If you’re trying to decide between Apple’s AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2, you should ask yourself two main questions: How badly do you want active noise cancellation, and are you willing to pay more for it?
Apple is gradually bridging the gap between the Pro and regular AirPods by bringing a more compact design and water resistance to its latest version of the standard earbuds. But there are still some perks you can only get on the $249 AirPods Pro, the biggest being active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Multiple earbud sizes, the ability to swipe up and down to control music volume, and Ultra Wideband support are also unique to the Pro model. But noise cancellation is likely to have the biggest impact in everyday use, and it’s the most important factor to consider. Let’s take a look below!
AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3: Design and case
The biggest difference in design is that the $169 AirPods don’t have the interchangeable silicone tips like the AirPods Pro 2, which come in four sizes. The AirPods 3 are also 0.15 ounces and 0.19 ounces lighter than the AirPods Pro 2.
The AirPods 3 and the new AirPods Pro share some similarities in design, but it’s easy to tell them apart. For example, the stems on the AirPods Pro 2 are noticeably shorter than those on the AirPods 3. But both models are sweat and water resistant, which may make them more appealing than the regular $129 AirPods for those who want to wear them while exercising.
The AirPods 3 case looks like a cross between the standard AirPods case and the AirPods Pro case. It’s shorter and wider than the entry-level AirPods case, but not as wide as the AirPods Pro case. You can also charge your AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro charging case with Apple’s wireless MagSafe charger, or plug into the case with a Lightning cable. Unlike the case of the AirPods 3, the MagSafe-compatible case of the AirPods Pro 2 also has a lanyard loop.
The second-generation AirPods Pro’s case has another capability: Ultra Wideband support. This essentially means that the case has a built-in AirTag for easier location tracking.
AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3: Audio
You’ll still have to splurge on Apple’s top-of-the-line earbuds to get Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. Since the second-generation AirPods Pro feature Apple’s new H2 chip, they can cancel twice as much noise as the previous AirPods Pro, according to Apple. Transparency mode also gets an upgrade from the second-gen model. In transparency mode, the new chip reduces ambient noise, which should make sounds like passing vehicles seem less harsh.
The new H2 chip also brings improved audio to the AirPods Pro 2, further distinguishing them from the AirPods 3. You also get sliding controls for managing volume levels on the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 3 only have Apple’s force sensor, which you can press to skip, pause music, or answer calls. But both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 have dynamic spatial audio and adaptive EQ. The former is essentially virtual surround sound, while the latter adjusts the sound to your ears.
AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3: Battery life
According to Apple, both earbuds should offer up to 6 hours of listening time. However, you’ll get 5.5 hours of battery life when using spatial audio and head tracking on the AirPods Pro 2, while the AirPods 3 offer a slightly shorter 5 hours with surround sound enabled. Apple also claims that the AirPods Pro 2 offer 4.5 hours of talk time, while the AirPods 3 offer up to 4 hours of talk time.
AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3: How to choose
The $249 AirPods Pro 2 are for those who want active noise cancellation, better audio, and a more customizable fit. With U1 chips, you’ll also get some other benefits, like the ability to find them easier if you lose them. If you don’t care about noise cancellation and you’re on a tight budget, the $169 AirPods 3 are a better fit. Meanwhile, the AirPods 3 still offer more features than the $129 AirPods, which lack features like water resistance and adaptive EQ.