When Apple first introduced AirPods in 2016, they revolutionized the wireless earbud market. Since then, Apple has continued to innovate, releasing the AirPods Pro in 2019. Both models offer unique features and advantages, but choosing the right airpods to buy depends on your specific needs and preferences. In this post, we’ll compare the AirPods and AirPods Pro to help you decide which model is the best fit for you.
Design and Comfort
AirPods:
- Design: The original AirPods have a one-size-fits-all design, with a sleek, white, stem-like appearance. They rest in your ears without any silicone tips.
- Comfort: They are lightweight and comfortable for most people, though some may find the lack of customizable tips means a less secure fit.
AirPods Pro:
- Design: The AirPods Pro are slightly shorter and come with customizable silicone tips in three sizes (small, medium, large), allowing for a more personalized fit.
- Comfort: The customizable tips provide a more secure and comfortable fit, making them suitable for a variety of ear shapes and sizes.
Sound Quality
AirPods:
- Sound: The sound quality is good, offering clear audio and decent bass. However, they do not have noise-canceling capabilities, which might be a drawback in noisy environments.
- Listening Experience: Ideal for casual listening and phone calls in quieter settings.
AirPods Pro:
- Sound: The AirPods Pro deliver superior sound quality with deeper bass and a richer, more immersive audio experience.
- Noise Cancellation: They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which blocks out background noise, and Transparency mode, which lets you hear the outside world when needed.
- Listening Experience: Perfect for those who prioritize sound quality and noise isolation, whether in a busy office, on public transport, or during a workout.
Features and Performance
AirPods:
- Chip: Equipped with the Apple H1 chip, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with over 24 hours of total listening time using the charging case.
- Controls: Double-tap to play, pause, or skip tracks. They also support voice commands with “Hey Siri.”
AirPods Pro:
- Chip: Also powered by the Apple H1 chip, offering similar connectivity and performance benefits.
- Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on, and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
- Controls: Force sensor on the stem allows for more precise control over playback, noise cancellation, and Transparency mode. They also support “Hey Siri” voice commands.
Price
AirPods:
- Cost: Generally more affordable, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Value: They offer great value for those who don’t need advanced features like noise cancellation.
AirPods Pro:
- Cost: Higher price point reflects the additional features and superior sound quality.
- Value: Worth the investment for users who want the best audio experience and advanced functionalities.
Conclusion
Choosing between the AirPods and AirPods Pro ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize comfort, noise cancellation, and superior sound quality, the AirPods Pro are the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with great sound and seamless integration with Apple devices, the original AirPods are still an excellent choice.
Whether you opt for the AirPods or AirPods Pro, both models offer the convenience and innovation that Apple is known for, ensuring a fantastic wireless audio experience.
