The world of wireless earbuds has witnessed a seismic shift since Apple introduced the first generation of AirPods in 2016. With the release of AirPods Pro in 2019, the technology giant further pushed the boundaries of innovative design, superior sound quality, and seamless user experience. But what sets these two products apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between AirPods and AirPods Pro, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect earbuds for your lifestyle.
The Design Difference
At first glance, both AirPods and AirPods Pro appear similar, with their sleek, compact design and white color scheme. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice distinct differences in their build and ergonomics.
The standard AirPods have a more rounded design, with a single-size-fits-all approach. They’re light, weighing only 4 grams each, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. The charging case, which provides additional 24 hours of battery life, is also compact and easy to carry.
AirPods Pro, on the other hand, feature a more contoured design, with three sizes of ear tips (small, medium, and large) to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. The earbuds themselves are slightly heavier, at 5.4 grams each, but the extra weight is offset by their improved noise-cancellation capabilities and additional features. The charging case, which supports wireless charging, is slightly larger than the standard AirPods case but still pocket-sized.
Water Resistance: A Key Differentiator
AirPods Pro boast a significant advantage over their standard counterparts: they’re water and sweat resistant, with an IPX4 rating. This means you can enjoy your music, podcasts, or phone calls even during intense workouts or in rainy conditions, without worrying about damaging your earbuds. Standard AirPods, while durable, don’t offer the same level of water resistance.
Sound Quality: Where Pro Takes the Lead
Both AirPods and AirPods Pro deliver impressive sound quality, with clear, balanced audio and good bass response. However, the Pro model takes it to the next level with its active noise cancellation (ANC) feature. This technology uses advanced algorithms and an additional microphone to constantly monitor and adapt to your surroundings, effectively blocking out background noise and immersing you in your music.
AirPods Pro also support a feature called “Transparency mode,” which allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to your music. This is particularly useful when you need to be aware of your environment, such as when walking or jogging in heavy traffic.
In contrast, standard AirPods rely on passive noise isolation, which is still effective but not as advanced as the active noise cancellation in the Pro model.
Audio Sharing: A Convenient Feature
Both AirPods and AirPods Pro support audio sharing, a feature that allows you to share the same audio stream with a friend or family member. This is especially handy when watching a movie or listening to music together.
Fit and Comfort
As mentioned earlier, AirPods Pro come with three sizes of ear tips, ensuring a comfortable, snug fit for most users. The earbuds themselves are also designed to fit more securely in your ear, reducing the likelihood of them falling out during exercise or other activities.
Standard AirPods, while comfortable, may not fit as securely, particularly for users with smaller ears. However, Apple has implemented a feature called “Ear Tip Fit Test” in the AirPods Pro, which helps you determine the best ear tip size for your ears.
Vent System: A Novel Approach to Pressure Equalization
AirPods Pro feature a unique vent system that helps equalize pressure in your ear, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods. This system also enables the earbuds to respond more accurately to sound and music, further enhancing the overall listening experience.
Battery Life and Charging
Both AirPods and AirPods Pro offer respectable battery life, with up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. However, the Pro model’s charging case provides an additional 24 hours of battery life, compared to the standard AirPods’ 22 hours.
One significant advantage of AirPods Pro is their support for wireless charging, making it convenient to top up your earbuds on the go. Standard AirPods, on the other hand, require a Lightning cable for charging.
Pricing and Value
The most significant difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro is their price tag. Standard AirPods typically retail for around $159, while AirPods Pro come with a heftier price tag of $249.
While the higher cost of AirPods Pro may seem steep, the additional features and improvements they offer make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium listening experience. Standard AirPods, on the other hand, provide excellent value for their price, making them an attractive option for those on a tighter budget.
The Verdict: Which AirPods Are Right for You?
In conclusion, while both AirPods and AirPods Pro offer an exceptional listening experience, they cater to different user needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more affordable, lightweight option with great sound quality, standard AirPods are an excellent choice.
However, if you’re willing to invest in a premium product with advanced features like active noise cancellation, water resistance, and wireless charging, AirPods Pro are the clear winner.
| Feature | AirPods | AirPods Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Rounded, single-size-fits-all | Contoured, three sizes of ear tips |
| Water Resistance | No | IPX4 rating, sweat and water resistant |
| Sound Quality | Good sound quality, passive noise isolation | Excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, Transparency mode |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours listening time, 22 hours with charging case | Up to 5 hours listening time, 24 hours with charging case, wireless charging support |
| Price | Around $159 | Around $249 |
Ultimately, the decision between AirPods and AirPods Pro depends on your individual needs and preferences. By understanding the differences between these two products, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and enjoy an exceptional listening experience.
