AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3 – Which Should You Buy?
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The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 have some important differences. If you want the best one between them, I would recommend the AirPods Pro 2 rather than the AirPods 3.
Why The AirPods Pro 2 Is Best?
- The Apple AirPods Pro 2 has an advanced H2 chip for better noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and more efficient performance compared to the Apple AirPods 3’s H1 chip.
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 features up to 2x better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for providing a quieter and more immersive listening experience compared to the AirPods 3 which lacks noise cancellation.
- AirPods Pro 2 comes with Adaptive Transparency Mode which dynamically reduces sudden loud noises for more comfortable listening, whereas the AirPods 3 does not have a transparency mode.
- It features a redesigned charging case with a built-in speaker, lanyard loop, and U1 chip for Precision Finding, compared to the AirPods 3’s basic Find My tracking.
- AirPods Pro 2 includes a USB-C charging port and Apple Watch charger compatibility for more versatile charging options, whereas the AirPods 3 still relies on the older Lightning connector.
- The AirPods Pro 2 is IP54-rated for dust and water resistance, providing extra durability for the case and earbuds, compared to the Apple AirPods 3’s IPX4 rating.
- It includes an extra XS ear tip size to ensure a better fit with smaller ears, compared to the AirPods 3’s open-ear design
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | No Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency Mode | Adaptive Transparency | No Transparency Mode |
| Hearing Aid Features | Conversation Boost and Live Listen | No Hearing Aid Features |
| Audio Quality | High-Fidelity Sound with H2 Chip | Good Audio Quality with H1 Chip |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes | No |
| Conversation Awareness | Yes | No |
| Fit | In-Ear with Silicone Tips Customizable | Open-Ear One-Size Fit |
| Sweat and Water Resistance | IP54 Earbuds and Case | IPX4 Earbuds Only |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Find My Integration | Precise Find My U1 Chip in Case | Basic Find My Support |
| Price | Check AirPods Pro 2 Best Price | Check AirPods 3 Best Price |
What Are the Similarities?
- Apple Ecosystem Integration: Both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 integrate seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, supporting features like auto-switching, one-tap pairing, and Find My tracking.
- Bluetooth: Both models use Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable connections, lower power consumption, and enhanced audio performance.
- Personalized Spatial Audio: Both AirPods support head-tracking spatial audio for an immersive surround sound experience in Apple Music, Apple TV+, and compatible apps.
- Adaptive EQ for Sound Optimization: Both models feature Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts audio based on ear shape for a balanced sound.
- Water & Sweat Resistance: Both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 are resistant to sweat and water, making them suitable for workouts and light rain exposure.
- Battery Performance: Both AirPods provide up to 6 hours per charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case, offering all-day battery life.
- Wireless Charging Compatibility: Both models support MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, allowing users to charge without cables.
- Fast Charging Support: A quick 5-minute charge provides around 1 hour of listening time, which is useful for on-the-go users.
- Voice Assistant & Smart Controls: Both AirPods support “Hey Siri” for hands-free control, voice commands, and access to notifications.
- Microphone & Sensor Technology: Both models feature dual beamforming microphones for clear calls, skin-detect sensors for automatic playback, and motion accelerometers for gesture-based controls.
- Automatic Device Switching: Both AirPods automatically switch between Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch) without needing to reconnect manually.
- Audio Sharing Feature: Both AirPods allow users to share audio with another pair of AirPods, making it easy to listen to music or watch movies with a friend.
- Find My Integration: Both models are compatible with Apple’s Find My app, helping users locate lost AirPods.
Similarities
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand & Ecosystem | Apple, Seamless iOS & macOS Integration | Apple, Seamless iOS & macOS Integration |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 | Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Personalized Spatial Audio | Yes, Head Tracking and Dolby Atmos Support | Yes, Head Tracking and Dolby Atmos Support |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Apple H-Series Chip | H2 Chip | H1 Chip |
| Sweat & Water Resistance | Yes, Sweat & Water Resistant | Yes, Sweat & Water Resistant |
| Battery Life with Case | Up to 30 Hours | Up to 30 Hours |
| Battery Life per Charge | Up to 6 Hours | Up to 6 Hours |
| Wireless Charging Support | Yes, MagSafe & Qi-Compatible | Yes, MagSafe & Qi-Compatible |
| Fast Charging | Yes, Quick Charge Support | Yes, Quick Charge Support |
| One-Tap Setup | Yes | Yes |
| Hey Siri Support | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Beamforming Microphones | Yes | Yes |
| Skin-Detect Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Device Switching | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Sharing | Yes, Share Audio with Other AirPods | Yes, Share Audio with Other AirPods |
| Find My Compatibility | Yes, Works with Apple Find My App | Yes, Works with Apple Find My App |
| Price | Check AirPods Pro 2 Best Price | Check AirPods 3 Best Price |
FAQ
Do both AirPods support Spatial Audio?
Yes, both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive sound experience in supported apps.
Which AirPods have better noise isolation?
AirPods Pro 2 provide better noise isolation due to their in-ear silicone tips and Active Noise Cancellation. AirPods 3 have an open-ear design, which lets in more outside noise.
Are both models sweat and water-resistant?
Yes, both models are sweat and water-resistant, but AirPods Pro 2 has an IP54 rating for both earbuds and the case, while AirPods 3 have an IPX4 rating for the earbuds only.
Do both AirPods work with Android devices?
Yes, both AirPods can be used with Android via Bluetooth, but some Apple-exclusive features like automatic switching, Spatial Audio, and Find My tracking may not work.
How long does the battery last on each AirPods model?
Both models offer up to 6 hours of listening time per charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. However, AirPods Pro 2’s battery may slightly reduce when using Active Noise Cancellation.
Do both AirPods support wireless charging?
Yes, both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 support MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, making them easy to charge without plugging in a cable.
Which model is better for phone calls?
AirPods Pro 2 offer better call quality due to their improved microphones, noise cancellation, and voice isolation features, while AirPods 3 still provide clear audio but without background noise reduction.