Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 have some important difference. AirPods Pro 3 is Apple’s newest premium earbuds with improved noise cancellation, heart rate sensing, and IP57 durability. AirPods Pro 2 is the previous-generation model with ANC, adaptive audio, and battery life. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which model is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation:
- AirPods Pro 3 features upgraded Active Noise Cancellation for blocking up to 4x more background noise compared to the original AirPods Pro.
- AirPods Pro 2 has ANC with up to 2x more noise cancellation.
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Battery:
- AirPods Pro 3 features up to 8 hours of listening with ANC on for longer listening sessions per charge.
- AirPods Pro 2 has up to 6 hours of listening with ANC on.
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Connectivity:
- AirPods Pro 3 comes with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for precision finding in the Find My app.
- AirPods Pro 2 uses the first-generation U1 chip.
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Heart Rate Sensor:
- AirPods Pro 3 includes a heart rate sensor for measuring workout intensity and tracking fitness metrics.
- AirPods Pro 2 has no heart rate sensor.
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Controls:
- AirPods Pro 3 supports enhance touch controls and swipe gestures for volume adjustment and media control.
- AirPods Pro 2 is also features touch controls and swipe gestures.
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Transparency Mode Battery:
- AirPods Pro 3 features up to 10 hours of listening in Transparency Mode with Hearing Aid functionality for extended use.
- AirPods Pro 2 has no separate Transparency Mode battery specification.
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Ear Tip Sizes:
- AirPods Pro 3 includes five ear tip sizes including XXS for a more precise fit for smaller ears.
- AirPods Pro 2 comes with four ear tip sizes.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
AirPods Pro 3 |
AirPods Pro 2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation |
Up to 4x more ANC than original Pro |
Up to 2x more ANC than original Pro |
| Audio Modes |
Adaptive Audio, Transparency |
Adaptive Audio, Transparency |
| Conversation Awareness |
Yes |
Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor |
Yes |
No |
| Live Translation |
Yes |
Yes |
| Battery Life |
Up to 8 hrs ANC on |
Up to 6 hrs ANC on |
| Total Battery (Case) |
24 hrs ANC on |
30 hrs ANC on |
| Water & Dust Resistance |
IP57 |
IP54 |
| Connectivity Chip |
Second-gen Ultra Wideband |
U1 |
| Controls |
Touch + volume swipe |
Touch + volume swipe |
| Personalized Volume |
Yes |
Yes |
| Transparency Mode Battery Option |
10 hrs with hearing aid mode |
Not available |
| Ear Tip Sizes |
5 (XXS to L) |
4 (XS to L) |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you:
- Want the latest ANC performance for blocking noise.
- Need heart rate tracking for workouts and fitness tracking.
- Prefer extra-dust protection with IP57 rating.
- Like the smallest ear tip option for better fit.
- Want future-ready connectivity with the newest Ultra Wideband chip.
Check AirPods Pro 3 Best Price
Buy the AirPods Pro 2 if you:
- Want slightly longer total listening time with the case.
- Prefer a proven model at a lower price.
- Do not need heart rate tracking or IP57 rating.
- Are upgrading from older AirPods and want reliable ANC at better value.
Check AirPods Pro 2 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Noise Cancellation |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Heart Rate Sensor |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Battery |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Water Resistance |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Connectivity Chip |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Personalized Volume |
Tie |
| Transparency Mode Battery |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Ear Tip Sizes |
AirPods Pro 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both earbuds feature ANC technology, allowing users to minimize ambient sounds for an immersive listening experience.
- Transparency Mode: Each model offers a transparency mode, enabling users to hear their surroundings without removing the earbuds.
- Spatial Audio: Both support spatial audio, providing a 3D listening experience that enhances depth and directionality of sound.
- Adaptive Audio: Both models feature Adaptive Audio, automatically balancing transparency and ANC depending on the environment.
- Conversation Awareness: Each pair lowers media volume when you start speaking, making conversations smoother without removing earbuds.
- Touch Controls: Both support press gestures for play, pause, calls, and volume swipe for quick adjustments.
- Find My Integration: Both include a speaker in the MagSafe case and support precise location tracking with Find My.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Are AirPods Pro 3 better at noise cancellation than AirPods Pro 2?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 have improved Active Noise Cancellation that blocks up to four times more noise compared to the original AirPods Pro, making them slightly stronger than AirPods Pro 2.
Do both models support Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode?
Yes, both AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 support Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode for adjusting sound based on surroundings.
Can AirPods Pro 3 track heart rate?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 include a built-in heart rate sensor that can measure your heart rate during workouts and sync data to Apple Health. AirPods Pro 2 do not have this feature.
Do AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2 have the same battery life?
No, AirPods Pro 3 have up to 8 hours of listening with ANC on, while AirPods Pro 2 have up to 6 hours with ANC on. However, AirPods Pro 2 last slightly longer when including the charging case.
Are both charging cases compatible with MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers?
Yes, both AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 come with a MagSafe USB-C case that works with Apple Watch chargers, Qi-certified chargers, and includes a lanyard loop and built-in speaker.
Is there a difference in water and dust resistance?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 are rated IP57, which gives them better protection against dust and water compared to AirPods Pro 2 with an IP54 rating.
Do both support Live Translation and Hearing Aid features?
Yes, both AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 support Live Translation, Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection features for accessibility and communication.
What is new about the connectivity chip in AirPods Pro 3?
AirPods Pro 3 include a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for more accurate precision finding in the Find My app compared to the first-generation U1 chip in AirPods Pro 2.
Are there differences in ear tip options?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 come with five sizes including XXS for smaller ears, while AirPods Pro 2 include four sizes.
Which model is better for future-proofing?
AirPods Pro 3 are better for future-proofing with improved ANC, heart rate sensing, IP57 rating, and the latest Ultra Wideband chip, making them more advanced for long-term use.
