AirPods Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2 Buyer’s Guide: Should You Upgrade?
Almost three years after the launch of the first-generation AirPods Pro, Apple unveiled the second-generation model alongside the iPhone 14 lineup and several new Apple Watches. Although the second-generation AirPods Pro feature the same design as their predecessor, they improve on features like Active Noise Cancellation, in-ear detection, and battery life, while introducing new functionality like Adaptive Transparency, volume adjustment touch controls, and precision finding.
The first-generation AirPods Pro have now been discontinued by Apple and prices at third-party resellers are falling. As such, some customers may be weighing up whether to purchase discounted first-generation AirPods Pro or buy the second-generation version.
The two AirPods Pro generations share the overwhelming majority of their features, so should you consider buying or sticking with the first-generation AirPods Pro to save money? This breakdown also serves as a way to see all the differences that the new AirPods Pro bring to the table.
Differences
AirPods Pro (first-generation)
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Transparency
- High dynamic range amplifier powering a high-excursion, low-distortion speaker driver
- H1 chip
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Optical IR sensors for in-ear detection
- Force sensor controls
- IPX4 sweat and water resistant earbuds
- Up to 4.5 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled
- 24 hours of total listening time with Active Noise Cancellation using MagSafe Charging Case
- MagSafe Charging Case with Find My
- MagSafe Charging Case compatible with MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning
- Three silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
AirPods Pro (second-generation)
- Active Noise Cancellation (2x stronger)
- Transparency and Adaptive Transparency
- New low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier for richer bass and clearer sound
- H2 chip
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Skin-detect sensors for in-ear detection
- Force sensors and touch controls for volume adjustment
- IPX4 sweat and water resistant earbuds and charging case
- Up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled
- 30 hours of total listening time with Active Noise Cancellation using MagSafe Charging Case
- MagSafe Charging Case with built-in speaker for Find My, Precision Tracking, and Lanyard loop
- MagSafe Charging Case compatible with Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning
- Four silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L)
Overall, the second-generation AirPods Pro offer a modest upgrade over the previous generation with valuable enhancements across the board, but there are few must-have new features. Some users who heavily use their AirPods Pro may be able to justify upgrading to the second-generation model due to the wide range of improvements, but this will not be the case for all existing users.
Many users who recently purchased the AirPods Pro may not be able to justify upgrading to the second-generation AirPods Pro at the current time, unless they particularly want features like Adaptive Transparency, touch controls for volume adjustment, or Apple Watch charger compatibility. Users who purchased their AirPods Pro in late 2019 or early 2020 may see more of a reason to upgrade, especially if the batteries in their existing device have significantly degraded. These customers will benefit from the plethora of refinements that the second-generation model offers.
If you’ve been interested in purchasing the AirPods Pro for a while, now is also a good time to pick up the first-generation model for a hefty discount, but it should be remembered that they are now around three years old. Likewise, it is worth bearing in mind that the AirPods Pro are among the most-commonly discounted Apple products, so waiting to purchase the second-generation model for a few months could lead to significant savings.
