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Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is your primary concern, the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) offer good quality audio for less money, but they lack noise cancellation. The Airpods Pro 2, in contrast, include active noise cancellation for a more private listening experience, better fit with silicone tips, and improved sound quality. For activities like commuting or working in noisy environments, the Pro 2's noise cancellation makes a significant difference. However, if you prefer a looser fit and want to save money, the standard Airpods may suffice. Additionally, the Pro 2 model has immersive spatial audio, which is ideal for movie lovers and audiophiles prioritizing sound immersion. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro 2.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro 2
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.0
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.4
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
7.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.4
7.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$130
$249
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Apple Airpods Pro 2 costs $249.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Apple Airpods Pro 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Apple Airpods Pro 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $249 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 0.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 5.3 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Apple Airpods Pro 2
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Apple Airpods Pro 2
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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