If you're still weighing your options for premium audio, especially when it comes to the original standout, our AirPods Pro 1st Gen Performance Review (ANC, Sound, Battery) dives deep into what made these earbuds a game-changer. Despite newer models hitting the market, the first-generation AirPods Pro still command respect for their blend of immersive sound, effective noise cancellation, and reliable battery life. They didn't just join the conversation; they defined a significant chunk of it.
For many, the question isn't whether they're good, but how good they remain years later. Let's peel back the layers and see if they still hold up as a worthy audio companion.
At a Glance: AirPods Pro 1st Gen Core Strengths
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Remarkably effective for its time, creating a quiet sanctuary in noisy environments.
- Sound Quality: Crisp, clear, and well-balanced audio with satisfying bass, enhanced by Adaptive EQ.
- Spatial Audio: Transforms listening with a captivating, theater-like surround sound experience, especially engaging for movies and supported music.
- Battery Life: Up to 4-5 hours with ANC, extended to 24-30 hours with the compact charging case—solid for daily use.
- Comfort & Fit: Customizable with three silicone tip sizes, offering a secure and comfortable seal for most ears.
- Transparency Mode: Seamlessly blends external sounds with your audio, keeping you connected to your surroundings.
- Water Resistance: IPX4 rated, suitable for workouts and light splashes, adding to their practical durability.
The Quiet Revolution: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance
When the Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen first arrived, their Active Noise Cancellation was a revelation. It wasn't just a marketing bullet point; it genuinely delivered on the promise of creating a quieter personal space in a chaotic world.
How Effective Is the ANC, Really?
The 1st Gen AirPods Pro excel at dampening low-frequency hums and constant background noises. Think about your daily commute: the rumble of a bus, the drone of an airplane engine, or the general din of a busy office. These are precisely the types of sounds the ANC significantly reduces, making podcasts clearer and music more immersive. You won't achieve absolute silence – higher-frequency, sudden noises like nearby conversations or a car horn will still break through to some extent – but the overall effect is remarkably effective for a pair of truly wireless earbuds. It’s like turning down the volume knob on the world around you.
Transparency Mode: Hearing What Matters
Equally impressive is Transparency Mode, which works by actively allowing external sounds to filter through. Instead of pulling an earbud out to hear an announcement or chat with a colleague, you simply activate Transparency Mode, and it feels as if you’re not wearing earbuds at all. The audio from your surroundings is natural-sounding, not muffled or artificial, making it incredibly useful for situational awareness without interrupting your audio stream. This seamless transition between blocking the world out and letting it in is a testament to Apple's thoughtful engineering.
A Symphony in Your Ears: Sound Quality & Immersion
Beyond the quietude, the original AirPods Pro truly shine in their audio delivery. Apple didn't just build a noise-canceling bud; they crafted a rich listening experience.
Audio Fidelity: Crisp, Clear, and Balanced
Out of the box, the AirPods Pro 1st Gen produce a sound profile that can be described as crisp, clear, and well-balanced. There's a noticeable warmth to the audio without being overly boomy, and the bass, while not earth-shattering, is present and punchy enough to give tracks a satisfying depth. Mids are articulate, making vocals stand out, and highs are detailed without being harsh. This translates to an enjoyable experience across various genres, from intricate classical pieces to high-energy pop anthems.
Much of this consistent quality comes from Adaptive EQ. This clever feature automatically tunes music to the unique shape of your ear. It uses an inward-facing microphone to measure what you're hearing, then adjusts the low and mid-frequencies in real-time. The result is a personalized sound experience, ensuring your music always sounds as the artist intended, regardless of your ear canal's specific contours.
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: A Game Changer
Perhaps the most exciting innovation the 1st Gen AirPods Pro brought to the table was Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking. This isn't just stereo sound; it's an immersive, cinematic experience that places sounds all around you, creating a virtual 3D soundstage. When watching a movie, for instance, dialogue will come from the "screen" in front of you, and ambient sounds will seem to emanate from various points in space.
What truly elevates this feature is dynamic head tracking. As you move your head, the sound field remains fixed to your device (e.g., your iPhone or iPad). It's incredibly convincing, making you feel like you're in a movie theater or concert hall, rather than just listening to audio through earbuds. For supported content, it adds an entirely new dimension to your entertainment, pulling you deeper into the experience. While later generations have refined this, the 1st Gen introduced it spectacularly.
Call Quality: Clear Connections
While primarily designed for music and media, the AirPods Pro 1st Gen also deliver solid call quality. The external microphones work to pick up your voice clearly while simultaneously attempting to filter out some ambient noise, making conversations relatively easy even in moderately noisy environments. They might not be professional podcasting microphones, but for everyday calls, they perform admirably.
The Endurance Test: Battery Life Performance
Battery life is often a key consideration for wireless earbuds, and the AirPods Pro 1st Gen strike a practical balance between portability and power.
