AirPods Vs. AirPods Pro: Should You Spend The Extra $$$?

New AirPods settings in iOS 16

Are the AirPods Pro markedly better than the base-level version?

This article is for those wanting to invest in AirPods, but who cannot decide if they should spend the extra money on getting the Pro Version or just stick with the original. 

There may also be people who already own AirPods and are thinking about upgrading, but want to know what the differences are between the two. 

Here’s the truth: Unless you understand, appreciate, or require subtleties of music and sound, there isn’t really any reason for ost people to upgrade!

Let’s now take a look at the main differences between the two, and see whether it’s worth it for you to spend those extra dollars on a new pair of AirPods Pro.

The Fit

Apple is famous for constantly experimenting with its features, and it often uses customer feedback to make the next version better than the previous one. 

For example, many customers in the past complained about the fit of AirPods being highly uncomfortable in the ears. 

Reports of discomfort were paired with instances of AirPod sound leakage, and even those who used them occasionally could see something wasn’t quite right with the design.

So, in order to improve individual user experience, Apple introduced the “Ear Tip Fit Test” to allow people to check the potential fit of AirPods in each ear.

If the AirPods didn’t fit the user properly, the buds could  then be easily swapped out for a different size that suited their ears better and which had a seal that prevented unwanted sound from disrupting their auditory experience.

However, this issue in design has since been fixed by the brand, and the AirPods Pro features a design that fits most people well!

Bass: Better Sound Quality

The AirPods Pro are enhanced to provide better sound quality. 

The new noise-isolating technology and drivers provide better sound output than the original version. 

The two most important features that help it deliver superior quality of sound are the built-in speaker technology and Adaptive EQ functionality that allows for low and mid frequencies of music.

In addition, it offers more than 24 hours of listening time, which can be considered a significant upgrade. 

AirPods Pro also contain dual optical sensors, a motion-detecting accelerometer, force sensor, and speech-detecting accelerometer for added utility. 

Ideal For Making Calls

AirPods Pro features three microphones, with one of those being a beamforming mic that picks the user’s voice itself- making it a  far better product than the original AirPods. 

The new version also has improved noise-reduction capabilities, especially when it comes to wind noise. The combination of these features makes the product ideal for making calls.

The other two microphones are designed to allow the Airpods Pro to analyze environmental noise and to listen to sound towards the ears, respectively. As such, one microphone is faced outwards and the second one inwards.

The option for Transparency mode has also been implemented, allowing users to tone down Active Noise Cancellation and helping them to stay more aware of their surroundings. 

It allows the wearer to pay attention to any traffic or important announcements, while simultaneously not missing out on anything they’re listening to.

The AirPods Pro uses a custom high dynamix range amplifier that assists in producing a clear, high-quality sound. 

AirPods Pro even utilizes improved Bluetooth latency that allows it to analyze the time it takes to trigger a sound in the user’s ears!

Spatial Audio With Dolby Atmos

Spatial audio creates a multi-dimensional sound experience, allowing users to experience music as if the notes are coming from all around them. 

In addition, as it functions on directional audio filters it subtly adjusts the frequencies. This feature makes AirPod Pro stand out from the rest, entrenching them firmly as a favorite among users.

Concluding Remarks

AirPods Pro are more expensive for a reason (actually, quite a few reasons). 

Some of the features that have been enhanced and may be worth paying extra money for are its noise cancellation technology, unique design, and better overall sound quality. 

So, if you’re debating whether to shell out a bit more for a new pair of AirPods Pro, it really is a personal choice that depends on what you’re looking for out of your pead of headphones. 

If you’re into decent sound quality and a plethora of useful functions, then there aren’t many better products than this one in the market at this price point.  

Finally, AirPods Pro are also sweat and water-resistant, making them ideal for people to use them in many places, on the go!