What is the main difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro?
The main difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro lies in their design and features. AirPods Pro has a more ergonomic design that fits snugly in the ear, providing a better seal and improved noise isolation. Additionally, AirPods Pro has active noise cancellation, which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. AirPods, on the other hand, do not have active noise cancellation and have a more minimalist design.
In terms of sound quality, AirPods Pro has improved audio performance with deeper bass and clearer sound. AirPods Pro also has a feature called “Transparency mode” which allows users to hear their surroundings while still listening to music or taking calls. AirPods Pro also has a water-resistant design, whereas AirPods do not.
Do AirPods Pro have better sound quality than AirPods?
Yes, AirPods Pro have better sound quality than AirPods. The Pro model has a more advanced driver that produces better sound with deeper bass and clearer sound. The active noise cancellation feature also helps to improve the sound quality by blocking out background noise. Additionally, the AirPods Pro has a feature called “Adaptive EQ” which adjusts the sound in real-time to optimize the listening experience.
The better sound quality of AirPods Pro is noticeable, especially when listening to music with a lot of bass. The sound is more detailed and nuanced, and the noise cancellation helps to create a more immersive listening experience. However, it’s worth noting that the sound quality difference may not be dramatic, and some users may not notice a significant improvement.
How do AirPods Pro’s active noise cancellation work?
AirPods Pro’s active noise cancellation uses a combination of microphones and advanced algorithms to detect and cancel out background noise. The microphones on the AirPods Pro detect the sound around you, and then the algorithm generates an “anti-noise” signal to cancel it out. This results in a quieter listening experience, with less ambient noise.
The active noise cancellation on AirPods Pro is quite effective, and it’s able to block out a significant amount of background noise. However, it’s not perfect, and some noise may still be audible. Additionally, the active noise cancellation can be turned off or adjusted using the “Noise Cancellation” setting on the iPhone or iPad.
Can I use AirPods Pro with Android devices?
Yes, AirPods Pro can be used with Android devices, but with some limitations. While AirPods Pro can pair with Android devices using Bluetooth, some features like Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, and seamless pairing with Apple devices are not available on Android. Additionally, some features like automatic ear detection and audio sharing may not work as smoothly on Android.
However, many Android devices do support some features like play/pause and skip track controls, as well as volume controls. Additionally, some Android devices may have their own features that work with AirPods Pro, such as Google Assistant integration. It’s worth noting that AirPods Pro are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, so if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem, you may get the most out of the AirPods Pro.
How long do AirPods Pro batteries last?
AirPods Pro batteries can last up to 5 hours on a single charge, depending on the volume level and the type of content being played. Additionally, the charging case can provide up to 24 hours of additional battery life. The charging case can be charged wirelessly using a Qi-compatible charging mat, or using a Lightning cable.
It’s worth noting that the battery life may vary depending on how you use the AirPods Pro. For example, if you use the active noise cancellation feature, the battery life may be shorter. Also, if you use the AirPods Pro for phone calls, the battery life may be shorter than if you use them only for listening to music.
Are AirPods Pro water-resistant?
Yes, AirPods Pro are water-resistant, with a rating of IPX4. This means that they can withstand splashes and sweat, but they should not be submerged in water. The AirPods Pro are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, including exercise and other activities that may cause sweating.
However, it’s worth noting that the water-resistance is not a guarantee, and the AirPods Pro should not be intentionally submerged in water. Additionally, the charging case is not water-resistant, so it should be kept dry.
Can I customize my AirPods Pro?
Yes, AirPods Pro can be customized to fit your ears better. Apple offers a feature called “Ear Tip Fit Test” which can help you determine the best ear tip size for your ears. Additionally, Apple provides three different sizes of ear tips, so you can try out different sizes to find the one that fits you best.
Additionally, you can customize your AirPods Pro by engraving your name or a message on the charging case. This can be done when you purchase the AirPods Pro from Apple’s website. However, it’s worth noting that the engraving may not be available in all countries or regions.