Real-World Battery Performance
On a single charge, with Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency Mode enabled, you can expect around 4 to 5 hours of listening time. Turn ANC/Transparency off, and you might squeeze out a bit more, closer to 5.5 hours. For most daily commutes, workouts, or focused work sessions, this is more than sufficient. It's enough to get you through a standard workday if you take short breaks to put them back in the case.
Where the AirPods Pro truly shine is the convenience of their charging case.
The Charging Case: Your Power Bank on the Go
The compact charging case isn't just for protection; it's a portable power station, holding multiple additional charges. Fully charged, the case provides more than 24 hours of listening time, pushing your total endurance to an impressive 24-30 hours. This means you can go days, or even a full week, of casual use without needing to find a wall outlet.
Charging the case itself is straightforward, supporting both Lightning cable and Qi-certified wireless charging. A quick 5-minute charge in the case can provide roughly an hour of listening time, which is a lifesaver when you're rushing out the door and realize your earbuds are dead.
Battery Degradation Over Time
Like all rechargeable batteries, the ones in your AirPods Pro will naturally degrade over time and with charge cycles. After several years of heavy use, you might notice the 4-5 hours dwindling slightly. This is an unavoidable reality of lithium-ion batteries. However, for a product of its age, the 1st Gen AirPods Pro generally maintain respectable battery performance for a significant duration, especially if you don't fully drain them every single day.
Comfort, Controls, and Convenience: The Full Package
Performance isn't just about raw specs; it's about the entire user experience. The 1st Gen AirPods Pro excel here with thoughtful design and intuitive features.
A Fit That Feels Just Right
Comfort is paramount for earbuds worn for extended periods. The AirPods Pro come with three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips (small, medium, large). The "Ear Tip Fit Test" in iOS helps you find the perfect seal, which is crucial not only for comfort but also for maximizing sound quality and ANC effectiveness. The tapered design allows them to sit comfortably and securely in most ears, making them suitable for everything from casual listening to vigorous workouts.
Intuitive Force Sensor Controls
Gone are the tap controls of the original AirPods; the Pro introduced the Force sensor on the stem. A gentle squeeze allows you to:
- Single squeeze: Play/pause audio, answer/end calls.
- Double squeeze: Skip forward.
- Triple squeeze: Skip back.
- Long squeeze: Toggle between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode.
These controls are precise and reduce accidental touches, offering a more deliberate interaction.
Hey Siri Integration
For truly hands-free control, "Hey Siri" integration allows you to adjust volume, change tracks, make calls, or get information simply by speaking. This seamless voice command functionality further enhances the convenience factor, particularly when your hands are full or you're on the move.
Sweat and Water Resistance
With an IPX4 rating, the AirPods Pro 1st Gen are sweat and water-resistant. This means they can handle splashes from light rain and are perfectly fine for most workouts, including running or gym sessions where you might break a sweat. They are not designed to be submerged in water, so leave them out of the shower or pool. This added durability makes them a more versatile companion for an active lifestyle.
Weighing Your Options: Are They Still Worth It?
Given that newer models exist, it's fair to ask if the 1st Gen AirPods Pro still represent a good investment.
Value in Today's Market
While they were considered a premium investment at launch, their quality and features absolutely justified the price. Today, you can often find them at significantly reduced prices, either new, on sale, or as refurbished models. This makes them an even more compelling option for someone seeking high-end audio performance and features without breaking the bank on the very latest generation.
When considering them, think about what you prioritize:
- Budget: If you're looking for premium ANC and sound at a more accessible price point than the newest models, the 1st Gen are strong contenders.
- Core Features: Do you primarily need excellent ANC, great sound quality, and reliable battery life for daily use? The 1st Gen delivers on these core promises exceptionally well.
- Integration: For existing Apple users, the seamless pairing, quick switching between devices, and Siri integration remain unparalleled.
Who Might Find Them Perfect?
- Apple Ecosystem Users: If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the instant pairing and intuitive switching make them incredibly convenient.
- Commuters/Travelers: The effective ANC is a huge plus for anyone regularly in noisy environments.
- Casual Listeners & Media Enthusiasts: The balanced sound profile and Spatial Audio elevate everyday listening and movie watching.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Looking for flagship-level features without the flagship price tag (especially if found on sale or refurbished).
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Appeal of a First-Gen Classic
The AirPods Pro 1st Gen didn't just meet expectations; they redefined what true wireless earbuds could be. They brought top-tier Active Noise Cancellation, immersive Spatial Audio, and a comfortable, secure fit to the masses, all wrapped in Apple's signature elegant design. Their performance, particularly in ANC, sound quality, and practical battery life, continues to hold up remarkably well, even against newer competitors.
For those who prioritize a premium audio experience, seamless integration with Apple devices, and excellent noise cancellation—and who might be eyeing a more budget-friendly option than the very latest models—the original AirPods Pro remain a compelling and highly capable choice. They are a testament to quality engineering that continues to deliver a satisfying and immersive listening journey.