REVIEWApple Airpods Pro vs. Bragi Dash Pro Comparison
With Apple releasing new earpods, I decided to compare it with Bragi Dash Pro.
I have been using Bragi for over a year now and appreciate its cool features, and that it is made in Germany.
It seems that the new Apple iPods Pro is still very scarce and not widely available in London.
But after a month of checking availability on the Apple website, I finally managed to get my hands on a pair.
Charging Case
Bragi Dash Pro case is larger than Apple's, but it also feels more sturdy because it's made of metal.
This case can recharge Dash Pro earphones three times, and I could see the battery remaining via the Bragi app. The earphones also blink in different colours when at a different battery level.
Apple AirPods Pro case is smaller and made out of plastic. It feels sturdy and is well made but maybe not as strong as a metal case. In terms of battery, the case will charge earphones up to four times.
I was impressed by how quickly it charges – up to 1 hour of playtime in after five minutes in the case. I can see the battery remaining on my phone every time I open the case. But that only works for iPhone users.
Apple AirPods vs Bragi Earbuds
Bragi Earbuds themselves are larger than Apple AirPods when placed side by side. But both of them are quite snug and do not stick out when placed in my ears.
Bragi Earbuds have a larger control area where I can adjust volume, skip or quickly change into transparency mode. This flat surface is handy and easy to access.
I can control Apple AirPods by touching a surface or squeezing the stem, but I feel it's not as intuitive. Having said that, it was not a problem once I got used to it.
In terms of battery, after one year of use Bragi Earbuds, tend to run out of charge sooner and charge slightly slower than Apple AirPods.
Controls
Volume: Dash Pro allows to slide a finger up or down to control the volume directly. On the AirPod Pro, you have to do it on your phone, apple watch or by giving verbal commands to Siri.
Changing songs: Dash Pro allows you to skip, play previous/next songs and select playlists by tapping and swiping. You can even nod or shake your head to achieve the same. AirPod Pro can only skip, play the previous song by pressing stem once or twice.
Transparency and noise cancellation – both earpods allow easy activation of the transparency and active noise cancellation modes.
Siri, Google Assistant – both earpods have active voice controls enabled. I feel that it is much handier on Apple Airpods Pro, as on Bragi, I would simply do the same with built-in controls.
Comparison of Sound Quality, Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
Sound quality – I have to be honest; I like the sound quality in both of them. They both very clear, and I can’t tell any difference at all. Maybe, with a stretch, Bragi gives a slightly deeper bass.
Noise cancellation – again, both of them are very good at active noise cancellation. But Bragi Dash Pro was a little more successful at blocking off tube and traffic sounds during my commutes.
Transparency mode – I personally prefer Bragi Dash Pro as it was sharper and, in fact, gave me almost a superhuman hearing. AirPods Pro also has a decent transparency mode that is useful; it is just not as much fun.
Apple AirPod Pro - Missing Features
When comparing these impressive earpods, I have to clarify that it is not like for like comparison in terms of features. Let me list the main Dash Pro features I am missing when using AirPods Pro:
Ability to listen to music while swimming – Bragi Dash Pro is fully waterproof, and I frequently listen to music when I go for a swim.
Automatic fitness tracking – Dash Pro has a sport mode that allows tracking cycling, swimming and running. While it is not too advanced for serious sports enthusiasts, I found it useful when I did not want to take my phone with me for a run or track my swim training.
Internal storage – Dash Pro offers internal playlists I could listen to while disconnected from the phone or the internet. This is a feature I miss the most in my EarPods Pro now.
In summary, I truly enjoyed my project of reviewing and comparing these great earpods. It was great to compare and appreciate the advantages and design, and functionality decisions Apple and Bragi took. They both created exceptional earbuds that are very useful and functional, and hence it is tough to take one side or the other – they both are excellent.
Having said that, I feel that based on one’s lifestyle, it is easier to make a decision on which ones to choose.
If you are using earphones for commute and listening to music, then both are great. But if you plan to use them while doing sports, then Bragi Dash Pro offers more. You can go for a swim or run and leave your phone at home. These features do make a huge difference when you exercise frequently.
Whichever you decide to get, they both are excellent. My hat is off to both: Apple and Bragi!
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