-
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (USB-C)
Our top picks
The updated AirPods Pro (2nd generation) feature a USB-C charging port, allowing you to charge using an existing USB-C cable from other devices, or even from a USB-C iPhone. You get the same amazing sound quality and active noise cancellation as the original Lightning version.
advantage- Can charge iPhone via USB-C
- Lossless audio support for Vision Pro
- dust-proof
shortcoming- Almost the same as the old version
- Doesn’t work with your Lightning cable
-
Apple AirPods Pro 2
A great value choice
Lightning Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) offer the same high-quality sound and active noise cancellation as the new USB-C versions, making them (collectively) Apple’s best-sounding in-ear headphones. The Lightning cable may be on its way out, but it may still last longer than AirPods.
advantage- Works with your existing Lightning cables
- May see significant discounts
- The same great audio and features as the new version
shortcoming- Vision Pro does not support lossless audio
- Lightning connectors are being phased out
When the iPhone 15 models launched, one of the biggest news was that they were the first iPhones to feature a USB-C charging port, rather than the proprietary Lightning port seen on all previous iPhone models since the iPhone 5. It joins that change and adds USB-C charging capabilities to other products that previously also had Lightning ports.
This is the case with the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) wireless earphones, which have been updated with a USB-C charging port. However, the changes are so minor that the updated models don’t even have new names, leaving us to deal with some awkward phrases like “Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)” to differentiate the models.
Think your AirPods might be fake? 4 ways to spot fakes
Apple’s headphones are popular, but unfortunately, so are counterfeit products.
As you might have guessed, the biggest change between the two versions of what is essentially the same product is the type of ports in the charging case. However, there are other differences, some of which are important. How do the AirPods Pro USB-C 2nd Gen compare to the older 2022 AirPods Pro 2nd Gen? If you currently have the Lightning version, is it worth upgrading? Let’s take a look.
Price, availability and specifications
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with Lightning port launch in September 2022 for $249. Since updating to the USB-C version, you can no longer buy new Lightning AirPods Pro (2nd generation) from Apple’s website, but you can still get a pair of certified refurbished Lightning AirPods Pro from Apple’s website for $209 (2nd generation). .
The USB-C AirPods Pro sell for $249 at Apple, and you can currently pick up a pair on Amazon for just $189.
As you’d expect, the vast majority of specs are the same for both models, but let’s take a look at some of the key specs.
-
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (USB-C) Apple AirPods Pro 2 Battery Life Talk time 4.5 hours, listening time 6 hours, 30 hours with protective case Talk time 4.5 hours, listening time 6 hours, 30 hours with protective case Noise reduction Yes Yes Protection level IP54 IP54 Supported codecs SBC, AAC, lossless audio with Vision Pro SBC, AAC TOLL Wireless, USB-C Wireless, Lighting, USB-C aspect 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 / 50.8g (charging box), 30.9 x 21.8 x 24mm / 5.3g (headphones) 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7mm/50.8g (charging case), 30.9 x 21.8 x 24mm/5.3g (headphones) color white only white only chip H2 chip and U1 chip in the charging box H2 chip and U1 chip in the charging box spatial audio Yes, personalized spatial audio with head tracking Personalized spatial audio with head tracking
What are the similarities between the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro models?
The short answer is pretty much everything. We’ll discuss some of the notable differences below, but first let’s take a look at what hasn’t changed.
design
The design remains exactly the same, so if AirPods Pro with Lightning (2nd Gen) feel good in your ears, the USB-C model will feel just as good. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) models all have short stems that are similar in length to AirPods (3rd generation), but are significantly shorter than older models. There is a vent on the side for pressure equalization and a touch sensor on the stem. Both models feature two microphones powering active noise cancellation (ANC) and silicone ear tips on the head, available in four sizes.
control
Both models use the same touch sensor on the handle, allowing you to control your music or calls without touching your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. With the arrival of iOS 17, both AirPods Pro are getting new controls that allow you to mute and unmute calls with just a press of the stem. It now takes two presses to hang up. You can also slide your finger up or down on the sensor to turn the volume up or down, or hold down the sensor to switch between active noise cancellation, transparency mode, or adaptive audio mode.
sound
The sound quality of the two AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is also exactly the same. Custom drivers and amplifiers help reduce distortion compared to original AirPods Pro, so you get clearer highs and deeper bass no matter the volume. The active noise cancellation is excellent at reducing intrusive sounds like a screaming baby or power tools, as well as background noise like general conversation. Your Apple Watch can even show you how much your sound levels are reduced due to your AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
When listening to music, you get a wider soundstage than the original AirPods Pro, with noticeably richer bass and greater clarity. You also get personalized spatial audio tailored to your ears, as well as head tracking so when you move your head, the mix moves with it.
processor
Both models use the same H2 chip, which offers features like improved noise cancellation and overall better sound quality compared to the original AirPods Pro, which used the H1 chip. It also gives AirPods Pro (2nd generation) longer battery life than the original AirPods Pro. Apple claims that the H2 chip’s noise reduction level is twice that of the original AirPods Pro.
