Apple's AirPods Pro: Everything You Need to Know

Apple has just announced the newest version of its wireless headphones, the AirPods Pro. This may be surprising to many people, since in March of this year the AirPods 2 were released. But even with such a short time between releases, they have many differences in their capabilities.

AirPods Pro is a version for those who want premium features and are willing to pay more. They even fit well with the new iPhone 11. Now, to find out which Apple phone is worth for you, follow our article, where we will describe everything it can, and compare it not only to its predecessor but also to Powerbeats Pro.

1. Design

Let's start by talking about the design of the new handset. Compared to AirPods 2, they are a bit smaller, especially when it comes to the plastic "cabs". And there's more innovation in them: Now there's a pressure sensor, which allows the user to control various settings by tightening them.

AirPods Pro comes with silicone rubbers and, As Apple knows that everyone is different, it comes with 3 different sizes of rubber, so the fit is perfect for you. Once the headphones are paired with your iPhone, you can still use a tool to detect the optimal size of rubber for your ear.

Compared to previous versions of AirPods, this is a significant improvement, since they came in just one size, so it didn't fit so well in everyone. When they were released, there were numerous reports of them simply falling from the ears of users.

Powerbeats Pro also have silicone rubbers, but they come in 4 different sizes compared to 3 of their competitors. They also have “hooks” to make sure they don't fall from your ear.

If you don't like silicone headsets because of the pressure they cause, don't worry: AirPods Pro has a very innovative air inlet and outlet system, so the pressure feel is a thing of the past. This is a unique benefit of Apple's headphones, as Beats doesn't.

If you followed the rumors, you were probably hoping they would be available in more colors than white. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and they are available only in white. Powerbeats are available in several colors: black, ivory, moss green and navy blue.

2. Sound

The sound quality of AirPods has never been its strongest point, even though it has a reasonable sound. Now, with adaptive equalization, Apple aims to make AirPods Pro known for their fidelity and audio excellence. It is even comparable to the Powerbeats, which until now were the best in this regard.

Adaptive equalization works by adjusting the average and low frequencies of songs to the unique shape of each user's ears. In addition, it has a new amplifier with high dynamic range technology, which ensures that its sound quality is not impaired and can emit lower frequencies of up to 20Hz.

Airpods Pro Sound

3. Water resistance

Both AirPods Pro and Powerbeats Pro have a striking difference compared to Airpods 2: IPX4 certification.

This basically means this version of the splash-resistant headset. That is, you can go out in the rain or make a run with them without problem, the only restriction that can not be immersed.

4. Cancellation of Noises

One thing that was lacking in previous versions of AirPods was the cancellation of external noise, something that Apple has finally implemented. It works actively, which means it is realized through specialized software and two microphones. Thanks to this, the user has a particularly good noise cancellation experience.

One of the microphones faces outwards and the other inwards. The first one picks up all external sounds and, through the software, emits inverted sound waves, which essentially results in the ambient sounds being erased and you do not hear them.

To ensure that no noise is left, the second microphone performs the same process and blocks out any remaining noise. This is all done hundreds of times per second due to the power of the H1 chip, which is present in AirPods Pro.

Powerbeats already have reasonable sound insulation due to the acoustic “sealing” it causes when placed in the ear. It's good to make it clear that Apple's headphones are far superior in that regard.

5. Ambient Mode

If you prefer to hear outside noises, or just don't want to isolate yourself from the world around you, Apple has thought of you too. With Ambient Mode, noise cancellation is disabled, and sounds are no longer blocked.

This mode works by leaving the microphone that picks up the sounds, but without emitting the inverted wave. In addition, there is the air inlet and outlet system, which allows the input of external sounds.

6. Controls

As mentioned earlier, Apple's new headset has a pressure sensor that lets you control the headset with clicks: play, pause and answer a phone call, a quick click; skip to the next song, two clicks; go to the previous one, three clicks; To turn Environment Mode on and off, click and hold for a second.

Plus, you can control your Airpods Pro completely through your iPhone, or even Apple Watch.

Powerbeats Pro have physical buttons, so a less modern design, even though it offers the same controls as the new Apple headphones. In previous Airpods, the controls are made by simply touching the headphones.

7. Battery Life

One of the most common fears when it comes to Apple products is how long the battery lasts. And no need to worry, because they thought about it too: AirPods Pro last 4 1/2 hours with noise canceling enabled; disabled, lasts for 5 hours .; In the case of phone calls, it lasts 3 ½ hours.

