AirPods vs. AirPods Pro Buyer's Guide

 With many enhancements over the standard AirPods, Apple has launched higher-end AirPods Pro, including active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and water and sweat resistance. Read our side-by-side analysis of the earphones below to help determine between the AirPods and AirPods Pro.

AirPods vs AirPods Pro Differences

AirPods Pro features in bold:

  • $249 vs $199
  • Three Ear Tip Sizes vs One
  • Noise Cancelation vs None
  • Water Resistance vs None
AirPods vs AirPods Pro comparison chart


Design and Fit Differences

AirPods Pro offers an all-new in-ear design with three sizes of click-in soft flexible silicone tips, including small, medium, and big. The regular AirPods, meanwhile, have a one-size fits all configuration. Although several individuals considered this acceptable, some users had problems dropping or damaging their ears with the original AirPods design. Apple says the new tips are built to adjust to the shape of your ear, keeping the AirPods Pro protected, while pressure is equalised by a vent system to reduce discomfort.

The Ear Tip Fit Test also has a feature called AirPods Pro that tests the fit of the earphones in your ears to determine the size of ear tips to have the best seal and acoustic output. You can access Ear Tip Fit Test by tapping the details icon next to your 'AirPods Pro' in Settings > Bluetooth.



In order to calculate the sound level in the ear and equate it to what comes from the speaker motor, Apple says advanced algorithms work together with the inward-facing microphones in each AirPod. The algorithm detects whether the ear tip is the right size in just seconds and has a good fit, or should be modified.

Both AirPods Pro and AirPods have a familiar style of white plastic with a stem falling underneath the ear. However, they do not have silicone ear tips, whereas the standard AirPods are also put in the ear.

Size and Weight Differences

At 5.4 grammes per earphone versus 4.0 grammes, respectively, AirPods Pro are very slightly heavier than standard AirPods. Apple claims that the AirPods Pro are built for comfort and fit, backed up by several early reviews.

AirPods Pro Only: Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes

AirPods Pro feature active cancellation of noise, reduction of background noise and allowing a consumer to concentrate on what they listen to.




With this feature, two microphones support. The first is outward-facing and senses external sound until it enters the listener's ear, which the AirPods Pro then cancels with anti-noise. A second inward-facing microphone listens towards the ear, so that any residual noise heard can be cancelled by the AirPods Pro.

For the best performance, Apple says the noise cancellation feature continuously adapts the sound signal 200 times per second.

If a user needs to hear something around them, they can simply press and hold the force sensor to jump between active noise cancellation and "Transparency" mode on the stem of the AirPods Pro, which enables outside sound when appropriate, such as when paying for a coffee or talking to someone in the vicinity.

To switch between active noise cancellation and Transparency mode, AirPods Pro has a "force sensor" on the stem. To play, pause, or answer a phone call, press the force sensor once; press twice to skip forward; press three times to skip back; and press and hold to switch between modes of listening.



There is no force sensor, active noise cancellation, or transparency mode on standard AirPods.

Sound Quality Improvements in AirPods Pro

Apple says the AirPods Pro offer "superior sound quality" thanks to "Adaptive EQ," which automatically adjusts the low- and mid-frequencies of the music to the shape of an individual's ear.

Apple on the Pro AirPods:

A high-excursion low-distortion driver custom-built delivers powerful bass. A high dynamic range amplifier, super powerful, produces pure, extremely clear sound while extending battery life as well. And for a rich, reliable listening experience, Adaptive EQ tunes music automatically to fit the shape of your ear.

Early feedback generally agreed that the AirPods Pro sounded better than the standard AirPods, although some subjectivity will always be present.

In windy conditions, AirPods Pro also have an extended mesh microphone port that Apple says enhances call clarity.

Battery Life Similar

Apple says the AirPods Pro, with noise cancellation and Transparency mode allowed, last up to 4.5 hours per charge. The AirPods last up to five hours, compatible with the standard AirPods, with certain features disabled.

Up to 3.5 hours of talk time per charge are now offered by AirPods Pro, up marginally from three hours with second-generation AirPods.

For more than 24 hours of total listening time and more than 18 hours of total talk time, both the AirPods and AirPods Pro come with charging cases that offer extra charges. In order to fit the ear tips, AirPods Pro has a broader charging case, but the battery does not seem to be any bigger.

Added Water Resistance in AirPods Pro

IPX4-rated water resistance is offered by the AirPods Pro, while the AirPods have no water resistance rating.

The "4" in "IPX4" means that no adverse impact can be caused by water splashing against the enclosure from any direction." Apple claims that the AirPods Pro are "sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise," so that the earphones should not be immersed in any amount of water or damage can occur.

What's in the Box for Each

There is a Lightning to USB-C cable in the box for AirPods Pro, whereas standard AirPods have a Lightning to USB-A cable. Three sizes of ear tips, a wireless charging case, and documentation are also provided by AirPods Pro.

"Hey Siri" and Bluetooth: Same

The AirPods and AirPods Pro of the second generation both feature an Apple-designed H1 chip that allows "Hey Siri" hands-free support for calling others, controlling music playback, reading messages aloud, and more with voice commands. The feature is not supported by first-generation AirPods.

Bluetooth 5.0.0 is supported by both the AirPods and AirPods Pro

Pricing Difference

AirPods Pro is priced at $249 with a wireless charging case in the United States. For $159 or $199, the second-generation AirPods are available with a wired or wireless charging case.

The AirPods Pro is $50 to $90 more expensive than AirPods, in other words.

AirPods Pro vs AirPods Bottom Line

For truly wireless earphones, the basic AirPods are a perfect option, with roughly the same battery life as the AirPods Pro. If you want better sound, noise cancellation, and water resistance, select the higher-end AirPods Pro.


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