Airpods 3 vs Airpods Pro 2: Which Airpods Should You Buy?
Are you torn between the Apple AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro 2? You’re not alone! Choosing the right pair of earbuds can be tricky, especially when both offer impressive features and Apple’s signature sleek design. This comparison will break down everything you need to know to make the best decision for your needs.
We’ll delve into the key differences, from audio quality and noise cancellation to battery life and price. The AirPods Pro 2 boasts advanced features, but the AirPods 3 offers a compelling package at a potentially lower cost. We’ll explore these aspects, helping you understand which model suits your lifestyle.
Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each model. Whether you prioritize immersive sound, a comfortable fit, or a budget-friendly option, this guide will provide a clear understanding of the Apple AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 2 battle. Let’s find your perfect audio companion!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AirPods 3 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H1 | H2 |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes, with dynamic head tracking |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes, Adaptive Transparency |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (earbuds & case) | IPX4 (earbuds & case) |
| Charging | Lightning, MagSafe | Lightning, MagSafe, Qi |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 6 hours (with ANC) |
| Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours (with ANC) |
| Controls | Force sensor | Touch control |
| Case Speaker | No | Yes |
| Ear Tips | Open-ear | Silicone (XS, S, M, L) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Fit
- Airpods 3: Features a stem design similar to AirPods Pro but without the silicone tips. Offers a more universal fit that works well for many, but can be less secure for some. Delivers a comfortable listening experience.
- Airpods Pro 2: Comes with a shorter stem and includes silicone ear tips in various sizes for a customizable and secure fit. Provides excellent noise isolation and a more snug feel, ideal for active use.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Sound Quality
- Airpods 3: Delivers improved sound compared to previous generations, with spatial audio support and adaptive EQ. Offers a balanced sound profile, suitable for a variety of music genres, but lacks the depth of higher-end options.
- Airpods Pro 2: Boasts superior sound quality with enhanced drivers and improved spatial audio. Provides a richer, more detailed listening experience with deeper bass and clearer highs, making it the better choice for audiophiles.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Noise Cancellation/Transparency Mode
- Airpods 3: Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), relying on a passive noise isolation from its design. Offers Transparency Mode to let in ambient sounds.
- Airpods Pro 2: Features advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) that effectively blocks out external noise. Includes a highly effective Transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Battery Life
- Airpods 3: Offers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Provides a decent battery life for everyday use.
- Airpods Pro 2: Provides up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Delivers comparable battery life, despite the added features.
- Winner: Tie
Charging Case
- Airpods 3: Comes with a MagSafe charging case that supports wireless charging and offers a longer battery life overall.
- Airpods Pro 2: Includes a MagSafe charging case with a built-in speaker for easier finding and supports wireless charging.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Water Resistance
- Airpods 3: Offers an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they can withstand splashes and sweat.
- Airpods Pro 2: Also features an IPX4 water resistance rating, offering similar protection against water and sweat.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Airpods 3: Generally more affordable, making them a great value for many users.
- Airpods Pro 2: More expensive, reflecting the premium features and enhanced performance.
- Winner: AirPods 3
Connectivity and Features
- Airpods 3: Utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity, offers spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and supports Siri voice commands.
- Airpods Pro 2: Uses Bluetooth 5.3 for improved connectivity and features all the capabilities of AirPods 3, plus personalized spatial audio and adaptive transparency.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Sound Quality | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Value | AirPods 3 |
| Comfort | Tie (depends on preference) |
| Portability | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Spatial Audio: Both AirPods models support Spatial Audio, providing an immersive listening experience with dynamic head tracking. This feature creates a theater-like sound environment, enhancing the audio experience for music, movies, and TV shows.
- Seamless Integration: Both AirPods seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem, offering quick pairing, automatic device switching, and easy access to Siri. This effortless connectivity enhances user convenience and streamlines the overall user experience.
- Water Resistance: Both AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 boast an IPX4 water resistance rating, which protects them from splashes and sweat. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Comfortable Design: Both models are designed to be comfortable for extended wear, though the fit differs. The AirPods 3 have an open-ear design while the AirPods Pro 2 come with different sized silicone tips.
- Handoff: Both support easy handoff between Apple devices, so if you are listening to something on your iPhone and switch to your iPad, it will automatically switch.
AirPods 3 Vs AirPods Pro 2 Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
The AirPods 3 feature a more streamlined design compared to their predecessors, borrowing elements from the AirPods Pro. They offer a universal fit, relying on the shape of your ear. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, include silicone ear tips, providing a customizable fit with multiple sizes to choose from. This allows for a more secure and comfortable experience, especially for extended listening sessions. The AirPods Pro 2 also have a slightly shorter stem than the AirPods 3, contributing to a more discreet look. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual ear shape and preference.
