AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1: 5 things the new model does better

Three years after the first-generation hit the market, Apple announced the AirPods Pro 2. During the day farout, the event of the iPhone 14, it became clear exactly what the earplugs can do. But which issues do they really do better than its predecessor? OMT editor Mark Hofman tells you.

I have been enjoying the new AirPods Pro 2 for over a week now. Last Thursday my review of the earbuds that I now wear almost non-stop was published. You can read the whole story via this link, but in this article I summarize it a bit more. I list five things that the second generation does better than the first.

#1 AirPods Pro 2 has the H2 chip

Let’s start with perhaps the most unexpected point: the H2 chip. Personally, I don’t get very excited about these kinds of messages during announcements and presentations. So I understand why you might not be very enthusiastic about the above title, but believe me when I say that the benefit is huge.

The new chip provides excellent noise reduction and a rather ingenious transparency mode. Although you still hear all ambient noise in the latter mode, the AirPods Pro 2 ensures that the loud sounds are still filtered out. Sirens, barking dogs, people with a nasty voice and loud music during a festival: it’s kept below 85dB, so you don’t damage your ears too much.

Not only comfortable, but also safe. Are they the ideal earphones to wear during a concert? You can answer that question yourself, but if you already have them in your pocket…

#2 Apple delivers an extra size of tips

The chance that every consumer will be happy with this is not very big, but there are people who simply have small ears. The first-generation Pros gave you three sizes in terms of tips, but the AirPods Pro 2 work with four sizes. In addition to the standard medium size, there is also a large, small and extra small size.

The latter is new and intended for consumers who did not want the previous earplugs to fit. Ideal!

#3 AirPods Pro 2 last longer

Apple promised during Far Out an improved battery life of 33% compared to the previous models. It will not come down to the number accurately, but in practice it is noticeable.

On a full charge, the AirPods Pro 2 last for no less than six hours when you have the active noise cancellation on. If you then use the charging box to top up that battery, you will get no less than 30 hours of battery life.

#4 Control volume even without iPhone

It’s a shame we won’t be able to say until 2022, but the volume of audio is finally controllable again without an iPhone or Apple Watch. Something that, for example, has always been possible with wired earplugs.

If you want to make the sound louder, swipe up on the handle with your finger, it should logically go down.

#5 Sound quality AirPods Pro 2 is better

Lyrically, the quality of the sound is always difficult to explain. Therefore, this is a point you should take from me. Apple promised improved sound quality and that’s exactly what it offers. The sound is clear, the bass is slightly deeper and the overall composition is well balanced.

Thanks to iOS 16 it is also possible to Personalized spatial audio to use. You scan your ears with your iPhone, put your AirPods back in the listening holes and listen to spatial audio that is perfect for your situation.