Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Verdict: The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) outperforms the original with a 30% longer listening battery, superior ANC measured at 96 dB reduction (RTINGS), and the convenience of USB‑C charging (The Verge). While the 1st gen still offers solid ANC and integrates well with iOS, its shorter battery life and Lightning case make it a secondary choice unless found at a deep discount. Overall, the 2nd gen delivers clearer audio, better endurance, and future‑proof connectivity, justifying its higher price.
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation): 7.5/10
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): 9/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation) | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H1 | Apple H2 |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life (listening) | 4.5 h | 6 h |
| Charging case | Lightning + wireless charging | USB‑C + MagSafe |
Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation)
What works
- Effective active noise cancellation (per RTINGS)
- Spatial audio support (per Apple)
- Seamless integration with iOS devices (per The Verge)
What doesn't
- Shorter battery life than newer model (per RTINGS)
- Lightning charging case less convenient than USB‑C (per CNET)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
What works
- Improved ANC performance (per RTINGS)
- Longer battery life (per Apple)
- USB‑C charging for faster convenience (per The Verge)
What doesn't
- Higher price than 1st gen (per Consumer Reports)
- Slightly larger case adds bulk (per CNET)
Bottom line
Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation).
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- iPad Air (5th generation) vs iPad Pro (4th generation 11‑inch)
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 5th Generation
- iPad 10th Generation Wi‑Fi vs iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 Wi‑Fi
- Fire HD 10 (2023) vs iPad mini (7th generation)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE vs iPad Air (5th generation) M2
- Galaxy Watch FE vs Galaxy Watch SE (2nd Generation)
- Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation vs Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Apple AirPods Max (USB‑C) vs Sony WH‑1000XM6
- iPad Air (5th generation) 64GB Wi‑Fi vs iPad Pro (6th generation) 128GB Wi‑Fi
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB‑C) vs Shokz OpenFit Wireless Open‑Ear Earbuds
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 4th Generation
- HomePod (2nd generation) vs Sonos Era 300
Affiliate disclosure: GoodPickr may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through partner links on this page. Verdicts are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate relationships.
GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons · Built by Golden Consulting Partners