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Wireless technology has changed the way we consume music, podcasts and audiobooks - more and more Apple fans are using AirPods or the new AirPods Pro to save themselves the hassle of tangled cables.
The Cupertino-based company made significant improvements last year, especially when it comes to the sound of the earphones, but also when it comes to useful functions such as active noise canceling.
But for whom is the purchase worthwhile and maybe cheaper models also do it?
AirPods: model overview
Here you can see the models for AirPods compactly summarized:
AirPods (first generation) *:
in December
Introduced in 2016, they were replaced by the AirPods 2.
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AirPods (second generation) *: presented
in March 2019, available with a standard charging case and with a wireless charging case
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AirPods Pro *: presented
in October 2019, available with a wireless charging case
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AirPods Max *:
These over-ear headphones were introduced in December 2020
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AirPods vs. AirPods Pro: What's the Difference?
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Apple has had its wireless AirPods in its range since the end of 2016.
The second generation was only presented in March 2019 - only seven months later there was the release of the new AirPods Pro, which have a higher price, but also have some other useful features.
The second-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro are visually different from each other: The shape has been completely redesigned for the latest headphones - they are just one centimeter shorter, a little heavier and, thanks to silicone attachments in different sizes, sit much better in the ear than their predecessors .
In addition, the charging case for the new headphones is much wider, flatter and heavier.
The new model also has additional features: It offers active noise canceling and a sensor that reacts to pressure so that the earphones can be controlled even more gently and precisely with the finger.
The AirPods Pro also promise a better sound experience with an inward-facing microphone and adaptive EQ that adapts to the wearer's movements and surroundings.
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But it remains the same: The headphones work with the well-known H1 chip and Bluetooth 5, and the second generation of AirPods and the new AirPods Pro do not take anything away from the charging capacity through the case (24 hours in total).
However, through the use of noise canceling, the runtime of the innovative earphones can be shorter than that of the AirPods 2.
Important: The new AirPods Pro are not suitable for users of an iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 as well as some first-generation iPads, as their operating system can no longer be updated.
AirPods alternatives: These cheap headphones are also convincing
The high-priced Apple earbuds are not an option for everyone - after all, inexpensive models from other manufacturers are also suitable for many purposes.
Bluetooth headphones from Donerton *
: waterproof in-ear headphones with a good fit thanks to silicone ear plugs, comparatively cheap, with charging case, 50 hours of music playback
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In-ear headphones from AUKEY
*
: True wireless in-ears with strong bass, integrated microphone and Bluetooth 5
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In ear headphones
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In-ear Bluetooth headphones Sony WF-1000XM3 *
: 32 hours battery life, noise canceling, true wireless, also suitable for the use of voice assistants.
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Charging AirPods: the most important information at a glance
A charging case is required for both AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro
The earphones can be plugged in there and charged wirelessly
The standard charging case of the AirPods 2 can be charged with a Lightning-to-USB-C or Lightning-to-USB cable
AirPods 2 with wireless charging case and AirPods Pro can also be charged on a Qi-certified charging mat *
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Bluetooth headphones
Conclusion: Are the expensive AirPods Pro worth it?
If you are looking for Bluetooth headphones from Apple that offer active noise canceling and a practical transparency mode and don't fall out of your ear so quickly, the customizable AirPods Pro could be just the thing for you.
However, you should note that compared to the inexpensive AirPods model with a standard charging case, it costs 100 euros more.
Compared to the AirPods with wireless charging case, you still pay 50 euros more.
But the new earphones are also resistant to sweat or rain and are therefore better suited for jogging or other outdoor sports.
This article was first published on February 11, 2020.
* If you complete a purchase using the links marked with an asterisk, WELT will receive a small commission. You can find our standards of transparency and journalistic independence at axelspringer.de/unabhaengigkeit.