The AirPods Pro arrived in late 2019, but did not come to replace the traditional model that had an upgrade earlier that year. The sturdier version brings improvements and extra features, but the previous one still satisfies most users. In this comparison, check out the differences between AirPods and AirPods Pro before you buy your new wireless headset.
Design
Traditional AirPods continue with that design of Apple earphones that come in the iPhone case, the EarPods. The differential is that there are no wires.
In AirPods Pro, the rods are slightly shorter than, instead of having touch sensors, they choose force sensors to identify user commands.
The model becomes in-ear: with the silicone tips that enter the ear canal, to help the acoustic isolation of the earphone. The traditional ones only have the universal earhook.
If some had problems with fitting the conventional AirPods or EarPods, they should not suffer from this on the Pro model. This is due to the three sizes of silicone tips that come in the box for a better fit on the ear.
AirPods Pro has three sizes to fit
The Difference Inside AirPods Pro
Some features remain the same as traditional AirPods, but of course the Pro model gets some extra features.
The main draw is active noise cancellation, which allows sound immersion without letting outside noise in. This technology uses built-in microphones to emit frequencies contrary to those from outside, “canceling” outside sound.
When it comes to sound, AirPods Pro features what Apple calls Adaptive Equalization, which adjusts the music to the shape of the user’s ear.
There is also a pressure equalization combined with the ventilation system that tries to attach the earphone comfortably to the ear. In the traditional model, as it is only a fixed fitting, it is not possible to have this adjustment.
The company also says the Pro version delivers powerful bass, thanks to a high amplitude driver with low distortion.
AirPods Pro
For sports enthusiasts, the AirPods Pro is IPX4-certified splash and sweat-resistant – up to 10 minutes of water spurt in between. While the other, besides being able to fall during a race, for example, can be damaged due to the sweat.
| Airpods | AirPods Pro | |
| Chip | H1 | H1 |
| What’s up Siri? | By voice and always active | By voice and always active |
| Active noise cancellation | Not | Yes |
| Water and sweat resistance | Not | Yes (IPX4 certification) |
| Ear fit | Universal (no adjustment) | Silicone tips (three sizes) and clamping pressure equalization |
| Battery life | Up to five hours of audio with one rechargeUp to three hours of talk time with one recharge | Up to four and a half hours of audio with one recharge (up to five hours with Noise Canceling and Ambient modes off)Up to three and a half hours of talk time with one recharge |
| Battery Life with Case | More than 24 hours of audioUp to 18 hours talk time | More than 24 hours of audioOver 18 hours talk time |
| Command Interface | Touch sensor | Force sensor |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Wireless Charging Case | Optional | Yes |
| Weight of each earphone | 4 grams | 5.4 grams |
| Headphone dimensions | Height: 40.5 mmWidth: 16.5 mm Thickness: 18mm | Height: 30.9 mmWidth: 21.8 mm Thickness: 24mm |
| Case weight | 40 grams | 45.6 grams |
| Case Dimensions | Height: 53.5 mmWidth: 44.3 mm Thickness: 21.3 mm | Height: 45.2 mmWidth: 60.6 mm Thickness: 21.7 mm |
AirPods Price
Apple AirPods (2019)
You might already imagine that the price of the Pro model is more expensive. Well:
- AirPods (2019): $159
- AirPods (2019) with Wireless Charging Case: $199
- AirPods Pro: $549
Compatibility
Here’s a good look if you have an older iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. Check which devices they support.
| Product | Airpods | AirPods Pro |
| iPhone | iPhone 5s and later | iPhone SE and later |
| iPads | iPad 5th and lateriPad mini 2 and later iPad Air 2 and later iPad Pro (all) | iPad 5th and lateriPad mini 4 and later iPad Air 2 and later iPad Pro (all) |
| iPod touch | 6th generation and later | 7th generation |
| Macs | MacBook 12 “MacBook Air (since 2012) MacBook Pro (since 2012) iMac (since 2012) iMac Pro Mac mini (since 2012) Mac Pro (since 2010) | MacBook 12 “MacBook Air (since 2012) MacBook Pro (since 2012) iMac (since 2012) iMac Pro Mac mini (since 2012) Mac Pro (since 2013) |
| Apple watch | Series 1 and later | Series 1 and later |
| Apple tv | 4K and HD | 4K and HD |