Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Lying on Wooden Surface Next to Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation), Earbuds Out of Case
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Lying on Wooden Surface Next to Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation), Earbuds Out of Case

AirPods Pro 1 Vs 2: Which Earbuds Should You Buy?

The AirPods Pro 1 vs 2 is a common question, and COMPARE.EDU.VN is here to help you decide which earbuds are best for your needs by providing a detailed comparison of features, performance, and value. Whether you’re considering upgrading or making your first purchase, understanding the nuances between these models can ensure you make an informed decision. Consider factors like sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and overall user experience before making a purchase decision.

1. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Design and Comfort

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 1 share a similar design, both featuring the iconic stemmed design and all-white color scheme. The earbuds also come with silicone ear tips, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. However, the AirPods Pro 2 includes an extra-small (XS) ear tip size, offering a better fit for a wider range of users.

  • AirPods Pro 2: Includes XS, S, M, and L ear tip sizes.
  • AirPods Pro 1: Includes S, M, and L ear tip sizes.

The earbuds are pretty hard to differentiate. Source: soundguys.com

2. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Durability and Water Resistance

Both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 1 feature an IPX4 rating for the earbuds, protecting them from splashes of water and sweat. However, the AirPods Pro 2 extends this protection to the charging case, providing enhanced durability against the elements.

  • AirPods Pro 2: IPX4 rating for both earbuds and charging case.
  • AirPods Pro 1: IPX4 rating for earbuds only.

3. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Key Features and Technology

The AirPods Pro 2 is equipped with an upgraded H2 chip in the earbuds and a U1 chip in the charging case, offering significant improvements over the AirPods Pro 1’s H1 chip. The H2 chip enhances battery life, noise canceling, transparency mode, and connection stability. The U1 chip enables precise location tracking with the Find My app and includes a speaker on the case for easier locating.

3.1. Chip Technology

Feature AirPods Pro 2 AirPods Pro 1
Earbud Chip H2 H1
Charging Case Chip U1 None

3.2. Find My App Integration

The Find My app integration is improved on the AirPods Pro 2 due to the inclusion of the U1 chip and a speaker on the charging case. This allows for more precise tracking and audible alerts when the case is misplaced.

4. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Controls and Usability

The controls on the AirPods Pro 2 build upon those of the AirPods Pro 1, adding swipe functionality for volume adjustment. Both models feature pressure-sensitive stems for play/pause, skipping tracks, and toggling ANC/Transparency modes.

4.1. AirPods Pro 2 Controls

Input (Stems) Action
One Press Play/Pause/Answer Call
Two Presses Next Track
Three Presses Previous Track
Press and Hold Toggle ANC/Adaptive Transparency Modes
Swipe Up/Down Increase/Decrease Volume
“Hey Siri” Change Volume, Request Directions, Playback Control

4.2. AirPods Pro 1 Controls

Input (Stems) Action
One Press Play/Pause/Answer Call
Two Presses Next Track
Three Presses Previous Track
Press and Hold Toggle ANC/Transparency Modes
“Hey Siri” Change Volume, Request Directions, Playback Control

The pressure-sensitive stems on the AirPods Pro 2 now support swipes to adjust the volume. Source: soundguys.com

5. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Software Features and Customization

Both AirPods Pro models utilize the iOS Settings app for primary software features, offering an ear tip fit test and customizable on-ear controls. They also support Personalized Spatial Audio and Spatialize Stereo. However, the AirPods Pro 2 offers hearing aid compatibility, a feature not available on the first-gen AirPods Pro.

5.1. Unique Features

Feature AirPods Pro 2 AirPods Pro 1
Hearing Aid Compatibility Yes No

Make sure to update your iPhone to iOS 16 to get the most out of your new AirPods Pro. Source: soundguys.com

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Connectivity and Codecs

Both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 1 support Bluetooth connections and use the SBC and AAC audio codecs. The AirPods Pro 2 features Bluetooth 5.3, offering more stable connections and better power efficiency compared to the AirPods Pro 1’s Bluetooth 5.0.

6.1. Bluetooth Specifications

Specification AirPods Pro 2 AirPods Pro 1
Bluetooth Version 5.3 5.0

6.2. Charging Port

The AirPods Pro 2 features a USB-C port on the charging case, aligning with Apple’s move towards USB-C across its product line, while the AirPods Pro 1 uses a Lightning connector.

7. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Battery Life Comparison

The AirPods Pro 2 offers improved battery life compared to the AirPods Pro 1, thanks to the H2 chip. In testing, the AirPods Pro 2 lasted 5 hours and 43 minutes with ANC on, while the AirPods Pro 1 lasted 4 hours and 20 minutes. Both cases provide an additional 24 hours of playtime with ANC.

7.1. Battery Performance

Feature AirPods Pro 2 AirPods Pro 1
Playtime with ANC 5 hours 43 minutes 4 hours 20 minutes
Additional Playtime with Case (ANC) 24 hours 24 hours

Both cases support wireless charging with Qi and MagSafe chargers, but only the second-generation model also supports Apple Watch chargers. Source: soundguys.com

8. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Noise Cancellation Performance

The AirPods Pro 2 delivers significantly improved ANC performance, with up to 20-30dB of noise reduction across various frequencies. This puts it on par with some of the best ANC earbuds on the market. The AirPods Pro 2 also introduces Adaptive Transparency mode, which minimizes the intensity of sudden loud noises.

8.1. Noise Cancellation Chart

The 2nd gen model is still a clear step up. Source: soundguys.com

9. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Sound Quality Assessment

Both AirPods Pro models offer great sound quality, closely adhering to in-house curve frequency responses. The AirPods Pro 2 provides slightly louder bass up to around 200Hz, while the AirPods Pro 1 undershoots in the same range.

