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Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 have some important difference. AirPods Pro 3 is Apple’s newest premium earbuds with improved noise cancellation, heart rate sensing, and IP57 durability. AirPods Pro remain a solid choice with high quality sound and comfort at a lower cost. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which model is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Chipset:- AirPods Pro 3 features the H2 chip for faster processing, improved noise cancellation, and better efficiency.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) uses the older H1 chip.
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Noise Cancellation:- AirPods Pro 3 has up to 4x stronger Active Noise Cancellation to block external noise more effectively in loud environments.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) has standard Active Noise Cancellation.
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Battery:- AirPods Pro 3 includes up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC enabled to extend playback between charges.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) has up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC.
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Heart Rate Sensor:- AirPods Pro 3 includes a heart rate sensor to track workout intensity and health data.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) has no heart rate sensor.
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Custom Driver:- AirPods Pro 3 features an improved custom driver and amplifier to deliver clearer highs and deeper bass.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) uses an earlier generation driver and amplifier.
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Fit:- AirPods Pro 3 features a vented in-ear design to reduce pressure and improve comfort for long listening sessions.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) uses a similar in-ear design without additional vent improvements.
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Spatial Audio:- AirPods Pro 3 supports Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive experience.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) has Spatial Audio but no personalization.
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Conversation Awareness:- AirPods Pro 3 features Conversation Awareness to automatically reduce music and amplify voices when speaking.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) has no Conversation Awareness feature.
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Noise Isolation:- AirPods Pro 3 has improved silicone tips and venting system to create a better passive seal and reduce outside noise.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) has standard silicone tips.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro |
|---|
| Chipset | H2 headphone chip | H1 headphone chip |
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 4x stronger ANC | Standard ANC |
| Transparency | Adaptive Transparency | Standard Transparency |
| Heart Rate | Built-in heart rate sensor | Not available |
| Hearing Features | Test, Aid, Protection, Conversation Boost | Not available |
| Live Translation | Yes | Not available |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hrs with ANC, 24 hrs with case | Up to 4.5 hrs with ANC, 24 hrs with case |
| Ear Tips | Five sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L) | Three sizes (S, M, L) |
| Durability | IP57 dust, sweat, water resistance | IPX4 water and sweat resistance |
| Charging Case | MagSafe USB-C case with UWB, speaker, lanyard loop | Lightning case, no UWB or speaker |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized with head tracking | Standard with head tracking |
| Controls | Touch with volume swipe | Force sensor (no volume swipe) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you:- Want stronger ANC, Adaptive Transparency, and Conversation Awareness.
- Need a heart rate sensor for fitness tracking.
- Prefer longer listening time on a single charge.
- Value better dust and water resistance for outdoor use.
- Want advanced Find My integration and MagSafe charging case.
Check AirPods Pro 3 Best Price Buy the AirPods Pro if you:- Want a more budget-friendly AirPods Pro experience.
- Do not need heart rate monitoring or live translation.
- Are fine with Lightning charging instead of USB-C.
- Want a proven in-ear design with solid ANC and sound quality.
Check AirPods Pro Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Chipset | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Battery | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Fit | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Ear Tips | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Heart Rate | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Translation | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Durability | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Audio | AirPods Pro 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both reduce background noise to keep listening focused and clear.
- Transparency Mode: Both allow you to hear surroundings without removing the earbuds.
- Spatial Audio: Both support Spatial Audio with head tracking for immersive sound.
- Adaptive EQ: Both adjust frequencies automatically for consistent sound.
- Custom Drivers: Both use Apple’s high-excursion drivers for detailed audio.
- Automatic Switching: Both switch seamlessly between Apple devices for convenience.
- Hey Siri Support: Both respond to Siri commands hands-free for music, calls, and more.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Do the AirPods Pro 3 have better noise cancellation than the first generation?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 have up to 4x stronger Active Noise Cancellation, making them better at blocking background noise than the first generation AirPods Pro.
Is the sound quality different between AirPods Pro 3 and the first generation?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 use an upgraded driver and amplifier for richer bass and clearer mids and highs compared to the first generation.
Do AirPods Pro 3 last longer on a single charge?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 last up to 8 hours with ANC enabled, while the first generation lasts up to 4.5 hours with ANC.
Do both models support Spatial Audio?
Yes, both support Spatial Audio with head tracking, but only the AirPods Pro 3 support Personalized Spatial Audio for a tailored experience.
Are there differences in ear tip options?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 include five ear tip sizes including XXS for a better fit, while the first generation includes only three sizes.
Do AirPods Pro 3 have health or fitness features?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 include a heart rate sensor for workout tracking, which the first generation does not have.
Are both models sweat and water resistant?
Yes, but AirPods Pro 3 have an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, which is stronger than the IPX4 rating of the first generation.
Is the charging case different?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 include a MagSafe USB-C case with UWB, a speaker, and a lanyard loop, while the first generation uses a Lightning case without those extras.
Do AirPods Pro 3 have any accessibility improvements?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 include Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection features, which are not available on the first generation.
Which model is better for long-term use?
AirPods Pro 3 are better for long-term use because of their improved battery life, stronger durability, and expanded feature set compared to the first generation.