Battery Life
Both models of AirPods Pro offer up to 6 hours of listening time, which drops to 5.5 hours if you turn on Spatial Audio and enable head tracking. If you’re making a call, you can get up to 4.5 hours of talk time with active noise cancellation turned on. The charging case provides up to 30 hours of listening time or 24 hours of talk time on a single charge. Just leave it in the charging case for five minutes to get about an hour of listening or talk time.
What’s different about the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro models?
So far, exactly the same. Is the USB-C version of AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) any different? Well, yes, there is, and it’s not just the charging port.
Wireless charging box
The most obvious difference between the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) USB-C and the older AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Lightning is that the former’s charging case has a USB-C port instead of the original version’s Lightning port. Even then, you’d hardly know to look at them because the ports are so similar in size.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (USB-C) review: Need an upgrade?
The second-generation AirPods Pro now come with MagSafe and USB-C cases, along with a few other improvements, but should you buy them? This is my review.
However, USB-C cases offer convenient features that Lightning cases can’t; using a USB-C to USB-C cable, you can charge your AirPods directly from a USB-C iPhone (such as the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro). Both models offer wireless charging and are MagSafe compatible.
Protection level
Another small difference between the two versions of AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) is that the USB-C version has a slightly different IP rating, which is a measure of ingress protection. Older versions were rated IPX4, which means they can withstand sweat and the occasional splash without much issue.
Your AirPods aren’t waterproof: What to do if they get wet
Your AirPods are sweat and water resistant, but not waterproof. So what do you do if they get wet? Let’s break it down.
The USB-C versions are IP54 rated, which means they have the exact same moisture-proof rating but also limited dust protection.
apple
exact search
AirProds Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C have a second-generation U1 chip inside, while the Lightning model has a first-generation U1 chip inside. The second-generation U1 chip allows the Find My feature to pinpoint your charging case, rather than just telling you how many meters away it is. However, you’ll need an iPhone 11 or newer with a built-in Ultra Wideband chip to use this feature.
Best Vision Pro experience
This last difference is quite significant, and may annoy users of the first-generation AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with Lightning functionality. That’s because if you own the Apple Vision Pro, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C can play audio from the mixed reality headset at 20-bit, 48kHz lossless audio. This is the first time AirPods can play lossless audio wirelessly.
Your AirPods aren’t the only Vision Pro-compatible headphones
Apple’s Vision Pro even offers Bluetooth connectivity for third-party headphones, but there are some compromises to consider. Here’s what to know.
If you own AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a Lightning connector, you’re out of luck because they don’t support the Vision Pro’s lossless audio. If you’ve paid the Vision Pro’s hefty price tag, you might feel a little aggrieved by having to upgrade to the otherwise identical second-generation AirPods Pro, but unfortunately, that’s what’s going on.
Conclusion: To connect USB-C or not to connect USB-C?
If you don’t already own the older AirPods Pro (2nd generation), you don’t really have to decide. You’ll find it difficult to get your hands on the older Lightning version of the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), and there’s no real reason you’d want to do so. You won’t be able to charge AirPods Pro from your iPhone, and if you own the Vision Pro, you won’t get the lossless audio support that’s only available on the second-generation AirPods Pro with USB-C.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (USB-C)
Editor’s Choice
$189 $250 Save $61
The great thing about AirPods is their convenience, and the second generation AirPods Pro (USB-C) are no exception. The upgrade to USB-C only adds to that, while the additional features and additional software enhancements make for an overall great experience.
However, if you already own a pair of Lighting AirPods Pro (2nd generation), there’s no reason to upgrade them unless you also own the Vision Pro. The charging port and dust resistance really aren’t enough to make you ditch your otherwise excellent AirPods for a new pair that sound the same.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
However, you don’t need to upgrade