AirPods Pro & AirPods 3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the AirPods Pro rather than the AirPods 3.
Why Do I Recommend The AirPods Pro?
- The AirPods Pro uses the advanced H2 chip for faster processing, better sound tuning, and power efficiency, compared to the AirPods 3 which uses the older H1 chip.
- AirPods Pro supports Adaptive Audio for automatically blending noise control and transparency based on surroundings, whereas the AirPods 3 does not include any adaptive sound management.
- It features Active Noise Cancellation to block out external sounds for focused listening in noisy environments, while the AirPods 3 has no noise-cancelling capability.
- The AirPods Pro includes Transparency Mode to let ambient sounds through for safer awareness in public or office settings, whereas the AirPods 3 lacks this adjustable listening feature.
- AirPods Pro comes with an in-ear silicone tip design for a secure, customizable fit and improved sound isolation, while the AirPods 3 uses a fixed open-ear design.
- It features a MagSafe charging case with a built-in speaker and U1 precision tracking to easily locate the case if misplaced, while the AirPods 3 case lacks a speaker and U1 chip.
- The AirPods Pro has dual beamforming microphones with an internal mic for clearer voice pickup in windy or crowded environments, whereas the AirPods 3 relies on standard dual beamforming mics only.
- AirPods Pro supports Adaptive Transparency and Conversation Awareness to intelligently reduce sudden loud noises and adjust voices naturally, while the AirPods 3 does not include these advanced hearing features.
Maybe the AirPods 3 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AirPods Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | AirPods Pro | AirPods 3 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | No |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes | No |
| Chipset | H2 | H1 |
| Fit Type | In-ear with silicone tips | Open-ear |
| Ear Tip Options | 4 sizes | None |
| Vent System | Pressure-equalizing vents | Standard vents |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized & Dynamic | Dynamic only |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Case Type | MagSafe with speaker & lanyard loop | MagSafe only |
| Case Material | Glossy with U1 tracking | Glossy without tracking |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds & case) | IPX4 (buds only) |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming + inward mic | Dual beamforming |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Advanced mesh vents | Basic mesh vents |
| Call Quality Processing | Adaptive algorithm | Standard beamforming |
| Battery (earbuds) | Up to 6 hours (ANC on) | Up to 6 hours |
| Battery (with case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Controls | Force sensor | Touch controls |
| Adaptive Transparency | Yes | No |
| Find My Precision Tracking | Yes (U1 chip) | No |
| Case Sound Alert | Yes | No |
| Charging Port | Lightning or USB-C (latest version) | Lightning or USB-C |
| Software Features | Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness | Standard controls only |
| Hearing Accessibility | Conversation Awareness, Hearing Aid support | Basic accessibility |
| Price | Check AirPods Pro Price | Check AirPods 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Spatial Audio: Both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 support spatial audio to create a more immersive 3D soundstage. This feature enhances movie and music listening by simulating surround sound from multiple directions.
- Dynamic Head Tracking: Both models track head movement to adjust the audio field dynamically. This maintains sound placement as you move, giving a more realistic listening experience.
- Adaptive EQ: Each model automatically tunes the sound to your ear shape. This ensures balanced audio quality, maintaining consistent bass and clarity regardless of ear fit.
- Automatic Device Switching: Both AirPods automatically switch between Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. This allows seamless transitions from iPhone to iPad or Mac without manual pairing.
- “Hey Siri” Voice Activation: Both models support hands-free Siri activation. Users can perform tasks like adjusting volume, checking messages, or controlling playback with voice commands.
- MagSafe Wireless Charging: Both charging cases support MagSafe and Qi wireless charging. This makes it convenient to recharge without cables, especially when using compatible chargers.
- Sweat and Water Resistance: Both are rated IPX4, meaning they can handle sweat and light splashes. This makes them suitable for workouts or light rain exposure.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both use Bluetooth for reliable wireless audio transmission. This ensures compatibility with Apple devices and other Bluetooth-enabled products.
- Force/Touch Control on Stem: Both earbuds have stem-based controls for play, pause, skip, and call management. This provides quick access to essential functions without needing to use your phone.
- Up to 6 Hours Battery (earbuds): Both models deliver around six hours of listening time on a full charge. This balance provides long-lasting use for commutes or workouts.
- Up to 30 Hours Battery (with case): Each charging case extends listening time to approximately 30 hours. This allows multiple recharges before needing to plug in the case.
- Fast Charging Support: Both support quick charging, giving around an hour of playback from just a few minutes of charging. This is helpful for last-minute top-ups.
- Apple Ecosystem Integration: Both are optimized for the Apple ecosystem, syncing effortlessly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This provides automatic setup and a consistent experience across devices.
- iCloud Pairing and Sync: Both pair instantly with devices using your Apple ID and store connection data in iCloud. This makes reconnecting effortless when switching between Apple products.
- Find My Support: Both can be located using Apple’s Find My network. This feature helps users track the earbuds or case if misplaced.
- Skin-Detect Sensor: Both have sensors that detect when they’re in your ears, pausing playback automatically when removed. This preserves battery and prevents missed audio.
- Audio Sharing with Another Pair: Both support audio sharing so two AirPods can listen to the same audio stream from one device. This is ideal for sharing music or movies with another person.
- Automatic Ear Detection: Both automatically detect when placed in your ears, enabling playback instantly. This smart feature ensures convenience and energy efficiency.
Common Features
| Feature | AirPods Pro | AirPods 3 |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Dynamic Head Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Device Switching | Yes | Yes |
| “Hey Siri” Voice Activation | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Sweat and Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Force/Touch Control on Stem | Yes | Yes |
| Up to 6 Hours Battery (earbuds) | Yes | Yes |
| Up to 30 Hours Battery (with case) | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging Support | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Ecosystem Integration | Yes | Yes |
| iCloud Pairing and Sync | Yes | Yes |
| Find My Support | Yes | Yes |
| Skin-Detect Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Sharing with Another Pair | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Ear Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check AirPods Pro Price | Check AirPods 3 Price |
FAQ
Are the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 compatible with both iPhone and Android? Do AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 have wireless charging? Can both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 handle sweat and water exposure? Do the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 have the same battery life? Is Active Noise Cancellation available on both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3? Do both models support Spatial Audio? Are there differences in fit between the two models? Can both AirPods use Find My to locate them if lost? Do AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 have automatic ear detection? Do both models support hands-free “Hey Siri”? Can AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 share audio with another pair? Is there a difference in Bluetooth version between the two? Do both models feature fast charging? Are both compatible with Apple’s automatic device switching feature? Do AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 include Adaptive EQ? |