9.1. Frequency Response

The AirPods Pro 2 may sound a little nicer if you’re accustomed to audio products that have a little extra bass, as it provides more oomph in the sub-bass content.

10. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Microphone Quality

Both models feature decent microphones for truly wireless earbuds, sounding pretty similar overall. The AirPods Pro 2 is slightly louder and clearer in ideal conditions and rejects external noise a little better.

10.1. Microphone Demos

Apple AirPods Pro 2:

  • Ideal conditions: https://www.soundguys.com
  • Office conditions: https://www.soundguys.com

Apple AirPods Pro 1:

  • Ideal conditions: https://www.soundguys.com
  • Office conditions: https://www.soundguys.com

11. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Detailed Specifications

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a detailed comparison table summarizing the key specifications of the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 1:

Feature AirPods Pro 2 AirPods Pro 1
Chip H2, U1 H1
Bluetooth Version 5.3 5.0
Water Resistance IPX4 (Earbuds and Case) IPX4 (Earbuds)
Battery Life (ANC On) 5 hours 43 minutes 4 hours 20 minutes
Additional Battery (Case) 24 hours 24 hours
Noise Cancellation Improved ANC with Adaptive Transparency Standard ANC
Charging Port USB-C Lightning
Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial Audio
Volume Control Swipe on Stem Siri Only
Find My Integration Precise Finding with Speaker Basic Finding
Hearing Aid Compatibility Yes No
Ear Tip Sizes XS, S, M, L S, M, L
Microphone Quality Slightly Clearer Similar
Codecs AAC, SBC AAC, SBC

12. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Which Model Should You Choose?

If you have the option, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is the better choice. It offers better battery life, improved noise canceling, and a charging case that is harder to lose. The AirPods Pro 2 can also be used as a hearing aid.

12.1. Upgrade Considerations

If you already own the AirPods Pro 1, consider whether the improvements justify the cost. The AirPods Pro 2 offers a notable ANC increase, longer battery life, and a more easily locatable charging case. However, the sound differences are minimal, and the wireless charging options are similar.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Impressive ANC • Comfortable fit • Wireless charging

MSRP: $249.00

One of the best true wireless earbuds for iOS users.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) modestly improve upon the first-generation AirPods Pro and feature the same iconic look. Apple’s upgraded H2 chip begets better noise canceling and battery life, while the case’s U1 chip and integrated speaker let you precisely locate the case. If you own an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 2 are an obvious choice.

See price at Amazon

See price at Best Buy

Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)

Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)

ANC support • Perfect for iPhones • Deep Apple integration

MSRP: $249.00

For iPhone users, not much else can compare

The Apple AirPods Pro offers more features and accessories than the base AirPods, including ANC. A worthy upgrade for any iPhone user if you can afford it!

See price at Amazon

See price at Best BuySave $69.01

12.2. Quick Comparison of All AirPods Models

Model Release Year Overall Score Battery Life Notable Features
Apple AirPods 2016 N/A Up to 5 hours on a single charge (company claim) True wireless design, unsealed fit, iOS integration, tap controls
Apple AirPods (2nd generation) 2019 6.4 4 hours, 7 minutes H1 chip improves connection and battery life, Unsealed fit, tap controls
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) 2021 6.7 6 hours, 21 minutes Unsealed fit, H1 Chip, IPX4, Spatial Audio support, MagSafe wireless charging, pressure sensitive stem controls
Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) 2019 7.8 4 hours, 20 minutes (ANC on), 5 hours, 6 minutes (ANC Off) Sealed fit, good sound, ANC, H1 Chip, IPX4, Spatial Audio, MagSafe wireless charging, pressure sensitive stem controls
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) 2022 7.9 5 hours, 43 minutes (ANC on) Sealed fit, good sound, ANC, H2 Chip, U1 chip, IPX4 (earbuds and case), Spatial Audio, MagSafe wireless charging, pressure sensitive stem controls
Apple AirPods Max 2020 8 21 hours (ANC on) Over-ear fit, good sound, ANC, H1 chip, transparency mode, digital crown controls

13. Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: Alternative Options

For Android users, consider alternatives that offer better compatibility and features. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is a great option, providing excellent noise canceling and a comprehensive set of software features compatible with both iOS and Android.

13.1. Recommended Alternatives

  • Sony WF-1000XM5: Offers superior noise canceling and comprehensive software features.
  • Beats Fit Pro: Provides a secure fit with stabilizing ear wings, good ANC, and audio quality.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 provides over 8 hours of battery life on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case. Source: soundguys.com

14. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I purchase the AirPods Pro (first generation)?

The AirPods Pro (first generation) is available from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

2. What are the key differences between AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 1?

Key differences include improved active noise cancelation, longer battery life, a USB-C charging port, Adaptive Transparency mode, a built-in speaker on the case, and hearing aid functionality on the AirPods Pro 2.

3. How long do AirPods Pro typically last?

The lifespan of AirPods Pro is typically 2-3 years before significant battery decline. Battery degradation is inevitable over time with regular use.

15. Make the Smart Choice with COMPARE.EDU.VN

Choosing between the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 1 depends on your specific needs and priorities. While the AirPods Pro 2 offers several enhancements over its predecessor, the AirPods Pro 1 remains a capable option, especially if you can find it at a lower price.

At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we understand the challenges of comparing different options and making informed decisions. That’s why we provide detailed, objective comparisons to help you choose the best products and services for your needs. If you’re still undecided or want to explore more options, visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for comprehensive comparisons and reviews.

Ready to make a smart choice? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN today and discover the best options for your needs.

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