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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Apple AirPods Pro and the Apple AirPods Pro 2 involves considering improvements in the newer model and their implications for your usage. The AirPods Pro 2 offer better overall sound quality, particularly for gaming and watching TV and video, due to a low latency mode not present in the original AirPods Pro. If gaming or watching videos is a priority for you, the incremental cost increase for the Pro 2 may be justified. Both models are well-suited for music listening and calls, offer active noise cancellation, and are similarly portable and comfortable. However, if your focus is primarily on music and calls and cost is a significant factor, the original AirPods Pro might serve you well at a lower price. Both pairs are optimized for Apple devices with virtually the same battery life, and they both support wireless charging. 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 Pro
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro 2
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.1
8.4
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
8.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Apple Airpods Pro are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.7
7.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$199
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Apple Airpods Pro 2 costs $199.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro 2 to be good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.4
7.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Apple Airpods Pro are both good for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Apple Airpods Pro and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both excellent for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and Apple Airpods Pro 2 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Apple Airpods Pro 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Apple Airpods Pro 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $199 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 5.3 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
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."
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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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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Consumer hours saved
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.
Luis Torres
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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