AirPods Pro vs AirPods Pro 2: Is the Upgrade Actually Worth $200?
Based on RTINGS objective testing, Apple specifications, and real user experiences
The short answer: If you're buying new, get the AirPods Pro 2—it's the only option. Apple discontinued the original AirPods Pro, and the newer model is incompatible with iPhones 14 and later anyway. If you're upgrading from working original AirPods Pro, the Pro 2 offers meaningful improvements in battery life, ANC, and controls, but nothing revolutionary enough to rush an upgrade. Get AirPods Pro 2 on Amazon for $199 →
The Fighters
| AirPods Pro (1st Gen) | AirPods Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued (used only) | $199 on Amazon |
| Best For | Budget buyers with older iPhones | All current iPhone users |
| Battery (Buds) | 4.5 hours | 6 hours |
| Battery (Total) | 24 hours with case | 30 hours with case |
| ANC Performance | Good | Up to 2x better (Apple claim) |
| Chip | H1 | H2 |
| Charging | Lightning only | USB-C + MagSafe + Qi |
The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner
We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!
Round 1: Active Noise Cancellation
Apple claims the AirPods Pro 2 deliver "up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation" than the original, and real-world testing confirms a significant improvement. The new H2 chip, combined with optimized acoustic vents and microphone placement, blocks noticeably more ambient noise.
The Pro 2 also adds Adaptive Transparency mode, which automatically reduces loud, harsh sounds like construction noise or sirens while still letting you hear conversations. The original Pro doesn't have this feature.
However, ANC performance isn't flawless. Some users report that firmware updates have degraded ANC effectiveness over time, particularly in the bass range. And competitors like Sony's WF-1000XM5 still block over 10dB more noise due to AirPods' shallower ear fit.
| AirPods Pro 1 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| 6/10 | 8/10 |
Round 1 Winner: AirPods Pro 2 — Meaningfully better noise cancellation with smarter adaptive features.
Score after Round 1: AirPods Pro 1: 6 | AirPods Pro 2: 8
Round 2: Battery Life
This is one of the most tangible upgrades. In real-world testing with ANC enabled, the original AirPods Pro lasted 4 hours 20 minutes on a single charge. The AirPods Pro 2 stretched to 5 hours 43 minutes—roughly 33% longer.
Total battery with the charging case improves from 24 hours to 30 hours. That's an extra day of moderate use before needing a power outlet.
Both models offer the same fast charging: 5 minutes in the case delivers 1 hour of playback. But the Pro 2 case adds MagSafe compatibility and (in the USB-C version) improved dust and water resistance with an IP54 rating versus IPX4.
| AirPods Pro 1 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| 6/10 | 8/10 |
Round 2 Winner: AirPods Pro 2 — 33% longer battery life is a real-world improvement you'll notice.
Score after Round 2: AirPods Pro 1: 12 | AirPods Pro 2: 16
Round 3: Controls & Usability
This round isn't close. The original AirPods Pro required reaching for your phone or Apple Watch to adjust volume—a constant annoyance for many users. The AirPods Pro 2 add touch controls on the stems: swipe up or down to change volume without touching your phone.
Both models use squeeze gestures for play/pause and track skipping, but the Pro 2 adds Conversation Awareness in iOS 17—automatically lowering audio and enhancing voices when you start speaking to someone nearby.
The Pro 2 case also includes a built-in speaker that plays sounds for charging status, low battery warnings, and Find My location—small conveniences the original case lacks entirely.
| AirPods Pro 1 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| 5/10 | 9/10 |
Round 3 Winner: AirPods Pro 2 — Stem volume controls alone justify this win.
Score after Round 3: AirPods Pro 1: 17 | AirPods Pro 2: 25
Round 4: Fit & Comfort
Both models use the same silicone tip design and lightweight build that makes AirPods comfortable for hours of wear. The key difference: Pro 2 includes four ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) versus three (S, M, L) for the original.
That XS option matters for smaller ear canals—it can mean the difference between a secure seal and frustrating slippage. Some reviewers note that the Pro 2 buds feel "a little rounder" and fit more snugly.
However, both models share the same fundamental limitation: the stemmed design can catch on masks and longer hair, and neither is as secure as sports-focused earbuds like Beats Fit Pro.
| AirPods Pro 1 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| 7/10 | 8/10 |
Round 4 Winner: AirPods Pro 2 — Extra ear tip size improves fit options for more users.
