As expected, with each new Apple release, it’s just a matter of time until the newest version of the gadget is release, seemingly as a new and improved version, and almost always with a higher price tag. Such was the case with Apple’s AirPods earphones, as there is now an AirPods Pro option. So should you shell out the extra $80 for the Pros? Here’s what we think.
The original AirPods don’t seal the ear canal, so Apple took note and changed that for the AirPods Pro, and even added in active noise canceling. That already makes the AirPods Pro lightyears ahead of the original model.
People who should spring for the Pros are iPhone users that truly want a seamless wireless earbuds experience, especially for those with the latest generation of iPhones. People who truly love the wireless experience will also enjoy the Pros since the active noise cancelation provided in other brands’ wireless earphones is not a common feature.
Gym enthusiasts will also love these new Pods since they really and truly stay in your ears. Gone are the days when a sweaty workout session will cause your AirPods to slip out of your ears and slide across the gym’s floor. The added sweat resistance is also a huge plus.
The AirPods Pro come with ear tips of varying sizes in order to allow you to choose the ones that will fit best for your ear. This is crucial, as ear tips that are too small might fall out and ear tips that are too big can become painful.
As is often the case with Apple products, there aren’t many steps in setting up, and you can pretty much start using them shortly after unboxing them and pairing them with your phone. It is super simple to pair them to an iOS device, as a small popup will show up prompting you to “connect.” That’s it.
To connect to an Android or Windows PC, long press the button on the back of the case to reach Bluetooth pairing mode and find your device. After you pair the Pods, you’re good to go. You will lose a few features like auto-pause detection when you remove an AirPod, but. active noise cancellation will still work, thankfully.
Some other useful features include transparency mode which will allow you to filter in outside noise, for times when you don’t want to miss your stop or you want to join a conversation quickly.
So bottom line: are they worth it or not? If you’re thinking about getting AirPods, especially if you have an iPhone, then the AirPods Pro are the definitive choice. They will sound much better than the original ones, but they also offer a lot more. They do cost more than the original, but you are getting a lot of features for that added money.
In case you’re looking for alternatives to the original AirPods — many people have an aversion to Apple products — then some other options include the Sony WF-1000XM4, Beats Powerbeats Pro, Jabra Elite 85t, and Amazon Echo Buds (2nd generation).