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If you're an Apple user, AirPods will pretty much be your default audio choice. These devices are a part of Apple’s ecosystem and sync seamlessly with your iPhone, Mac, and iPad devices. So, if you’re in the market looking for new AirPods, the question lingers: Are previous-gen AirPods Pro 2 worth it, or should you buy the new AirPods 3rd gen?
In our AirPods 3rd gen vs AirPods Pro 2nd gen face-off, we compare both peripherals based on design, sound quality, features, and battery life to help you decide which model is a better choice for you.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the author’s opinions.
AirPods 3rd gen vs AirPods Pro 2nd gen: Spec comparison
Before diving deeper into our AirPods 3rd gen vs AirPods Pro 2nd gen comparison, here's a side-by-side look at the technical specifications of both devices:
AirPods 3rd gen vs AirPods Pro 2nd gen: Design and comfort
Apple has borrowed design cues from the AirPods Pro while designing the AirPods 3rd generation. It is comfortable and offers a lightweight fit, although both look identical when worn. The only difference in their design is the silicon tips present on the AirPods Pro 2.
While the AirPods 3 fit nicely, the lack of silicone ear tips means they might fall off during extensive exercising or running. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2nd gen includes silicone ear tips of various sizes to cater to different ears. Moreover, these tips make the AirPods 2 Pro better earbuds for workouts.
Overall, both AirPods offer great comfort and design. However, the AirPods Pro 2nd gen is the clear winner because of its secure and comfortable fit.
AirPods 3rd gen vs AirPods Pro 2nd gen: Sound and microphone quality
While both earbuds offer the Dynamic Audio feature, the AirPods Pro 2nd gen outshines the AirPods 3 in terms of sound quality. The silicon ear tips contribute to the AirPods Pro 2’s signature sound by offering great active noise cancellation, thumpy bass, proper vocals, and treble levels.
Moreover, the AirPods Pro 2 also has a Transparency Mode that disables ANC during a conversation. This feature improves user experience by saving you from manually disabling ANC every time you are in a conversation.
Meanwhile, the AirPods 3rd gen, too, delivers crisp and balanced sound compared to previous base AirPods models. However, due to the lack of a proper seal around the ears and the absence of ANC features, it suffers from noise bleeding, affecting the audio quality.
The microphone is quite similar on both AirPods. They transmit sufficiently loud and clear audio in indoor conditions. However, both capture background noises in a busy outdoor setting, making outside phone conversations a little difficult.
AirPods 3rd gen vs AirPods Pro 2nd gen: Battery and charging
Both the AirPods 3rd gen and AirPods Pro 2nd gen offer impressive battery life. Apple claims up to 6 hours of battery on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
These numbers come close in real-world usage. With extra features like ANC and Spatial Audio turned off, you can expect around 5 hours and 30 minutes of listening time on both.
Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2 has a MagSafe and USB Type C compatible charging case by default. On the other hand, Apple charges an extra $10 to provide a MagSafe-compatible case for the AirPods 3.
Charging speeds are fast on both AirPods with five minutes in the case providing around one hour of listening time.
AirPods 3rd gen vs AirPods Pro 2nd gen: Price and verdict
The AirPods Pro 2nd generation is available on Apple’s website for $249 while the AirPods 3rd generation starts at a much cheaper $169 ($179 with a MagSafe compatible case).
If you’re looking for AirPods just for taking calls and listening to some music during work, the AirPods 3 should do the job just fine.
That said, the AirPods Pro 2 provides a more robust sound experience with its extra features like ANC, Transparency Mode, and Conversation Awareness. If you’re an audiophile and don’t mind paying the extra premium, the AirPods Pro 2nd generation is a better pick.
Check out more articles here:
5 best AirPods competitors || Best noise-canceling headphones || Why AirPods Pro are worth the upgrade
