Airpods Pro comparison 2025 - Which generation suits you ?

The AirPods Pro are Apple's premium headphones and set the standard for wireless sound. Since their launch, they have continued to evolve and now offer impressive features such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio and excellent sound quality. In this article, we take a close look at all generations of the AirPods Pro. You will find out what new features they offer and which model best suits your needs. Whether you are looking for the best sound or the latest features - here you will find all the information you need to make your purchase decision.

AirPods Pro 1st Generation - What does the first generation have to offer?

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Effectively blocks out ambient noise to create an immersive listening experience.
• Transparency mode: Lets you hear ambient sounds while listening to music or podcasts without removing your AirPods.
• Adjustable silicone attachments: Three different sizes of silicone attachments ensure an individual fit and better comfort.
• H1 chip: Provides a faster and more stable wireless connection to Apple devices and supports “Hey Siri” for voice control.
• Spatial Audio: Offers dynamic head tracking for an immersive sound experience with supported content.
• Adaptive EQ: Automatically adjusts the sound to the individual fit of the ears to ensure optimal sound.
• Water and sweat resistance (IPX4): Protection against sweat and splashes of water, ideal for use during sports or in the rain.
• Battery life: Up to 4.5 hours of listening time on one charge (5 hours without ANC or transparency mode), up to 24 hours of listening time with the charging case.
• Force sensor control: Allows easy control by pressing the stem to change songs, answer calls and activate ANC or transparency mode.
• Dual beamforming microphones: Improve voice quality during calls and reduce background noise.

AirPods Pro 2nd generation - What can the second generation do?

• H2 chip: Improved performance, faster connections and optimized audio processing.
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Even more powerful than the first generation, blocks more background noise.
• transparency mode: Fine-tuned mode that lets in ambient noise and provides a more natural listening experience.
• Adaptive Transparency: Automatically reduces loud noises like construction noise while using Transparency mode.
• Personalized Spatial Audio: Dynamic head tracking for an immersive sound experience, adapted to the shape of your ear.
• Improved battery life: Up to 6 hours of listening time on one charge (with ANC), up to 30 hours total with the charging case.
• New charging case: Built-in speaker for Find My feature to make it easier to locate the case; support for MagSafe and wireless charging.
• silicone attachments in four sizes: Offer an even better individual fit.
• sweat and water resistance (IPX4): Protection against sweat and splashes of water, ideal for sports use.
• touch control: Allows you to control volume directly on the stick by swiping.

With the update of September 9, 2024

At the recent Apple event, a few new features for the AirPods Pro 2nd generation were presented. All AirPods Pro 2nd generation will receive these via an update. Let's summarize:

• Hearing health features: introduction of hearing protection, hearing tests, and one hearing aid functionThese new features are designed to help protect and monitor hearing.
• Adaptive audio technologies: New features like Adaptive Audio combine the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the transparency mode dynamically to optimally adapt to the noise environment.
• Improved battery life: Improved battery life both in use and in the charging case. The AirPods Pro 2 can now last up to 30 hours with the charging case.

Is it worth upgrading to the AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?

Upgrading to AirPods Pro (2nd generation) may be worth it if you value improved sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and longer battery life. The most important improvements are especially noticeable in noisy environments and during intensive use.

Improved noise cancellation (ANC)

The second generation ANC is significantly more powerful than the first generation. If you are often in noisy environments - such as on public transport, airplanes or in the office - you will notice the difference immediately. The more advanced technology blocks out more background noise and provides a quieter, more focused listening experience.

Higher audio quality and personalized spatial audio

With the H2 chip, the second generation offers clearer and more dynamic sound reproduction. The personalized Spatial Audio adapts to the shape of your ear and ensures a more intense, spatial sound experience, especially when listening to music or watching films. Compared to the first generation, this takes the sound to a whole new level.

Longer battery life and improved charging case

Battery life has been significantly improved: you get up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, compared to 4.5 hours on the first generation. The second generation charging case also supports MagSafe and wireless charging and has a speaker that is compatible with the Find My app. This makes locating the charging case easier, which is particularly convenient.

touch control

The second generation has a touch control on the stick that allows you to control the volume by swiping. This is a new and convenient feature compared to the first generation, which only offered force sensor control.

Conclusion: Which AirPods Pro generation is right for you?

The AirPods Pro (1st gen)Generation) are ideal for users who want solid noise cancellation and one good sound quality at a more affordable price. They offer all the essential features like ANC and transparency mode and are a great choice if you don't necessarily need the latest features. If you listen to music occasionally, are traveling, or just want a reliable headphone option in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 1 offer a good price-performance ratio.