSafe Charging Case with Find My | MagSafe Charging Case with built-in speaker for Find My, Precision Tracking, and Lanyard loop | 2nd Generation |
| Charging Compatibility | MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning | Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning | 2nd Generation |
| Ear Tips | Three sizes (S, M, L) | Four sizes (XS, S, M, L) | 2nd Generation |
This table highlights the superior features of the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation over the first-generation model. Each category shows clear advancements, making the 2nd Generation the definitive choice for users seeking the latest in technology and user experience from Apple’s AirPods Pro lineup.
Summary
Apple has released the second-generation AirPods Pro, which offer improvements in features such as Active Noise Cancellation, in-ear detection, and battery life. The new model also introduces Adaptive Transparency, volume adjustment touch controls, and precision finding. The first-generation AirPods Pro have been discontinued by Apple, but can still be found at reduced prices from third-party sellers. The two generations of AirPods Pro share most of their features, so customers may be considering whether to purchase the first-generation at a lower price or opt for the second-generation. The second-generation model offers modest upgrades and valuable enhancements, but may not be necessary for all existing users. Those who recently purchased the first-generation may not find it necessary to upgrade unless they specifically want the new features. However, users who purchased their AirPods Pro in late 2019 or early 2020 may benefit from upgrading, especially if their batteries have degraded. It is still a good time to purchase the first-generation model at a discount, but it should be noted that they are now over three years old and frequently discounted.