By comparison, the Airpods 2's battery lasts for 5 hours of audio playback, but only 3 hours for phone calls. Powerbeats Pro, however, last up to 9 hours on a charge, a very good duration when it comes to such small bluetooth headsets.

They come with a recharge case included, which is expected considering the price. The case offers over 24 hours of audio playback, or over 18 hours of phone calls. With just 5 minutes inside the case, your headphones can keep playing music for another hour, or close to an hour of a phone call.

The case has a standard lightning input, so it can only recharge the plug in either the included cable, or the charger of your iPhone. His design has changed: a little wider to accommodate the rubber but smaller, so almost the same size as the previous versions, and the size of his battery has not changed.

Only the new Apple earphone comes with a wireless charging case in its base version, although it is possible to buy one for the Airpods 2. J Beats does not offer wireless charging.

The cases of both previous Apple and Beats headphones have the same functionality as the new one. However, that of the much larger Powerbeats, so it is a bit of a mistake to be portable.

8. “What about Siri?”

All three headphones on our list have full support for the "Siri" feature without touching anything. Siri will always be waiting for you to talk to her, ready to make crab jokes at any moment. But if it's bothering you and you need to disable it, it's quite easy. Just look at our article on how to temporarily disable crab on iPhone.

Through the feature, you can control volumes, make phone calls, have your messages read to you and more. This works through the H1 chip, which was also found on AirPods 2, but not in the first version.

9. And much more

AirPods Pro has a tool, called Audio Sharing, that lets you listen to the same music that a friend of yours is listening to by simply bringing your phone closer to your iPhone.

In addition, Siri can read your messages and emails to you as soon as they arrive with the Listen Messages feature. But don't worry, she won't interrupt if she's on a phone call or with Audio Sharing turned on.

10. Durability

Something to note in all three headphones is that it is basically impossible to repair any of them. So if you buy any, make sure it won't cause damage.

The only way to repair is by sending it to Apple, which charges quite high prices. If your AirPods need repair, $ 479 for each. That's right, it gives almost $ 1000 to repair the pair. If you lose them, or need to repair the case, the same price.

Powerbeats Pro comes out for $ 679 to repair each one. That is, almost $ 1400 to repair the pair, and another $ 679 to repair the case.

11. Price, availability and compatibility

Now comes the bad news: the well-salted price. The AirPods Pro are listed on Apple's official store for $ 2,249 and, even though not yet available for purchase, by the end of the week will be.

Already their previous version, the AirPods 2, are listed in the official Apple store for $ 1349.00. Finally, Beats headsets are available from Apple's official store for R $ 2149.00.

All headsets have a fairly long list of compatible devices: all three are compatible with any device that has bluetooth 4.0 or higher, including android smartphones, even though some features are restricted to Apple products.

Both Apple's new and Powerbeats Pro are compatible with all Apple devices running the following system versions: iOS 13.2, watchOS 6.1, tvOS 13.2, and macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later.

AirPods 2 are already compatible with devices with the following versions: iOS 10, watchOS 3, and macOS Sierra, or later. In addition, they are compatible with Apple TVs from the 4th generation onwards.

12. Conclusion

All three headphones have their merits. They are all good in their own way and have different target audiences. AirPods Pro are for those who are behind the best, regardless of price, but they overlook the assurance that the headphones will not fall off and do not need uninterrupted extended use.

Powerbeats Pro, for those who are looking for excellent sound quality, need the assurance that the headphones will stay where they should: your ears need a longer battery life, or for those who like to listen to music. while exercising. By the way, if you love exercise, here are our top 20 fitness apps for Android and iPhone.

Finally, Airpods 2 are for those who want a great pair of headphones at a more affordable price. They are not as comfortable to use as others on the list, and their audio is not as good as the other options, but for the cost difference, almost half of the value, can make up for it.

What did you think about our review of the Airpods Pro and the comparison we made?

Did you like the news of the new headset from one of the biggest tech companies? Tell us in the comments if you already used any of the other headphones, or if we help you in your choice.

If you have read this far, it may be helpful to read about the best music apps. And remember to look at our comparison of wired and bluetooth headsets and our list of the best iPhone headsets, remembering that it doesn't have the two recent releases we covered in this article.