As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 2 are two popular choices for iPhone users. AirPods Pro 3 are the newer, more advanced model with premium features for serious listeners. AirPods 2 remain a lightweight and budget-friendly option for casual use. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which model is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- AirPods Pro 3 features the H2 headphone chip for faster processing and improved audio quality with efficient power management.
- AirPods 2 uses the H1 headphone chip.
|
Active Noise Cancellation:- AirPods Pro 3 has advanced Active Noise Cancellation for blocking up to four times more background noise for a more immersive listening experience.
- AirPods 2 has no Active Noise Cancellation.
|
Transparency Mode:- AirPods Pro 3 supports Transparency Mode for letting outside sounds through to stay aware of surroundings.
- AirPods 2 does not have Transparency Mode.
|
Heart Rate Sensor:- AirPods Pro 3 includes a heart rate sensor to monitor workout intensity during exercise sessions.
- AirPods 2 does not support heart rate monitoring.
|
Adaptive Audio:- AirPods Pro 3 includes Adaptive Audio to adjust noise control automatically based on environmental sound levels.
- AirPods 2 does not support Adaptive Audio.
|
Live Translation:- AirPods Pro 3 features Live Translation to help communicate across languages in real time.
- AirPods 2 does not support Live Translation.
|
Controls:- AirPods Pro 3 features touch control with swipe gestures for adjusting volume and playback easily.
- AirPods 2 has double-tap gesture for play and pause.
|
Charging Case:- AirPods Pro 3 includes a MagSafe USB-C charging case with Find My speaker and lanyard loop for convenient charging and tracking.
- AirPods 2 comes with a Lightning charging case without MagSafe or Find My speaker.
|
Hearing Health:- AirPods Pro 3 supports Hearing Test, Hearing Aid mode, and Hearing Protection for monitoring and improving hearing wellness.
- AirPods 2 does not have hearing health features.
|
Personalized Spatial Audio:- AirPods Pro 3 has Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more realistic and immersive sound field.
- AirPods 2 does not include Spatial Audio.
|
Battery:- AirPods Pro 3 comes with up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
- AirPods 2 has up to 5 hours of listening time per charge and over 24 hours with the case.
|
Conversation Awareness:- AirPods Pro 3 features Conversation Awareness to lower media volume and enhance voices when you start speaking.
- AirPods 2 does not include Conversation Awareness.
|
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods 2 |
|---|
| Chip | H2 headphone chip | H1 headphone chip |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 4x better ANC | Not available |
| Adaptive Audio | Available | Not available |
| Transparency Mode | Available | Not available |
| Conversation Awareness | Available | Not available |
| Personalized Spatial Audio | Available with head tracking | Not available |
| Heart Rate Sensing | Available during workouts | Not available |
| Hearing Health | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection | Not available |
| Live Translation | Available | Not available |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours with ANC, 24 hours with case | Up to 5 hours, 24+ hours with case |
| Charging Case | MagSafe USB-C with Find My and speaker | Lightning case |
| Resistance | IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance | Not rated |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you:- Want premium features like ANC, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency Mode.
- Need earbuds for travel, commuting, or noisy environments.
- Want hearing health tools and heart rate tracking for workouts.
- Prefer MagSafe charging and Find My speaker support.
- Value IP57 protection for sports and outdoor use.
Check AirPods Pro 3 Best Price Buy the AirPods 2 if you:- Prefer a budget-friendly entry point to Apple’s ecosystem.
- Want a lightweight open-fit design for casual listening.
- Do not need ANC, Transparency, or workout tracking.
- Mostly use earbuds at home or in quiet environments.
Check AirPods 2 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| H2 Chip | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Adaptive Audio | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Transparency Mode | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Conversation Awareness | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Personalized Spatial Audio | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Heart Rate Sensing | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Hearing Health Features | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Live Translation | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Battery Life | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Charging Case | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Resistance | AirPods Pro 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Automatic Switching: Both models switch between Apple devices automatically for seamless use.
- Hey Siri Support: Both let you use voice commands to play music, call contacts, or get directions hands-free.
- Fast Charging: A short time in the case provides several hours of playback, useful for quick top-ups.
- Find My Support: Both can be located using Find My if misplaced, helping you retrieve them quickly.
- Motion Sensors: Both have motion-detecting accelerometers for ear detection and call handling.
- Headphone Accommodations: Both support Apple’s accessibility settings for customized sound.
- Live Listen: Both can use iPhone as a remote microphone for better hearing in noisy spaces.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Are AirPods Pro 3 better than AirPods 2 for sound quality?
Yes. AirPods Pro 3 have the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, and Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, which deliver richer sound and more immersive listening compared to the simpler sound profile of AirPods 2.
Do AirPods Pro 3 have better noise cancellation than AirPods 2?
Yes. AirPods Pro 3 include advanced Active Noise Cancellation that blocks significantly more noise, while AirPods 2 do not have any noise-canceling features.
Can AirPods Pro 3 track heart rate?
Yes. AirPods Pro 3 include heart rate sensing during workouts to help monitor exercise intensity. AirPods 2 do not have any fitness tracking features.
Which model has longer battery life?
AirPods Pro 3 have up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC enabled and up to 24 hours with the case. AirPods 2 last up to 5 hours on a single charge with similar case endurance.
Do both models work with Find My?
Yes. Both can be tracked with Apple’s Find My network, but AirPods Pro 3 have a charging case with a built-in speaker for easier locating.
Are AirPods Pro 3 better for outdoor use?
Yes. AirPods Pro 3 have IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and rainy conditions. AirPods 2 have no official water resistance rating.
Do both support Siri voice commands?
Yes. Both models support “Hey Siri” for hands-free commands, but AirPods Pro 3 also support “just Siri” for faster activation.
Is the charging case different between the two?
Yes. AirPods Pro 3 come with a MagSafe USB-C charging case that supports wireless charging and has a lanyard loop. AirPods 2 use a Lightning charging case without MagSafe support.
Can AirPods Pro 3 translate languages in real time?
Yes. AirPods Pro 3 support Live Translation to help with communication across languages. AirPods 2 do not have this feature.
Which one is better for accessibility features?
AirPods Pro 3 include Hearing Test, Hearing Aid mode, and Hearing Protection for users with hearing needs. AirPods 2 have only basic accessibility settings like Live Listen and Headphone Accommodations.