Score after Round 4: AirPods Pro 1: 24 | AirPods Pro 2: 33
Round 5: Sound Quality
The H2 chip in AirPods Pro 2 enables more detailed audio processing, and reviewers describe a "more natural and detailed sound" with better bass accuracy. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking works better on the Pro 2 as well.
The difference isn't dramatic—both sound like premium earbuds—but audio enthusiasts will appreciate the refinements. RTINGS testing showed measurable improvements in frequency response consistency after firmware updates.
Both models share the same limitation: no EQ customization. If you want more bass, you can't adjust it. And lossless audio on the Pro 2 only works with Apple Vision Pro—not iPhones or Macs.
| AirPods Pro 1 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| 7/10 | 8/10 |
Round 5 Winner: AirPods Pro 2 — Audible improvements in detail and bass response.
Score after Round 5: AirPods Pro 1: 31 | AirPods Pro 2: 41
Round 6: Compatibility & Future-Proofing
Here's the knockout punch: the original AirPods Pro only work with Apple devices from 2021 or earlier. If you have an iPhone 14, 15, or 16, you cannot pair the first-gen AirPods Pro. This isn't a feature limitation—it's a hard incompatibility.
The AirPods Pro 2 work with all current Apple devices and include features like the FDA-cleared hearing aid functionality (USB-C version only), Live Translation with Apple Intelligence, and Bluetooth 5.3 for more stable connections.
The USB-C charging port also future-proofs the Pro 2 as Apple phases out Lightning across all products. The original Pro's Lightning case is already a legacy connector.
| AirPods Pro 1 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| 3/10 | 10/10 |
Round 6 Winner: AirPods Pro 2 — Essential compatibility with modern iPhones; original Pro is obsolete for many users.
Final Score
| Product | Total Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 2 | 51/60 | WINNER |
| AirPods Pro 1 | 34/60 |
The Winner: AirPods Pro 2
This isn't a close fight. The AirPods Pro 2 win on every meaningful metric: better ANC, longer battery, volume controls on the stems, improved fit options, enhanced sound quality, and—critically—compatibility with any iPhone from the past three years.
The original AirPods Pro were excellent when they launched in 2019. But they're now discontinued, incompatible with current iPhones, and lack features that have become standard in premium earbuds. Unless you find a deeply discounted used pair and own an older iPhone, there's no reason to consider them.
For current AirPods Pro owners considering an upgrade: the improvements are real but incremental. If your existing pair still works well, you can wait. But when they need replacing, the Pro 2 is your only choice.
Ready to buy? Get AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) on Amazon →
When the Original AirPods Pro Make Sense
The original AirPods Pro are only worth considering if:
-
You own an older iPhone (13 or earlier) — They'll work fine and might be available used for significant savings. Just know you're buying discontinued hardware.
-
You find a heavily discounted used pair — At $50-$80 used versus $200 new for Pro 2, the value equation might work for casual listeners with compatible devices.
-
You already own them and they work fine — Don't feel pressured to upgrade. The improvements are nice-to-have, not must-have, unless you're experiencing battery degradation.
For everyone else: The AirPods Pro 2 are the obvious choice. The compatibility requirement alone makes this decision for most iPhone users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use original AirPods Pro with iPhone 14, 15, or 16?
No. Apple Community discussions confirm that original AirPods Pro are only compatible with Apple devices from 2021 or earlier. If you have a newer iPhone, you must get AirPods Pro 2.
Is the AirPods Pro 2 noise cancellation really 2x better?
Apple claims "up to 2x," and real-world testing shows significant improvement—but not necessarily double. The Pro 2's ANC is noticeably better, especially with the Adaptive Transparency feature, though some users report that firmware updates have affected performance. Competitors like Sony still offer stronger isolation.
Should I get the Lightning or USB-C version of AirPods Pro 2?
Get USB-C. It's newer, more compatible with current devices (including iPhone 15+), has better dust/water resistance (IP54), and is the only version that supports the hearing aid feature. Apple is phasing out Lightning across all products.
Are AirPods Pro 2 worth it if I already have AirPods Pro?
If your original AirPods Pro still work well, you can wait. The improvements—longer battery, volume controls, better ANC—are meaningful but not revolutionary. However, when your current pair needs replacing, the Pro 2 is the only option available new.