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Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 3 have some important difference. AirPods Pro 3 are the newer, more advanced option with premium features like Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and improved comfort with customizable ear tips. AirPods 3 are simpler, lighter, and keep the familiar open-fit design for casual listening. 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 advanced H2 chip for faster processing and better sound tuning with improved efficiency.
- AirPods 3 uses the older H1 chip.
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Noise Cancellation:- AirPods Pro 3 has advanced Active Noise Cancellation for blocking outside noise and improving focus in loud environments.
- AirPods 3 has no noise cancellation.
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Transparency Mode:- AirPods Pro 3 supports Adaptive Transparency to let outside sounds in while reducing loud environmental noise.
- AirPods 3 has no Transparency Mode.
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Heart Rate Sensor:- AirPods Pro 3 includes a heart rate sensor to track workout intensity and monitor health metrics.
- AirPods 3 lacks heart rate sensor.
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Adaptive Audio:- AirPods Pro 3 includes Adaptive Audio to adjust sound modes automatically for comfort in changing surroundings.
- AirPods 3 has no adaptive audio.
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Translation:- AirPods Pro 3 includes live translation for real-time communication across different languages.
- AirPods 3 has no translation feature.
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Controls:- AirPods Pro 3 features touch control with swipe gestures for adjusting volume and playback easily.
- AirPods 3 uses a force sensor for play and pause only.
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Charging Case:- AirPods Pro 3 features a MagSafe USB-C case with speaker and lanyard loop for easier charging and location tracking.
- AirPods 3 comes with a Lightning case without additional features.
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Hearing Health:- AirPods Pro 3 supports hearing test, hearing aid mode, and hearing protection to monitor and protect hearing health.
- AirPods 3 has no hearing health features.
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Connectivity:- AirPods Pro 3 supports Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connection and lower latency in audio streaming.
- AirPods 3 uses Bluetooth 5.0.
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Battery:- AirPods Pro 3 has up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC and up to 24 hours with the case for consistent daily use.
- AirPods 3 has up to 6 hours of listening and up to 30 hours with the case.
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Conversation Awareness:- AirPods Pro 3 features Conversation Awareness to lower volume and enhance voices when you speak.
- AirPods 3 has no conversation awareness.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods 3 |
|---|
| Chipset | H2 Chip | H1 Chip |
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 4x more ANC than original AirPods Pro | Not available |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes | No |
| Transparency | Advanced with Adaptive Mode | No |
| Conversation Awareness | Yes | No |
| Heart Rate Sensing | Yes, during workouts | No |
| Hearing Health Features | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection | Not available |
| Live Translation | Yes | No |
| Controls | Touch control with volume swipe | Force sensor |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hrs with ANC, 24 hrs with case | Up to 6 hrs, 30 hrs with case |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP57 (dust, sweat, water) | IPX4 (sweat, water) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Charging Case | MagSafe USB-C with lanyard loop + speaker | Lightning Case |
| UWB Chip | Included for Precision Find My | Not included |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you:- Want premium features like ANC, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness.
- Need heart rate tracking and hearing health tools.
- Prefer customizable silicone tips for a secure fit and noise isolation.
- Want better water and dust resistance for workouts and outdoor use.
- Like advanced controls with volume swipe and MagSafe USB-C charging case
Check AirPods Pro 3 Best Price Buy the AirPods 3 if you:- Prefer a classic open-fit design with no ear tips.
- Want longer total battery life with the case.
- Are on a tighter budget but still want Spatial Audio and good sound quality.
- Like a lighter and less intrusive design for casual, all-day use.
Check AirPods 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Chipset | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Adaptive Audio | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Transparency | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Conversation Awareness | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Heart Rate | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Hearing Health | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Translation | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Controls | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Water Resistance | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Connectivity | AirPods Pro 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Spatial Audio: Both support Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking for a 3D listening experience.
- Adaptive EQ: Each model automatically tunes music in real time for consistent sound.
- Dual Beamforming Microphones: Both include clear microphones for calls and voice commands.
- Skin-Detect Sensor: Each has a sensor for accurate in-ear detection and auto play/pause.
- Automatic Switching: Both switch seamlessly between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
- Hey Siri: Both support hands-free Siri activation for quick control.
- Fast Charging: Each gives about 1 hour of listening with a quick 5-minute charge.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Are AirPods Pro 3 better than AirPods 3 for noise cancellation?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 have advanced Active Noise Cancellation, making them better for noisy environments, while AirPods 3 do not support ANC.
Do AirPods Pro 3 have better sound quality than AirPods 3?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 deliver richer bass and clearer highs due to the H2 chip and improved drivers, while AirPods 3 have a simpler open-fit sound profile.
Can I use AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 3 with Android phones?
Yes, both models work with Android via Bluetooth, but some features like Spatial Audio and Find My work best with Apple devices.
Do AirPods Pro 3 last longer on battery than AirPods 3?
No, AirPods 3 last up to 30 hours with the case, which is longer than AirPods Pro 3 at 24 hours, but AirPods Pro 3 give more playback per single charge with ANC.
Do AirPods Pro 3 have better water and dust resistance than AirPods 3?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 are IP57 rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, while AirPods 3 are only IPX4 rated for sweat and water.
Do AirPods Pro 3 come with customizable ear tips?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 include five sizes of silicone tips for a secure and comfortable fit, while AirPods 3 have a one-size open-fit design.
Do AirPods Pro 3 support Adaptive Audio and Transparency?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 have Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode to adjust sound based on your environment, but AirPods 3 do not include these features.
Do AirPods Pro 3 support health features like heart rate tracking?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 can measure heart rate during workouts and support hearing tests and protection, while AirPods 3 lack health features.
Can I find my AirPods Pro 3 case more easily than AirPods 3?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 case has a built-in speaker and UWB chip for Precision Find My tracking, while AirPods 3 case does not.
Which is better for travel, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 3?
AirPods Pro 3 are better for travel due to ANC, Conversation Awareness, and secure fit, while AirPods 3 are more suited for casual, quiet settings.