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About 2 years ago, I made a sort of a guide video, sharing my experience with all of Apple’s
AirPods.
Since then, the AirPods Pro version 2 came out, and with that, you might be thinking
that we have 3 models to choose from.
AirPods 2 (a.k.a regular AirPods), AirPods 3 (my favorite), and AirPods Pro generation
2.
We still have the first generation Pro model on the maket, however, available through third-party
sellers like Amazon and BestBuy.
With a price gap of between 30 and 50 dollars between the 4 models, I have people asking
me which one to get.
As sound is very subjective and AirPods comfort depending on the individual biological traits,
I am very careful at prompting suggestions…however, I will do my best here.
In this video, we will go over the AirPods specs, main differences, sound quality, comfort,
mic quality, and a lot more, and at the end, hopefully…I will be able to steer in the
right direction.
So, these are the four contestants, and these are the main differences on paper.
We have 2 models that don’t offer noise canceling that stay in your ears in the means
of hooking to them, and we have two models that offer noise canceling and transparency
that stay in the means of creating a seal.
All models, with the exception of the regular model, offer wireless charging, whereas only
the Pro models offer MagSafe, but rest assured, you can always get a 3-rd party MagSafe case.
I’ll put some good recommendations in the desciption below.
BTW, if you end up enjoying this video, subscribe, because WHY NOT?
One noticeable difference between all models is the fact that only the Gen to Pro models
have the latest H2 chip inside, while the rest use H1 and unlike the previous Pro models,
Gen 2 offers 6 hours of playback and 30 hours on the case WITH noise canceling, which is
very impressive.
Casewise, the latest Pro models also have a lanyard attachment and speakers that you
can use to precisely find them just like an AirTag - same technology.
So, let’s talk about comfort first.
Unlike on-ear or over-ear headphones, earbuds are hit or miss when it comes to comfort.
Where over-ear comfort is determined by softness and squeezing pressure, earbuds might not
stay in your ears.
I am sure you know people who can’t ear certain AirPods for that exact reason.
In most cases, if you were able to wear the EarPods, you’ll be just as good rocking
the AirPods 2 and most likely, AirPods 3.
AirPods 3 are attaching like hooks the same way the original AirPods, although they are
a bit thicker, and some people might feel a little pressure keeping them in.
AirPods Pro, on the other hand, no matter if they are gen 1 or gen 2 will be more versatile
since they come with various size ear tips.
In fact, the second generation Pro’s come with 4 size ear tips compared to the previous
generation, where we had 3.
This time around, there is an additional extra small size.
They are not safe bet, however.
To me, both are a little bit annoying to keep in my ears as they start itching, but there
is an asterisk.
Since both the 3 and the Pros fit my ears, if I had to choose a pair that I would have
to wear for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time, I would pick the 3, since I wouldn’t have
no irritation to worry about.
The asterisk that I mentioned is the big difference between both Pro models.
The older model had to stay inside my ears tightly.
Because of my ear shape, I had to really cram them inside.
Otherwise, I would lose the little noise canceling that existed, but more importantly, I would
witness degraded sound quality because they are not making good enough seal.
That translates to a flatter sound and little to no noise cancellation.
With the newly improved internals, generation 2 can stay hooked while adjusting and adapting
the seal, while still delivering fantastic quality - no need to push them inside my ears
like crazy.
So comfort-wise I find them much better.
Of course, comfort would matter zilch if either pair of earphones sounded bad.
Fortunately, that’s not the case with either of the earbuds - except for the regular AirPods.
I’ll start with them.
They sound exactly as you can expect.
Honestly, a flatter experience is good enough for the purpose of their existance.
They are fantstic meeting accessory.
Great, reliable connetion and good enough sound for occational entertainment and, most
of all, phone calls - and I’ll get to microphones in a bit.
The AirPods 3, sound amazing.
I’ve always found them the best sounding when it comes to earbuds that don’t offer
a seal.
They are rich in sound, and I adore watching movies with them.
Of course, they are not as immersive as earbuds that offer noise cancellation, but they are
great.
They fall short if you are in a loud environement.
This is where the Pro’s come in.
I sat for a very long time switching between gen 1 and gen 2 of the Pros to understand
what the difference is - or at least how I perceive it.
In terms of loudness, they are identical to me, but when it comes to sound quality, gen
2 shines.
Much deeper sound, rich bass, clear highs, and amazing definition.
Something you can temporarily come close to with version 1 if you really cram them deep
into the years, which won’t last long because they will inevitably come out a bit.
Gen 2 sounds much like the AirPods 3 with the added benefit of noise cancellation and
adaptive transparency.
AirPods are a great addition to your entertainment experience, no matter which model you choose.
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Back to noise cancellation - referring to the Pro models of course.
The difference here is night and day.
Where the first-gen Pro sort of gave you some mild passive cancellation feeling, Gen 2 are
capable of eliminating strong background sounds like construction.
Interestingly enough, it would distinguish, for example, music and people talking, where
it would eliminate background radio as well as conversations taking place, yet if you
start talking with someone directly, you can still hear them.
The strongest difference can be observed in crowded places like malls where you have tons
of various ambient sounds.
Where Gen 1 would just reduce the volume of your surroundings, Gen 2 would really transfer
you somewhere else.
The same difference goes in the transparency department.
If Gen 1 gives you clear awareness with a bit of physical muffling, Gen 2 gives you
unobtrusive awareness as if you have nothing in your ears at all.
No pressure or a hint that you have something in your ears - very, very impressive.
With Gen 2 models, you also have gesture controls on the stem, which is very nice if you use
them with just your watch for example or your phone is left somewhere in the house while
you are doing something.
Spatial Audio is of course, clutch and available on all 3 models with the exception of the
regular pods.
So what would I recommend?
If you participate in a lot of meetings and don’t care about isolating whatever you
are watching ot listening to that much, straight up go ahead and get Gen 2 AirPods.
If you have EarPods around the house, or some of your family has from an old iPhone box,
try them to ensure they fit well, and you are good to go.
They sound honest on both ends and will serve you well for at least 2 years unless you drown
them by accident.
If you can try EarPods or you have regular AirPods but want something better sounding,
the AirPods 3 are awesome.
They sound fantastic and will be a reliable companion no matter if you are streaming,
meeting with someone, or just playing a game.
If you want the Pro models and you travel or commute a lot, definitely get the AirPods
Pro - but not generation one.
Unless you get an awesome deal to the Gen 1 for the price of the 3, the $50 price difference
is worth getting Gen 2.
They fit better because of the constantly adjusting EQ and noise cancellation and stay
in place withouth having to push them in all
the time.
At this point, you might’ve noticed that I left an extra column on the table and that
is for a hidden contestant that I have prepared.
That is Marshall Minor III.
The Minor III are a perfect mix between the regular AirPods and AirPods 3, for the price
of the cheapest AirPods - $129.
For that, you are getting very similar to the AirPods 3 design, with fantastic color
choices, 25 hours of playtime.
Sure, you lose the ecosystem automatic connection between Apple devices, but you do gain the
ease of use and control of using them with both Android and Apple devices thanks to the
Marshall app.
With that, you can also enjoy perks like personal EQ settings
and more.
Whatever you buy, be sure the product you are getting is authentic.
AirPods are one of the most counterfeited products out there, so don’t try to save
from suspicious places because you might not even realize what you are buying until it’s
too late.
Shop from an authorized reseller or the Apple Store directly.
If you enjoyed this video, then you should definitely check out my other guides as well
as my blind headphones test.
Like & Subscribe to the channel, as well as my newsletter, and as always, it’s been
an absolute pleasure, This is E
Over & out