Even though the product had its doubters, the original AirPods took the world by storm and became the most successful wireless earbuds ever. With the AirPods Pro, Apple modernized and evolved the design of the originals, added important new features, and made them more comfortable than ever.
Here, we’ll look at the six reasons why we love the AirPods Pro.
1. Discounted Pricing
When the original AirPods launched back in 2016, they retailed for $159. Even though it was a revolutionary product, many people weren’t used to paying so much money for a pair of earbuds.
Just when we were getting more comfortable with the price of AirPods, Apple launched the AirPods Pro. Considering these are Apple’s most premium wireless earbuds, the company upped the price to $249.
2. Active Noise Cancellation Support
Active Noise Cancellation is one of the biggest features that separates the AirPods Pro from the rest of the AirPods lineup. Having ANC means the AirPods Pro can block out environmental sounds to help you focus on your music.
So whether you’re at the gym, riding public transport, or even taking a flight, ANC on the AirPods Pro helps you get a quieter and more focused listening experience. And for those times you don’t need Active Noise Cancellation, you can always switch it off to save battery life.
Active Noise Cancellation is great when you want to sit back and enjoy music no matter where you are, but what about those times when you don’t?
Well, that’s where the AirPods Pro’s Transparency mode comes in. Unlike ANC, which seeks to block out outside noise, transparency mode uses the AirPods Pro’s built-in microphones to detect and amplify sounds from your environment. You can use it when you want to be more aware of what’s going on around you, like when you’re out for a jog or on your daily commute.
3. AirPods Pro Fits Better Than Regular AirPods
When the original AirPods launched, people had mixed opinions about its fit: some loved the fit, whereas others just hated it. Unlike most earbuds, the original AirPods don’t have a silicone tip that inserts into your ear canal. Instead, they sit in the outer part of your ear, which should feel more natural in theory.
But it doesn’t always work out that way in the real world. While the original AirPods were supposed to be a one-size-fits-all solution, if your ears are too big or too small, the original AirPods can feel uncomfortable or fall out altogether.
On the AirPods Pro, Apple decided to go with a more traditional, silicone-tipped design. They even come with three different sets of tips, designed to fit small, medium, and large ears. The AirPods Pro can even run an ear tip fit test that uses the earbuds’ internal microphones to ensure the best fit and seal for your ears, meaning you’re almost guaranteed to get a fit that works for you.
4. AirPods Pro Supports Spatial Audio
Spatial audio is a kind of digital surround sound experience that expands your music’s soundstage. Spatial audio on the AirPods Pro can make sounds seem like they are coming from across the room instead of just from your earbuds.
If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you can also take advantage of Dolby Atmos-enabled tracks. Combining spatial audio with specially mixed Dolby Atmos tracks can help you get even more immersed in your favorite tunes.
While spatial audio isn’t going to make your AirPods sound like a $2000 pair of Sennheisers, it can add another layer of depth to your listening experience.
5. AirPods Pro Is IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistant
Unlike the original AirPods, the AirPods Pro is certified to resist sweat and water for non-water sports and exercise.
Being IPX4 rated means your AirPods Pro is safe from splashing water, no matter the direction. You can take them through the rain or do an intense workout without worrying about damaging them. Keep in mind that although the earbuds themselves can stand up to some water, the AirPods Pro’s case is still prone to water damage.
And even though Apple claims the AirPods Pro to be water-resistant, they’re not waterproof. These tiny earbuds aren’t even as water-resistant as your iPhone. Apple still says you shouldn’t submerge them. So, don’t expect to take the AirPods Pro surfing or deep-sea diving.
6. AirPods Pro Has Great Battery Life
The AirPods Pro packs some impressive battery life. A single charge of the AirPods Pro can get you up to 4.5 hours of listening time or 3.5 hours of talk time.
Although these numbers are similar to the AirPods 2, the AirPods Pro stands out by delivering this listening time with Active Noise Cancellation turned on, meaning you can get all the benefits of ANC without taking a massive hit to the battery life.
If you want the most battery life possible on AirPods, you’ll have to go with the AirPods 3. They can deliver up to six hours of listening time and four hours of talk time. Although the AirPods 3 is the better battery performer, the AirPods Pro with Active Noise Cancellation is no slouch either, especially considering it came out in 2019.
So, Should You Go Pro?
Despite the release of the AirPods 3, we believe the AirPods Pro is a better buy, especially because you can find the latter on sale at various third-party retailers.
A more traditional silicone-tipped design paired with Active Noise Cancellation, spatial audio, and IPX4 water and sweat resistance is a killer combo of features on Apple’s most premium wireless earbuds.
If you tried out the original AirPods but didn’t like the fit or felt like they were too light on features, the AirPods Pro might be just what you’ve been looking for.