Audio Quality and Features
Both models deliver impressive audio quality, but they differ in their feature sets. The AirPods 3 offer spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating an immersive listening experience. The AirPods Pro 2 elevate this with personalized spatial audio, tailoring the sound to your unique ear shape. Furthermore, the Pro 2 includes active noise cancellation (ANC), effectively blocking out external sounds. The AirPods 3 lack ANC but provide a good overall listening experience. Transparency mode is also available on both. The AirPods Pro 2 have a significant edge here.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
Active noise cancellation is a standout feature of the AirPods Pro 2, making them ideal for noisy environments. This technology uses microphones to detect and neutralize ambient sounds, creating a quiet listening space. While the AirPods 3 lack ANC, they offer a transparency mode that allows you to hear the outside world without removing your earbuds. This is useful for conversations or staying aware of your surroundings. The AirPods Pro 2’s transparency mode is also improved. The AirPods Pro 2 offer a superior listening experience in environments with unwanted noise.
Battery Life and Charging
The AirPods 3 provide a slightly longer battery life than the AirPods Pro 2 for music playback. On a single charge, the AirPods 3 can offer up to 6 hours of listening time, and the charging case provides additional charges for a total of 30 hours. The AirPods Pro 2 offer up to 6 hours of listening with ANC off and 5.5 with it on. The Pro 2 case provides 30 hours of total listening time. Both cases support wireless charging and offer quick charging capabilities. The charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 also includes a built-in speaker for Find My functionality.
Controls and Connectivity
Both models utilize intuitive controls for managing music playback and answering calls. The AirPods 3 use a force sensor on the stem for these functions. The AirPods Pro 2 have a touch control on the stem, offering a wider range of controls, including volume adjustment. Connectivity is seamless with Apple devices, thanks to the H1 chip in the AirPods 3 and the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2. The H2 chip also enables features such as adaptive transparency mode. Both offer instant pairing and automatic switching between Apple devices.
Price and Value
The AirPods 3 are generally more affordable than the AirPods Pro 2, making them a good option for budget-conscious consumers. However, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a more premium experience with features like ANC and a customizable fit, justifying the higher price point for some. Considering the features and performance, the AirPods Pro 2 provide excellent value for those seeking the best possible audio experience. The best value depends on your priorities and the importance of features like noise cancellation. Assess your needs to determine which offers the best value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods 3 If…
- You prefer an open-ear design and a more natural fit.
- You want a more affordable option without sacrificing key features.
- You primarily listen in quieter environments and don’t need active noise cancellation.
- You prioritize a balance of features and value.
Buy AirPods Pro 2 If…
- You prioritize active noise cancellation for immersive listening.
- You want the best possible audio quality and features.
- You need a more secure fit with customizable ear tips.
- You want all the latest features like Adaptive Transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2?
The primary difference is the inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC) in the AirPods Pro 2, which is absent in the AirPods 3. The Pro 2 also offer a customizable fit with silicone ear tips, personalized spatial audio, and a slightly more advanced chip. While the AirPods 3 provide a good listening experience, the Pro 2 elevate the experience.
Do AirPods 3 have noise cancellation?
No, the AirPods 3 do not feature active noise cancellation. They rely on their design and a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings. The AirPods Pro 2, however, do offer ANC, blocking out external sounds, making them better suited for noisy environments like public transport or busy offices. Their transparency mode is also improved.
Which AirPods have better sound quality?
Both models offer excellent sound quality. The AirPods Pro 2, however, have a slight edge due to features like personalized spatial audio, which tailors the sound to your ear shape. They also offer a wider soundstage and better clarity, resulting in a more immersive and detailed listening experience. The AirPods 3 deliver good sound, but the Pro 2 are superior.
Are AirPods Pro 2 worth the extra cost?
Whether the AirPods Pro 2 are worth the extra cost depends on your needs. If noise cancellation, a customizable fit, and personalized spatial audio are important to you, then the Pro 2 are likely worth the investment. If you prioritize affordability and are satisfied with a good listening experience without ANC, the AirPods 3 are an excellent choice. It depends on your priorities.
How long does the battery last on AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2?
The AirPods 3 offer up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the charging case providing up to 30 hours of total listening time. The AirPods Pro 2 provide up to 6 hours with ANC off and 5.5 hours with ANC on, with the charging case offering 30 hours of total listening. Both models support wireless charging.
Do both AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 have Transparency mode?
Yes, both AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 include a Transparency mode. This feature allows you to hear the outside world without removing your earbuds. It’s useful for having conversations or staying aware of your surroundings. However, the AirPods Pro 2’s Transparency mode is more advanced, offering adaptive transparency that reduces loud noises.
Which AirPods are better for phone calls?
Both models offer good call quality. However, the AirPods Pro 2 typically have an edge due to their improved microphones and noise cancellation capabilities. The ANC helps to reduce background noise during calls, ensuring clearer voice transmission for both you and the person you’re speaking with. They also offer better wind noise reduction.
Final Verdict
The AirPods Pro 2 surpass the AirPods 3 with superior audio quality, noise cancellation, and a customizable fit. While the AirPods 3 offer a great listening experience and solid value, the Pro 2 are a significant upgrade for those who prioritize premium features and immersive sound. The improvements in sound, noise cancellation, and comfort make the Pro 2 the better choice overall.
Winner: AirPods Pro 2