AirPods Pro Vs AirPods 3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureAirPods ProAirPods 3
Active Noise CancellationYesNo
Transparency ModeYesNo
Adaptive AudioYesNo
ChipsetH2H1
Fit TypeIn-ear with silicone tipsOpen-ear
Ear Tip Options4 sizesNone
Vent SystemPressure-equalizing ventsStandard vents
Spatial AudioPersonalized & DynamicDynamic only
Adaptive EQYesNo
Bluetooth Version5.35.0
Case TypeMagSafe with speaker & lanyard loopMagSafe only
Case MaterialGlossy with U1 trackingGlossy without tracking
Water ResistanceIPX4 (buds & case)IPX4 (buds only)
MicrophonesDual beamforming + inward micDual beamforming
Wind Noise ReductionAdvanced mesh ventsBasic mesh vents
Call Quality ProcessingAdaptive algorithmStandard beamforming
Battery (earbuds)Up to 6 hours (ANC on)Up to 6 hours
Battery (with case)Up to 30 hoursUp to 30 hours
ControlsForce sensorTouch controls
Adaptive TransparencyYesNo
Find My Precision TrackingYes (U1 chip)No
Case Sound AlertYesNo
Charging PortLightning or USB-C (latest version)Lightning or USB-C
Software FeaturesAdaptive Audio, Conversation AwarenessStandard controls only
Hearing AccessibilityConversation Awareness, Hearing Aid supportBasic accessibility
PriceCheck AirPods Pro PriceCheck 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

FeatureAirPods ProAirPods 3
Spatial AudioYesYes
Dynamic Head TrackingYesYes
Adaptive EQYesYes
Automatic Device SwitchingYesYes
“Hey Siri” Voice ActivationYesYes
MagSafe Wireless ChargingYesYes
Sweat and Water ResistanceIPX4IPX4
Bluetooth ConnectivityYesYes
Force/Touch Control on StemYesYes
Up to 6 Hours Battery (earbuds)YesYes
Up to 30 Hours Battery (with case)YesYes
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
Apple Ecosystem IntegrationYesYes
iCloud Pairing and SyncYesYes
Find My SupportYesYes
Skin-Detect SensorYesYes
Audio Sharing with Another PairYesYes
Automatic Ear DetectionYesYes
Price Check AirPods Pro Price
Check AirPods 3 Price

FAQ

Are the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 compatible with both iPhone and Android?
Yes, both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 can connect to iPhone and Android devices via Bluetooth. However, full functionality such as Spatial Audio customization, automatic device switching, and Siri integration works best within the Apple ecosystem.

Do AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 have wireless charging?
Yes, both models support MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, allowing users to charge their cases conveniently without cables on compatible charging pads.

Can both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 handle sweat and water exposure?
Yes, both are rated IPX4, which means they can withstand light splashes and sweat during workouts or rain, but they are not waterproof for swimming or showering.

Do the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 have the same battery life?
Yes, both deliver up to six hours of listening time per charge and up to 30 hours when including the charging case, though AirPods Pro battery life can vary with ANC enabled.

Is Active Noise Cancellation available on both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3?
No, only the AirPods Pro include Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, while the AirPods 3 have no noise control features.

Do both models support Spatial Audio?
Yes, both models support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive 3D listening experience, though the AirPods Pro additionally allow personalized tuning through ear scanning.

Are there differences in fit between the two models?
Yes, AirPods Pro use in-ear silicone tips that create a sealed fit for better sound isolation, while AirPods 3 use an open-ear design that rests outside the ear canal for a looser, more breathable feel.

Can both AirPods use Find My to locate them if lost?
Yes, both can be tracked through Apple’s Find My app, but AirPods Pro include a U1 chip for precision tracking and a built-in speaker in the case for sound alerts.

Do AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 have automatic ear detection?
Yes, both models feature skin-detect sensors that automatically play audio when placed in your ears and pause when removed.

Do both models support hands-free “Hey Siri”?
Yes, both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 can activate Siri with a voice command, allowing control over calls, playback, and messages without touching the earbuds.

Can AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 share audio with another pair?
Yes, both support audio sharing, which allows two sets of AirPods to listen to the same content simultaneously from a single Apple device.

Is there a difference in Bluetooth version between the two?
Yes, AirPods Pro use Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved efficiency and stability, while AirPods 3 use the older Bluetooth 5.0 version.

Do both models feature fast charging?
Yes, both support fast charging, providing around an hour of listening time with just five minutes in the case, making them convenient for quick top-ups.

Are both compatible with Apple’s automatic device switching feature?
Yes, both AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 can automatically switch between Apple devices linked to the same iCloud account, such as iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Do AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 include Adaptive EQ?
Yes, both use Adaptive EQ technology to automatically tune audio output based on ear fit and shape, ensuring consistent sound quality for each listener.