In late 2021, Apple announced a major update for its standard AirPods, with the new earbuds featuring Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, force sensor controls, sweat and water resistance, MagSafe charging, and more.
Should you consider purchasing the $179 third-generation AirPods, or do you need the higher-end AirPods Pro, which sell for $249? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these sets of AirPods is best for you.
Comparing the AirPods and AirPods Pro
The AirPods and AirPods Pro share a large number of important features such as Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, sweat and water resistance, and skin-detect sensors. Even so, there are some meaningful differences between them that are worth highlighting, including design and Active Noise Cancellation.
Differences
Third-Generation AirPods
- Semi in-ear design
- Force sensor controls
- H1 chip
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Up to 5 hours listening time with Spatial Audio enabled
- Up to 4 hours of talk time with a single charge
- Up to 20 hours of talk time using MagSafe Charging Case
- MagSafe Charging Case with Find My
- MagSafe Charging Case compatible with MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning
Second-Generation AirPods Pro
- In-ear design with silicone ear tips (four sizes)
- Vent system for pressure equalization
- Force sensors and touch controls for volume adjustment
- H2 chip
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Transparency and Adaptive Transparency
- Conversation Boost
- Up to 5.5 hours listening time with with Spatial Audio enabled
- Up to 4.5 hours of talk time with a single charge
- Up to 24 hours of talk time using MagSafe Charging Case
- MagSafe Charging Case with built-in speaker for Find My, U1 chip for Precision Tracking, and lanyard loop
- MagSafe Charging Case compatible with Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning
Final Thoughts
The standard AirPods are now very similar to the AirPods Pro, offering almost all of the same features at a lower price point. As a result, the third-generation AirPods should be the default choice for most prospective buyers. If you also have AirPods Max, which already offer ANC, and are looking for an additional pair of headphones to use while working out or on the go, the third-generation AirPods are also a good choice.
You should only buy the AirPods Pro if you specifically prefer the fit and improved sound that in-ear silicone tips can provide, or need Active Noise Cancellation. It is also worth buying AirPods Pro if you could make good use of Apple's Conversation Boost accessibility feature. Otherwise, the advancements of the H2 chip, minor battery life improvements, and Adaptive Transparency may not be a worthwhile set of improvements over the standard AirPods.
AirPods Pro frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the Pro version may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. The standard AirPods also often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
Related Roundups: AirPods 3, AirPods Pro
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral), AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods
This article, "AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2 Buyer's Guide" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
0 (mga) komento:
Mag-post ng isang Komento