As the follow-up to Apple’s hit earphones with active noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 2 come with a number of thoughtful upgrades. That includes features like 2x more noise cancellation, adaptive transparency, an upgraded charging case with Find My tracking, speaker, lanyard loop, and much more. Read along for our in-depth comparison of AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and 2.

AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro, AirPods 2/3: In-depth comparison

Key features

AirPods Pro 2 come packed with lots of new and useful features. Headlining that list is 2x more active noise cancelation, a new adaptive transparency feature, improved audio quality, mics, and a brand new MagSafe charging case with Find My, speaker, and more.

Table of contents

  • AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro, AirPods 2/3: In-depth comparison

  • Key features

  • Battery life and charging case

  • Chips and connectivity

  • Mics, sensors, and audio tech

  • AirPods Pro 2 fit, size, and weight

  • AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 wrap-up

  • Key features

  • Battery life and charging case

  • Chips and connectivity

  • Mics, sensors, and audio tech

  • AirPods Pro 2 fit, size, and weight

Apple says “a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms help Active Noise Cancellation reduce more unwanted noise, so nothing interrupts listening during your commute and when you need to focus.”

And the new adaptive transparency feature powered by the H2 chip can reduce loud noises in your environment up to 48,000 times per second.

Alongside those features, AirPods Pro 2 uses new algorithms to process sound more quickly. That allows them to immerse you in even higher-fidelity sound customized for your ear shape, better recognize your voice/Siri commands, and reduce distortion.

Battery life and charging case

The new MagSafe charging case that comes with AirPods Pro 2 alone may be enough for some people to upgrade.

You’re getting a U1 chip that brings precise Find My support when you lose track of the earphones. The case also has a speaker for new low battery alerts – also useful when lost. Plus there’s a lanyard loop.

When it comes to battery life, AirPods Pro 2 see a bump from 5 hours on a single charge to 6 and 30 hours of use with the case vs 24 hours with the original AirPods Pro.

One more bonus with the new AirPods Pro 2 charging case is the ability to charge with an Apple Watch charging puck alongside MagSafe, Qi, or Lightning.

Chips and connectivity

Apple says the new H2 chip is what enables the valuable new features discussed above. Along with that and the U1 in the charging case, you get Bluetooth 5.3 whereas previous AirPods models use Bluetooth 5.0

Mics, sensors, and audio tech

Some of the new features here for AirPods Pro 2 include redesigned inward-facing microphone, swipe touch control for volume joins the force sensor stems, skin-detect sensor from AirPods 3 is present, and an improved custom-built driver and amplifier for the H2 chip.

AirPods Pro 2 fit, size, and weight

AirPods Pro 2 are essentially identical in design to AirPods Pro. But one addition is a new XS size ear tips included in the box.

AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 wrap-up

Normally priced at the same $249 that the original AirPods Pro came in at, AirPods Pro 2 feature impressive improvements.

From double the active noise cancellation, new adaptive transparency, increased battery life, upgraded MagSafe charging case, and more, AirPods Pro 2 are helping Apple continue its reign as maker of the most popular earphones.

However, for those that would rather save some cash, and don’t mind skipping the new features, keep an eye out for better prices on the original AirPods Pro. Of course, if an in-ear fit isn’t your thing, AirPods 3 are the way to go.

Thanks for reading our guide on AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and 2!