In this article, I’m offering an in-depth comparison of the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen vs AirPods 3rd Gen, drawing from my personal experience as an audiophile and professional music producer. Having tested both of these headphones for hundreds of hours, I’m here to give you a critical, unbiased opinion based on sound quality, comfort, features, battery life, and more.
By the end of this review, you’ll get a clear idea of which one offers the best overall value for your money. If you’re looking for an even deeper dive, I’ve also reviewed each product separately in my AirPods Pro 2 Review and AirPods 3 Review, along with the AirPods Max.
Price Comparison: AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3
Price is a big deciding factor, and when it comes to the AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3, the AirPods 3rd Gen come in about $50 cheaper.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Prices:
- Retail: $249.00
- New: $199.99
- Renewed: $171 (Save up to $29)
Apple AirPods 3 Prices:
- Retail: $169.00
- New: $149
- Renewed: $112.99 (Save up to $40)
Note: These affiliate links may provide discounts while supporting the website for more independent reviews.
Comfort: AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 2
Both the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are incredibly comfortable compared to traditional over-ear headphones. However, there’s a clear distinction in comfort that makes the AirPods 3 the winner here.
The AirPods Pro 2 come with eartips that fit snugly into the ear canal, which can be a little uncomfortable if you’re not used to in-ear designs. On the other hand, the AirPods 3 don’t use eartips and have a more relaxed, “looser” fit. For those like me who prefer not to insert anything directly into the ear canal, the AirPods 3 are far more comfortable.
That said, once I upgraded the AirPods Pro 2 eartips to memory foam, the comfort level became much closer to the AirPods 3, though the 3rd Gen still wins in this category for its non-invasive fit.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Comfort: 4.5/5
Apple AirPods 3 Comfort: 5/5
Winner: AirPods 3
AirPods Pro 2 Vs. AirPods 3 (Features, Battery Life, Noise Cancelling)
Features:
Both models offer Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, though Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen. While both AirPods work seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 takes the edge here thanks to its noise-cancelling and Adaptive Transparency Mode.
The design of both is also similar, with the AirPods Pro 2 having a slightly shorter stem than its predecessors.
Battery Life:
When it comes to battery life, both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 are nearly identical:
- Up to 6 hours of listening on a single charge
- Up to 30 hours with the charging case
This is without using features like noise cancelling or Spatial Audio, which will shorten the battery life.
Noise Cancelling:
The standout feature of the AirPods Pro 2 is its Adaptive Noise Cancelling. This feature is something the AirPods 3 simply cannot match. The AirPods 3 don’t have any form of noise isolation, which is a game-changer if you travel a lot or work in noisy environments. However, they allow for better environmental awareness.
AirPods Pro 2 Features / Battery / Noise Cancelling: 3.5/5
AirPods 3 Features / Battery / Noise Cancelling: 3/5
Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Sound Quality: AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3
As an audiophile and music producer, sound quality is key. Both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 blew me away, but the AirPods Pro 2 have a noticeable edge when it comes to delivering a more natural, wide soundstage.
The AirPods 3 offer a bass-heavy sound signature that’s great for casual listening and content like YouTube or podcasts. Their sound quality is impressive for a wireless earbud, especially with Spatial Audio enabled, which gives the illusion of a high-end home speaker system.
However, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver a more detailed and refined listening experience. Their physical seal within the ear canal provides better bass response and clearer imaging, leading to superior sound separation and a more natural timbre. The Pro 2s sound significantly more “open” and immersive, making them ideal for music, movies, and gaming.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Sound Quality: 8.1/10
Apple AirPods 3 Sound Quality: 7.1/10
Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Value for Money: AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 2
Although the AirPods 3 are about $50 cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2, the additional price for the Pro 2 is well worth it if you’re seeking audiophile-level sound and noise-cancelling features. The AirPods Pro 2 offer a superior overall experience—particularly if you work in noisy environments or want a more immersive soundstage.
The AirPods 3 are still excellent earbuds for casual listeners and those who don’t mind sacrificing ANC or advanced features. But if you value noise isolation and high-quality sound, the AirPods Pro 2 are definitely the better value.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Value: 5/5
Apple AirPods 3 Value: 3.5/5
Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Final Verdict
While both the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen and AirPods 3rd Gen are fantastic options, the AirPods Pro 2 come out on top in most categories—sound quality, noise cancelling, and overall features. For just $50 more, you get a significantly enhanced listening experience.
If comfort and price are your primary concerns, the AirPods 3 might be the better fit. However, if you’re an audiophile, traveler, or someone who values noise isolation, the AirPods Pro 2 are worth the extra investment.
At the end of the day, both of these products are excellent, but the AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winner when it comes to an all-around, premium wireless earbud experience.
