The second-generation AirPods Pro offer several improvements over their predecessor, but are they worth the $249 sticker price? With such a wide range of AirPods available at various price points, it’s a tough question to answer. Lucky for you, we’ve compared each AirPods model below to help you decide which might be best for you. We have yet to review the new AirPods Pro, however, we did post our initial hands-on approach to the headphones, which you can view here.
AirPods Series Comparison 2022
AirPods Specs (2nd Gen) AirPods (3rd Gen) AirPods Pro (1st Gen) AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) AirPods Max Specs AirPods (2nd Gen) AirPods (3rd Gen) AirPods Pro (1st Gen) AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) AirPods Max Active Noise Cancellation / Reduction No No Yes Yes Transparency Mode No No Yes Yes Yes Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.0 Headphone Size (mm) 40.5 x 16.5 x 18.0 x 18. 19.2 30.9 x 21.8 x 24 30.9 x 21.8 x 24 187.3 x 168.6 x 83.4 case size (mm) 53.5 x 44.3 x 21.3 46.4 x 54.4 x 21.4 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 134.5 Weight (GRAMS) 4 4.28 5.4 x 54.4 x 54.4 x 54.4 x 54.4 x 54.4 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 134.5 Weight (Grams) 4 4.28 5.4 5.4 x 54.4 x 21.4 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 134.5,3 384.8 Weight (grams) 3,8 .91 45.6 50.8 134.5 Battery (earbud) Up to 5 hours Up to 6 hours Up to 4.5 hours Up to 6 hours Up to 20 hours Battery (case) More than 23 hours to 24 hours Up to 30 hours N/A Waterproof headphones No IPX4 IPX4 IPX4 No Water resistant charging case No IPX4 IPX4 IPX4 No Wired charging Yes, via Lightning Yes, via Lightning connector Lightning Yes, via Lightning Yes, via Lightning Wireless charging No Yes, via Qi-certified or MagSafe chargers Yes, via Qi-certified or MagSafe chargers Yes, via Qi-certified or MagSafe chargers Charging cable not included Lightning to USB-A Lightning to USB-C Lightning to USB-C Lightning to USB-C Lightning to USB-C Price $129 (Usually on sale for $99) 179 (Usually on sale for $149.99 – $169.99) $249 (Usually on sale for $179 ) $249,549 (Usually on sale on sale for $479) Custom Chips Apple H1 Apple H1 Apple H1 Apple H2 Apple H1 Availability Available Now Available Now Available Now Available for Pre-Order Available Now
Design and build quality
With the exception of the AirPods Max, all of Apple’s current line of AirPods are in-ear, true wireless headphones. Compared to the second-generation AirPods, the third-generation model and both generations of AirPods Pro offer shorter stems that are slightly heavier and wider. If a comfortable fit is important to you, also look at the first and second generation AirPods Pro. The latter also feature replaceable silicone ear tips in various sizes, though only the second-generation AirPods Pro have the ultra-small size. Additionally, if you plan to use the headphones during vigorous workouts, it might be wise to avoid the second-generation AirPods and AirPods Max, as neither offer any form of sweat and water resistance. The third-generation AirPods look more like the AirPods Pro than the second-generation model. Unlike the plastic AirPods, the AirPods Max are a large pair of over-the-ear headphones that offer stainless steel earbuds with a curved mesh headband. So, of course, they are the heaviest and largest in the lineup. They also offer more color options. the headphones only come in white, but you can buy the Max in silver, space gray, blue, pink and green.
Charging cases (MagSafe, Lightning, etc.)
Apple sells two cases with its headphones: a wired charging case that charges via a standard Lightning cable, and a MagSafe-compatible model that can also charge via Lightning. All MagSafe charging cases are compatible with Apple’s MagSafe technology, as well as other Qi-compatible wireless chargers. However, Apple only sells the second-generation AirPods with the Lightning charging case, which only gives your AirPods up to 24 hours of listening time instead of the 30 hours that other cases offer. Unlike the other charging cases in the AirPods range, Apple’s Lighting Charging Case is also not sweat or water resistant. Alternatively, you can buy the third-generation AirPods with either a MagSafe charging case for $179 or a Lightning charging case for $169, though we’d suggest forgoing the latter if you can afford it. The second-generation AirPods Pro come with a Find My-ready case that also includes a built-in lanyard loop. Image: Apple The first-generation AirPods Pro had a Lightning-only charging case when they launched in 2019, but it’s getting harder to find that model in stock. Both generations of AirPods Pro now come with a MagSafe charging case, however, the case for the newer model differs from its predecessor and third-generation AirPods in that it has a built-in speaker and Find My support, allowing you to track it more easily . Apple also equipped it with a built-in loop, allowing you to attach the case to a lanyard. As for the AirPods Max, they come with their own Smart Case, which is designed to preserve battery life by putting the headphones in a very low power mode. Unfortunately, as noted in our AirPods Max review, Apple’s Smart Case isn’t particularly good, mainly because it does a poor job of protecting your headphones. The case also gets dirty very easily and has too many slits, which makes it easy for the headphones to get scratched. Unlike Apple’s latest MagSafe charging case, it’s also not waterproof.
Noise cancellation, spatial sound and other functions
When it comes to sound quality, it’s safe to say that all of Apple’s AirPods — with the exception of the second-generation AirPods Pro, which we haven’t tested yet — do a great job. However, each model offers a different set of features, some of which offer a better listening experience. If you’re looking for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll want to check out the AirPods Max or any generation of AirPods Pro. All three offer active noise cancellation, which mutes background noise so you can better focus on what you’re listening to. They also offer a useful transparency feature so you can hear ambient sounds around you while listening to music and other audio content. Both the first and second generation AirPods Pro, as well as the AirPods Max, offer active noise cancellation. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales/The Verge However, where they differ is the brands. AirPods Max and most of Apple’s AirPods lineup, including the first-generation AirPods Pro, are powered by Apple’s H1 chip, while the second-generation AirPods Pro use Apple’s new H2…
