Apple AirPods vs AirPods Pro: Which is better for you?

Apple is one of the few corporations with a complete product line. Each of its devices has a certain purpose and works in tandem with the rest of the company’s offerings.

The Silicon Valley-based company has released multiple variants of the AirPods, each variant has a few tweaks that set it apart. While the OG AirPods have been discontinued, consumers still have three options to choose from, Apple Airpods 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen along with the Apple AirPods Pro. Now the real question is which ones should you go for?

Features that can be found in all three AirPods

With just one tap, all AirPod models link to your iPhone or Apple Watch, making setup a breeze. You’ll only need to pick AirPods from the device you’re using after you’ve connected, and you’ll be set to go. They’re all compatible with Apple devices and provide automatic switching between them.

Sensors regulate the audio experience automatically, starting to play sound as soon as the AirPods are placed in your ears and activating the microphones for phone conversations. You can wear one AirPod or both AirPods at any time. Additionally, all AirPods versions are available in white and have on-device controls, with the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods Pro having more advanced capabilities than the regular AirPods and AirPods 2.

What Sets Each Apart

Design

The designs of the AirPods 3rd Gen, AirPods Pro, and AirPods 2 are all different, however, the AirPods 2 appear to be identical to the original AirPods. The AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro are both IPX4 water and sweat resistant and have short stems, however, the older AirPods models are not and have longer stems.

The Pro model comes with three sizes of silicone ear tips for a better fit, which is the biggest difference between it and the AirPods 3rd Generation. The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, contains a vent system for pressure equalization and a force sensor on the stem, allowing for greater controls. The AirPods 3rd Gen includes a force sensor as well, although they lack the vent system. The AirPods Pro also comes with two microphones for active noise cancellation.

Sound

Compared to the AirPods 2 and the original AirPods, the AirPods 3rd Generation and AirPods Pro promise a more immersive sound experience. They both have Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts the music’s low and mid-frequencies to the shape of the listener’s ear. There’s also a bespoke high dynamic range amplifier onboard, as well as a special speaker driver to improve music quality and eliminate background noise.

As previously established, the AirPods Pro includes Active Noise Cancellation built-in. The AirPods Pro design has two microphones that work in tandem with smart algorithms to adapt to each ear and eliminate background noise.

Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode are not available on the AirPods 2 or the original AirPods. They also lack Apple’s Spatial Audio technology, which is supported by the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3rd Generation.

Processor

The H1 chip is used in the AirPods 3rd Gen, AirPods Pro, and Apple AirPods 2, as opposed to the W1 chip used in the original AirPods.

The H1 chip is said to provide two times faster connectivity between active devices, 50% greater talk time, and 1.5x faster connection for phone calls than the previous AirPods. It is also reported to provide a 30% reduction in-game latency.

Device Controls

For-device controls on the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro are more advanced than on the AirPods 2 and previous AirPods.

Users of the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro can play, pause, or answer a phone call with a single tap on the stem. Users will be able to skip forward with two taps and backward with three taps. On the AirPods Pro, pressing and holding the button toggles between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, while on the AirPods 3rd Gen, it launches Siri. Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode are only available on the AirPods Pro.

The only on-device controls available with AirPods 2 are double-tapping. With a double-tap, users can set the left and right AirPod to offer a different control, but options are restricted to accessing Siri, next track, previous track, and play/pause. When a phone call comes in, though, a double-tap will answer it.

Wireless Charging Case

A wireless charging case is included with the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen and Apple AirPods Pro. Both casings are MagSafe compatible as well. The Apple AirPods 2 had the option of a conventional charging case, similar to the original Apple AirPods, or a wireless charging case, however, with the release of the third-generation model, you’ll only get the standard case. The wireless charging case can be purchased separately for a fee.

The wireless charging case is Qi compliant, so you can charge your AirPods wirelessly on a Qi charging station. The wireless charging case, as previously indicated, can be purchased separately and is compatible with both the original Apple AirPods and the new Apple AirPods 2.

Verdict

Now the question stand which one should you get? When compared to the original AirPods, the AirPods 2nd Gen offer greater conversation time, Hey Siri control, and faster and more consistent connections. You’ll receive even longer conversation time, a new design, sweat and water resistance, Spatial Audio support, and Adaptive EQ with the AirPods 3rd Gen.

If you’re looking for a pair of Apple’s truly wireless headphones but aren’t sure which to get, here are several options: The AirPods 2nd Gen are less expensive and fantastic, but they lack some of the great features found in the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro provides more custom fit options and noise cancellation than the AirPods 3, but many of the same capabilities, including sweat resistance, Adaptive EQ, and Spatial Audio, are available.

On paper, the AirPods Pro provides the most — although the battery claims on the third-generation model are better — they’re also the most expensive, so you’ll have to consider the features you truly want against what you’re willing to pay for. If you’re looking for the sweet spot, the AirPods 3rd Generation appears to be it.

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