AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2 Buyer's Guide

Almost three years after the launch of the first-generation AirPods Pro, Apple unveiled the second-generation model alongside the iPhone 14 lineup and several new Apple Watches. Although the second-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ feature the same design as their predecessor, they improve on features like Active Noise Cancellation, in-ear detection, and battery life, while introducing new functionality like Adaptive Transparency, volume adjustment touch controls, and precision finding.

airpods 3 purple
In late 2021, Apple introduced a major update for its standard AirPods, with the new earbuds adding Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, force sensor controls, sweat and water resistance, MagSafe charging, and more.

Should you consider purchasing the $179 third-generation AirPods, or do you need the higher-end ‌AirPods Pro‌, which sell for $249? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these sets of AirPods is best for you.

Comparing the AirPods and AirPods Pro

The AirPods and ‌AirPods Pro‌ share a large number of important features such as Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, sweat and water resistance, and skin-detect sensors. Even so, there are some meaningful differences between them that are worth highlighting, including design and Active Noise Cancellation.

Key Differences

AirPods (Third-Generation) ‌AirPods Pro‌ (Second-Generation)
Semi in-ear design In-ear design with silicone ear tips (four sizes) and vent system for pressure equalization
Force sensor controls Force sensor and touch controls for volume adjustment
H1 chips H2 chips
Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.3
Active Noise Cancellation
Transparency and Adaptive Transparency
Conversation Boost
Up to 5 hours listening time with Spatial Audio enabled Up to 5.5 hours listening time with with Spatial Audio enabled
Up to 4 hours of talk time with a single charge Up to 4.5 hours of talk time with a single charge
Up to 20 hours of talk time using ‌MagSafe‌ Charging Case Up to 24 hours of talk time using ‌MagSafe‌ Charging Case
‌MagSafe‌ Charging Case with Find My ‌MagSafe‌ Charging Case with ‌Find My‌, built-in speaker, U1 chip for Precision Tracking, and lanyard loop
‌MagSafe‌ Charging Case compatible with ‌MagSafe‌ charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning ‌MagSafe‌ Charging Case compatible with Apple Watch charger, ‌MagSafe‌ charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and Lightning

Final Thoughts

The standard AirPods are now very similar to the ‌AirPods Pro‌, offering almost all of the same features at a lower price point. As a result, the third-generation AirPods should be the default choice for most prospective buyers. If you also have AirPods Max, which already offer ANC, and are looking for an additional pair of headphones to use while working out or on the go, the third-generation AirPods are also a good choice.

You should only buy the ‌AirPods Pro‌ if you specifically prefer the fit and improved sound that in-ear silicone tips can provide, or need Active Noise Cancellation. It is also worth buying ‌AirPods Pro‌ if you could make good use of Apple's Conversation Boost accessibility feature. Otherwise, the advancements of the H2 chip, minor battery life improvements, and Adaptive Transparency may not be a worthwhile set of improvements over the standard AirPods.

‌AirPods Pro‌ frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the Pro version may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. The standard AirPods also often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.

Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

apple tv 4k new orange

New Apple TV Expected Later This Year With These New Features

Saturday July 12, 2025 3:09 pm PDT by
A new Apple TV is expected to be released later this year, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the next Apple TV, according to rumors. Rumors Faster Wi-Fi Support The next Apple TV will be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He said the chip supports ...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

5 Reasons to Skip This Year's iPhone 17 Pro

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 16 New Features

Friday July 11, 2025 12:40 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are only two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Latest Rumors These rumors surfaced in June and July:A redesigned Dynamic Island: It has been rumored that all iPhone 17 models will have a redesigned Dynamic Island interface — it might ...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3: What to Expect

Sunday July 13, 2025 10:30 am PDT by
The long wait for an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is nearly over, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3:Satellite connectivity for sending and receiving text messages when Wi-Fi and cellular coverage is unavailable 5G support, up from LTE on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Likely a wide-angle OLED display that ...
iphone 16 pro pro max

iPhone 17 Pro Models With BOE Displays Will Be Sold in China Only

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:59 pm PDT by
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models with displays made by BOE will be sold exclusively in China, according to a new report. Last week, it emerged that Chinese display manufacturer BOE was aggressively ramping up its OLED production capacity for future iPhone models as part of a plan to recapture a major role in Apple's supply chain. Now, tech news aggregator Jukan Choi reports...
top stories 2025 07 12

Top Stories: iPhone 17 Pro Rumors, iOS 26 Beta 3, and More

Saturday July 12, 2025 6:00 am PDT by
The iOS 26 public beta release is quickly approaching, while developers have recently gotten their hands on a third round of betas that has seen Apple continue to tweak features, design, and functionality. We're also continuing to hear rumors about the iPhone 17 lineup that is now just about right around the corner, while Apple's latest big-budget film appears to be taking off, so read on...

Top Rated Comments

iPod’s Gateway Avatar
37 months ago
First post, take it easy on me… I love these comparisons for each new product, but it would be so much easier if the features were side-by-side. Kind of like on Apple’s compare sites. Do you think you could add lines dividing the rows so we can do a quick comparison as we scan the articles?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
steve62388 Avatar
37 months ago
Not sure I agree with that conclusion.

You've just compared features and not actual use. So no weighting given to sound quality etc.

Have you used the Pro 2s Hartley?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
deathcab Avatar
37 months ago

I think a distinction worth noting, AirPods 3 find my feature is for the ear buds only, not the case. AirPods Pro 2 find my works for both the case and the ear buds.
Agree. The time I've spent hunting for misplaced AirPods (still in the case) after my toddler picked them up and carried them around along would pay for the price of the Pros. Much needed feature and huge improvement.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jjohnstonjr Avatar
37 months ago
Originally I said I was not going to purchase these AirPod Pro 2 but I did. I was not a fan of the first ones because they slipped out my ears often. Apple added the extra small ear pieces are clutch for me. I got mine this afternoon and charged them up while I cleaned up the house. Soon as I threw them in when I was driving the noise cancellation kicked in and the sound on these babies is AMAZING!!!!! The call clarity on these compared to the AirPod 3. My friend said that I sound much more clear than I normally do. Now I typically use my Powerbeats Pro and I love them because of the battery life and comfort. The AirPod 3's would hurt my ears after a while but these Pro 2 are so comfortable.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jandalf Avatar
37 months ago
Not only the ANC is worth the Pro-Choice, but also the Transparency Mode. Ideal when commuting by bike!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Brock Tune Avatar
37 months ago


* MagSafe Charging Case with Find My

I think a distinction worth noting, AirPods 3 find my feature is for the ear buds only, not the case. AirPods Pro 2 find my works for both the case and the ear buds.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)