Launched back in 2016, the Apple AirPods can comfortably sit alongside Apple’s other successful audio products. Not since the release of the original iPod – with its distinctive white earbuds – has a sound accessory been so successful.
Airpods’ sleek Apple-centric design, sound quality and wireless features have made them a favourite with Apple aficionados the world over.
In March 2019, the second iteration of the AirPods offered further innovations. The AirPods 2 refined what customers already loved about the device while adding notable features to encourage customers to update.
The AirPods 2 are available in two models: the standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro. Other than a slight design change, there doesn’t look to be much difference between AirPod Models, except of course, for that price tag.
In this blog, we are investigating the differences between the standard and Pro Airpod models.
AirPod Price Difference
Ok, let’s get the obvious out of the way. The standard AirPods are cheaper than their pro equivalent. This price differential can be anywhere from €60 to €100. That’s a big cost jump and for many, it’s too big a leap.
Whatever AirPod version you decide upon, we recommend reviewing the price across different retailers. When shopping AirPods in Ireland, GetLocal.ie makes it easy to compare prices.
AirPod Fit
A major difference between the standard and Pro models is how they fit. Standard AirPods have a set shape that fits snugly inside the ear. The AirPod Pros, on the other hand, use silicone tips that come in three different sizes. The most comfortable type is a personal preference. Some people hate the feel of Silicone. And unfortunately, some people can’t get standard AirPods to stay inside their ears. If you have used silicone earbuds and are fine with how they feel, then the AirPod Pros are a natural choice.
Sound Quality
The silicone tip design of the AirPod Pro offers superior noise cancellation, making them one of the best headphones to use in noisy environments. AirPod Pros allow for a more bass-heavy listening experience.
Sound quality is dependant on the ability to block out external noise. The open design of the standard AirPod model means more external sound seeps in. The superior noise-cancellation capabilities of AirPod Pros mean they will always offer a better listening experience.
Call Quality
Both versions of the AirPods offer exceptional call quality. The tiny microphones on the tip of each AirPod manage to do the nearly impossible job of picking up your voice and transmitting it clearly through a phone call. However, the advanced noise cancellation of Airpod Pros means superior call quality. Airpod Pros also use a beamforming microphone that’s engineered to pick up voices while cancelling environmental sounds like wind distortion.
Water Resistance
As wearable technology, your AirPods will get wet. Therefore, it is important to remember that the standard AirPod model doesn’t come with an IPX water-residence rating. So, unfortunately, water damage isn’t covered under warranty. However, the AirPod Pros have an IPX4 water resistance rating. The IPX4 rating means AirPod Pros are sweat and splash resistant.
Are AirPod Pros Worth the Extra Money?
Airpod Pros innovate and improve every aspect of the AirPod experience. Better sound cancellation means superior audio and call quality. Different ear tip sizes make them as close to a universal fit as possible. And, of course, the sweat resistance makes them the number one choice for those who want to wear their AirPods while exercising. If these factors mean a lot to you, then absolutely choose the Pro. If not, it may be best to stick with the more affordable standard Airpod model.