electrown.com AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation and customizable fit with silicone tips, providing an immersive audio experience ideal for noisy environments, while AirPods 3 feature a universal fit with spatial audio support, delivering a more affordable option with excellent sound quality. Explore the differences in design, features, and performance to decide which AirPods best suit Your listening needs. Read the full comparison to make an informed choice.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | AirPods Pro | AirPods 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2019 | October 2021 |
| Design | In-ear with silicone tips | Universal fit, no silicone tips |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | No |
| Spatial Audio | Yes, with dynamic head tracking | Yes, with dynamic head tracking |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 4.5 hours (ANC on) | Up to 6 hours |
| Charging Case Battery Life | More than 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe and Qi) | Yes (MagSafe and Qi) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (sweat and water-resistant) | IPX4 (sweat and water-resistant) |
| Price at Launch | $249 | $179 |
Introduction: AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3
AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation, customizable silicone ear tips, and a more compact in-ear design for enhanced sound isolation and comfort. AirPods 3 offer spatial audio support, a longer battery life, and an open-ear design that balances audio quality with environmental awareness. Your choice depends on priorities like noise cancellation versus a lightweight fit and battery performance.
Design and Comfort Comparison
AirPods Pro feature customizable silicone tips and an in-ear design that provides superior noise isolation and a secure fit, enhancing both comfort and sound quality during extended use. AirPods 3 have a universal, hard plastic design without silicone tips, offering a lightweight and breathable fit but less noise isolation compared to AirPods Pro. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize customizable comfort and active noise cancellation with AirPods Pro or prefer the open-ear feel and simplicity of AirPods 3.
Sound Quality and Performance
AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation and adaptive EQ, delivering superior sound quality with rich bass and clear mids compared to AirPods 3, which lack noise cancellation but offer spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The AirPods Pro's custom high-excursion drivers and inward-facing microphones provide immersive sound performance, while the AirPods 3 use computational audio for balanced output and longer battery life. Both models support the H1 chip for seamless connectivity, but AirPods Pro excel in audio clarity and immersive listening experiences.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
AirPods Pro feature advanced Active Noise Cancellation that uses outward- and inward-facing microphones to block external sounds, providing an immersive listening experience ideal for noisy environments. Their Transparency Mode allows you to hear your surroundings clearly while still enjoying your audio, enhancing situational awareness. You'll find that AirPods 3 lack these sophisticated noise control technologies, focusing instead on spatial audio and improved battery life.
Battery Life and Charging Case Features
AirPods Pro offer up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the charging case providing more than 24 hours of total battery life, while AirPods 3 deliver up to 6 hours of listening time and over 30 hours with the MagSafe-compatible charging case. The AirPods Pro charging case supports wireless charging and features a compact design with a status LED on the front, whereas the AirPods 3 case also supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging for versatile power options. Both models include fast charging capabilities, giving around one hour of playback from just five minutes of charging.
Controls and User Experience
AirPods Pro offer customizable force sensor controls that allow you to easily switch between noise cancellation modes and activate transparency mode, enhancing your listening experience in various environments. The AirPods 3 feature touch-sensitive controls for play, pause, and track skipping, providing a straightforward and intuitive interface for everyday use. Your choice between these models depends on whether you prioritize advanced control features and immersive sound or simple, user-friendly operation.
Compatibility with Apple Devices
AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 both offer seamless compatibility with Apple devices, utilizing the H1 chip for swift pairing and stable connections across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. AirPods Pro include features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, optimized for iOS 15 and later versions, enhancing immersive experiences on compatible devices. While AirPods 3 support spatial audio as well, AirPods Pro provide broader functionality tailored for professional and immersive sound experiences within the Apple ecosystem.
Price and Value for Money
AirPods 3 are priced lower than AirPods Pro, making them a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing audio quality. AirPods Pro justify their higher cost through active noise cancellation, superior sound customization, and sweat resistance, enhancing their value for frequent travelers and fitness enthusiasts. For users prioritizing premium features and immersive sound, AirPods Pro offer better long-term value despite the premium price.
Pros and Cons: AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3
AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation and a customizable fit with silicone tips, enhancing comfort and sound isolation, while AirPods 3 provide a more affordable option with spatial audio and sweat resistance but lack noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro's compact design and pressure-sensitive controls improve user experience, whereas AirPods 3 boast longer battery life and a more universal fit without interchangeable tips. AirPods Pro may be bulkier and pricier, making AirPods 3 a better choice for those prioritizing cost and battery endurance over the premium features of noise cancellation.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose AirPods Pro for active noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and customizable fit with silicone tips, ideal for immersive listening and workouts. Opt for AirPods 3 if you prefer a more affordable option with spatial audio, longer battery life, and a universal one-size-fits-all design, perfect for everyday use. Both models support seamless integration with Apple devices and offer sweat and water resistance, so decision-making hinges on prioritizing advanced features versus budget and comfort.
AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3 Infographic
