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.
Features & Performance - Faster, Smarter
AirPods Pro 2 feature a new low-distortion driver, similar to Beats Fit Pro, and an upgraded amplifier. Apple claims this combo delivers greater detail and clarity across the full frequency range. And there is a definite improvement that even casual listeners will notice.
The AirPods Pro cases are also nearly identical on the exterior, but the new mode (right) offers a speaker and a lanyard connector. Apart from the new noise canceling and adaptive transparency modes (which we'll get to below), the other big change is the addition of volume adjustment in the controls.
If you need to save for a bit longer, trust me – it'll be worth it. In fact, the second generation AirPods Pro are so good, that there's only one thing I want from the next version – and, yes, it's USB-C charging, please!
The first performance difference between these two Airpods comes from their chipset. The 2nd generation Airpods feature the new H1 chip, compared to their predecessors W1 chip. This new chip provides a faster and more stable wireless connection and also enhances the efficiency of the Bluetooth pairing.
So far I know for AirPods pro both Gen cases are of same size!! User profile for user: Carol B.
The 3 have a longer continuous battery life, a better control scheme, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance.
The AirPods Pro 2 also have the advantage of a better fit. Apple's higher-end buds feature a set of swappable silicon tips that rest firmly inside of your ear, which feel more secure and comfortable than the all-plastic AirPods 3.
The noise cancellation really is that good
The AirPods Pro 2's biggest selling point is the promise of ANC that's twice as good as the previous model. It's a bold claim, but one that these buds absolutely live up to.
The Apple AirPods Pro sit above Apple's second-generation AirPods. They're pricier but they do boast a new design, active noise-cancelling tech and some unique features.
The Pro's sound profile is much more balanced, especially in the bass range, and their in-ear design and ANC provide significantly better noise isolation.
Your AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), and MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are water and sweat resistant, but they are not waterproof or sweatproof.
While the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are not completely waterproof, they do come with an IPX4 water resistance rating. This means that the earbuds should be able to withstand damage from sweat and the occasional splash of water with relative ease.
Your AirPods Pro can get up to 4.5 hours of listening time15 or up to 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge. If you charge your AirPods Pro for 5 minutes in their case, you get around 1 hour of listening time17 or around 1 hour of talk time.
The AirPods Pro are a big step up from regular AirPods, and the second-gen version is a surprisingly significant improvement from the first. They have quite good noise cancellation, the battery lasts a lot longer, and sound quality has improved in general. Many of iOS's best AirPods features work only with AirPods Pro.
Sometimes, the airpods pro 2's ANC gets tuned down and you hear more of constant background noise like fans. The ANC will go back to max if you play loud white noise through your phone's speakers and you can feel the pressure change. You then get total silence until it slowly weakens again.
Put both AirPods Pro in your ears and check that Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is turned on. Clean the mesh located on the top of your AirPods Pro. Sometimes Active Noise Cancellation can be affected if debris or earwax builds up in the area shown below.
Yes, the AirPods 3 are cheaper on paper but remember the Pro 2 do bring active noise-cancellation (ANC) and a different design and chipset to the party.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) - Apple.
Not only are the AirPods Pro's ear tips likely to be more comfortable and stable for most ears thanks to their multiple size options, but they also allow for a better seal for improved audio performance, while still providing a semi-open feel.
In fact, Apple worked with Stanford to 3D-scan hundreds of ears to create a design that would fit the majority of the population. Despite this, many people complain that their AirPods keep falling out of their ears. And this happens for all models: AirPods (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen) and AirPods Pro (1 & 2).
The verdict. Unquestionably, the AirPods 3 have more innovative technology like the spatial audio feature and adaptive equalizer to create a more immersive experience, with better isolation from the air or wind, better battery life, wireless charging, and new skin and force sensors for extra comfort.