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Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C): which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C), side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods (2nd generation)

No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
SpecApple AirPods (2nd generation)Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$159$125
HearWiki scoreNot scored84 / 100 · Great
Released20192022
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size-11 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response-20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Impedance-16 Ω
Sensitivity-100 dB/mW
Wireless
BluetoothBluetooth 5.05.3
Bluetooth version-5.3
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Battery
Battery life5 h-
Battery incl. case24 h30 h
Wireless chargingYesYes
Features
ANC typenoneadaptive
Transparency modeNoYes
Companion appNoYes
Custom EQNoNo
Wear detectionNoYes
Controlstouchboth
Voice assistantSiriSiri
Design
Weight4 g10.6 g
Case weight38.2 g50.8 g
Water resistancenoneIP54
Foldable-No
Detachable cable-No
USB-CNoYes
Calls
Microphones2-

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods (2nd generation)

These are Apple's entry-level true wireless earbuds from 2019, built around the H1 chip for seamless pairing and low-latency performance. They deliver a balanced, open sound with a comfortable universal fit, offering about 5 hours of playback per charge and 24 hours total with the wired charging case. They lack noise cancellation, transparency mode, and any app-based customization, but they work effortlessly with Apple devices and support Siri hands-free.

  • Pro:Effortless pairing and stable connection with Apple devices
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
  • Pro:Reliable 5-hour battery per charge with 24 hours total via case
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:No EQ, app support, or ear tip customization
  • Con:Lightning connector instead of USB-C

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Pro:Decent battery life with case
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Limited to AAC codec
  • Con:No custom EQ in app

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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