Apples AirPods are hands-down the best wireless earbudsfor people already using Apple products.
But now,the entry-level podsget one of the Pros greatest featuresactive noise canceling or ANC.
So, how do these new pods stack up against their Pro sibling?
The new AirPods look a lot like the old AirPods.Apple
The AirPods Pro 2 still has an edge for fitness enthusiasts.
Their secure fit and water resistance make them ideal for intense workouts.
Canceled
First, about that ANC.
The more-expensive AirPods 4 get an inductive charging case.Apple
This has been the big difference between the regular AirPods and AirPods Pro, but no longer.
The difference is in the silicone ear tips.
If theyre good enough for construction workers, theyre clearly good enough for you.
Only the AirPods Pro get the new hearing-aid features.Apple
This detects human speakers in some languages and lowers the volume of whatever youre listening to.
But as were about to see, the AirPods Pro 2 still offers some significant advantages.
Time Bomb
Lets start with Spatial Audio, which may or may not be a gimmick.
I dig it, and I love how it makes music sound.
And with the non-Pro pods, you have to leave all of it.
What Id find a lot harder to go without are the Pros stem gestures.
I use that all the time now.
Ifyou want to use your AirPods as over-the-counter hearing aids, you will have to go Pro.
And finally, there is one ‘feature’ that all AirPods sharethe lack of a user-replaceable battery.
The battery issue goes beyond replaceability.
It’s about the entire lifecycle.
The AirPods' compact design makes recycling challenging.
Otherwise, they remain the same amazing-but-disposable gadget as ever.
