Released in October 2019, the Apple AirPods Pro marked a significant upgrade in Apple’s wireless earbud lineup, introducing active noise cancellation and a customizable fit, making them a premium option for users seeking a more immersive audio experience.
Specifications
- Chip: Apple H1 chip
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours of listening time (5 hours with noise cancellation off), over 24 hours with charging case
- Charging: Wireless (Qi-compatible) or Lightning port
- Weight: 5.4 grams per earbud; 45.6 grams for the charging case
- Water Resistance: IPX4 (sweat and water-resistant)
- Compatibility: iOS, macOS, watchOS, and Android devices
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode
Design and Comfort
The AirPods Pro are a major redesign compared to the original AirPods. They feature silicone ear tips available in three sizes (small, medium, large), offering a customizable and secure fit, which improves comfort and noise isolation. The shorter stem and ergonomic design also make them look more compact and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The addition of IPX4 water and sweat resistance makes the AirPods Pro suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, enhancing durability in various conditions.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The standout feature of the AirPods Pro is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The ANC system uses outward-facing microphones to detect external sounds and counteracts them with anti-noise, providing an immersive and quiet experience. This is particularly useful for blocking out background noise on commutes, flights, or in noisy environments.
The Transparency mode allows users to let external sounds in when needed. This mode uses the microphones to pick up outside sounds, letting users stay aware of their surroundings without needing to remove the earbuds—perfect for situations like crossing the street or having a conversation while listening to audio.
Sound Quality and Performance
The AirPods Pro deliver rich, balanced sound quality with deep bass and clear mid-range and treble, offering a more immersive listening experience than the standard AirPods. The Adaptive EQ feature automatically tunes the low and mid-frequencies of the music to the shape of the user’s ear, ensuring optimal sound quality.
The Apple H1 chip powers the AirPods Pro, providing fast and stable connections to Apple devices, efficient power management, and smooth performance for Siri voice commands and hands-free control. The AirPods Pro also offers low-latency audio, making them suitable for gaming, video calls, and other time-sensitive audio tasks.
Battery Life and Charging
Each earbud delivers 4.5 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation enabled, and up to 5 hours when ANC is turned off. The wireless charging case provides more than 24 hours of additional battery life, allowing users to recharge on the go. A quick 5-minute charge in the case gives about 1 hour of listening time, making the AirPods Pro convenient for users who need quick recharges during the day.
The case can be charged either via the Lightning connector or on a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad for added flexibility.
Smart Features
The AirPods Pro offer several smart features, including:
- Automatic play/pause when the earbuds are removed or inserted.
- Force sensors on the stems for controlling music, calls, and switching between ANC and Transparency mode.
- Hands-free Siri: Activate Siri by simply saying “Hey Siri” without tapping.
- Audio Sharing: Allows two pairs of AirPods to connect to one device for shared audio experiences, like listening to the same song or watching a movie with a friend.
Compatibility
While the AirPods Pro are optimized for Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches), they are also compatible with Android devices via Bluetooth. However, some advanced features, such as Siri, automatic switching, and customizable controls, are only available within the Apple ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Apple AirPods Pro offer a premium wireless earbud experience with Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and customizable fit, making them one of the most versatile and feature-rich options in the market. With improved sound quality, seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, and smart features like hands-free Siri and adaptive EQ, the AirPods Pro are ideal for users seeking high-end performance, whether for commuting, workouts, or everyday listening. Though priced higher than the standard AirPods, the additional features make the AirPods Pro a valuable investment for those looking for superior sound and noise-canceling capabilities.