Do All AirPods Have Noise Cancellation? Features Explained

When Apple first introduced the AirPods in 2016, it marked a significant leap forward in the world of wireless audio. These compact, seamless earbuds quickly became a cultural phenomenon, redefining how we experience music, podcasts, and phone calls on the go. As Apple continued to refine and expand the AirPods lineup, one of the key questions that arose was do all AirPods have noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation is a highly sought-after feature in the world of audio, as it allows users to truly immerse themselves in their audio content without the intrusion of unwanted environmental sounds. This technology has been a staple in high-end headphones for years, but its integration into the compact AirPods form factor posed unique engineering challenges.

As the AirPods family grew, with the introduction of the AirPods Pro in 2019 and the third-generation AirPods in 2021, the availability of noise cancellation became a crucial differentiator between the various models. Understanding which AirPods offer this feature, and how it works, is essential for consumers looking to make an informed purchase decision.

Regarding Apple’s AirPods, the common question about all models in this family is whether noise cancellation is available for all. The answer is yes and no, depending on the generation or model.

Feature of AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro is the only AirPods model that comes with active noise cancellation as a standard feature. This advanced feature uses inward-facing microphones to detect unwanted environmental sounds and then generates an equal and opposite sound wave so that the noise can effectively be canceled out. By this, users can freely enjoy their music, podcasts, or phone calls in the absence of ambient sound.

Are AirPods Gen 3 Noise Cancelling?

The third-generation AirPods, which launched in 2021, do not boast the same noise-canceling abilities that the AirPods Pro offers. Instead, it includes a technology called “Adaptive EQ,” which adjusts the low and mid-frequencies of the music to the shape of an individual’s ear. It allows for a more tailored listening experience but does not work to actively cancel external noise.dd

Do Standard AirPods Have Noise Cancelling?

The first generation of the original AirPods and the second-gen, which came out in 2019, also lack noise cancellation. These models used an in-ear seal fit passively to create sound isolation instead but did not actively cancel ambient sounds, as does the AirPods Pro.

What does Active Noise Cancelling Mean?

This technology, called active noise canceling or ANC, employs the use of microphones incorporated into the design of headphones to detect ambient noises and then produces a contrary sound wave that cancels out once it hits the original sound, allowing audio being streamed to be listened to properly in a noisier environment.

On the other hand, passive noise isolation is merely preventing external sounds from reaching the ear of the listener, either by earpads or in-ear tips. Although passive isolation can be powerful, it does not attain the same level of noise reduction as active noise cancellation.

AirPods First Generation

There have been airpods first generation released in 2016. These AirPods were the first wireless earbuds Apple had produced to date. These early air pods do not offer a type of noise cancellation and are simply relied upon to provide passive noise isolation that results in the quieting of sound heard.

How to Cancel Noise Cancellation on Airpods?

For those using AirPods Pro, one can even switch on/off noise cancellation by holding a force sensor on the earbud’s stem or navigating to the Control Center and tapping the icon to make AirPods noise canceling on an iOS device.

Noise Cancellation will be disabled so the AirPods Pro automatically switches to a mode known as “Transparency”, in which users can get soundings of their surroundings but yet continue listening to their preferred audio content.

Noise Cancellation on AirPods

In a nutshell, this is only available on AirPods Pro. None of the third-generation AirPods, Original, and second-generation AirPods have active noise cancellation.

Which AirPods Have Noise Cancellation?

The only AirPods model that comes standard with active noise cancellation is the AirPods Pro. Active noise cancellation gives the user pleasure by enjoying their audio content without distraction from unwanted noises around them.

Do AirPods Pro Gen 1 Have Noise Cancellation?

Yes, the first generation or the original AirPods Pro, which dates back to 2019, boasts active noise cancellation as one of its strong features. This technology had also been part of the AirPods Pro of the second generation, a model launched in 2022.

Does the Latest AirPods Have Active Noise Cancellation?

The third-generation AirPods, launched in 2021, do not support noise cancellation but feature Adaptive EQ, a feature that automatically adjusts the sound according to the shape of the ear of the user to deliver a better audio experience.

The Evolution

As the AirPods lineup continues to evolve, it’s clear that noise cancellation remains a key differentiating feature, particularly for the AirPods Pro. While not every model in the series boasts this advanced technology, the availability of active noise cancellation on select AirPods provides users with the option to enjoy their audio content in a more immersive and distraction-free environment. As Apple continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see if noise cancellation becomes a standard feature across the entire AirPods family in the years to come.

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