Apple’s AirPods have revolutionized the wireless earphones market. The latest iterations, the AirPods Pro Gen 2 and Gen 3, showcase Apple’s commitment to innovation. This article delves into a side-by-side comparison of these two models to help you determine which is better suited to your needs.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetics and Ergonomics

Both AirPods Pro Gen 2 and Gen 3 share a similar design language characterized by their sleek, white finish. However, subtle differences can impact your comfort and user experience.

The Gen 2 maintains the classic look with shorter stems, contributing to a more inconspicuous appearance. These shorter stems are equipped with force sensors, ensuring easy control of playback and switching between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode. Gen 2’s silicone ear tips come in multiple sizes to provide a snug fit, accommodating various ear shapes and sizes.

On the other hand, Apple’s Gen 3 takes a departure from the Pro series design, resembling the original AirPods but with noticeable upgrades. The stems have become significantly shorter, and the overall design is more rounded. While it lacks silicone ear tips, a key difference is the introduction of an adaptive EQ, which tailors sound to the shape of your ear.

Build Quality

Apple excels in build quality, and both devices are no exception. The AirPods Pro Gen 2 features IPX4 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. The Gen 3 also shares this water-resistance rating, ensuring durability in similar conditions.

Apple hasn’t skimped on the materials, utilizing high-quality plastics and internally optimized components. Both models promise longevity but handle daily wear and tear subtly differently. The AirPods Pro Gen 2, with its silicone tips, offers a more secure fit, ideal for dynamic activities, whereas the Gen 3 prioritizes casual, everyday use.

Sound Performance

Sound Signature and Quality

When it comes to sound performance, both devices offer impressive audio experiences but cater to different preferences. The AirPods Pro Gen 2 provides rich, immersive sound with its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode, enabling users to switch between a focused listening environment and awareness of their surroundings seamlessly.

The Gen 2 employs advanced algorithms that adapt the sound profile in real-time, enhancing bass and midrange frequencies. This results in a balanced audio experience, suitable for various music genres and audio content. The spatial audio with dynamic head tracking ensures a theater-like experience, adding another layer to your listening pleasure.

Meanwhile, the AirPods Gen 3 aims for a more straightforward approach. Without the silicone tips and ANC, the Gen 3 relies on an enhanced Adaptive EQ. This feature adjusts the sound based on the shape of your ear, ensuring a consistent audio experience. The sound is more open and natural, with emphasis on clarity and well-defined high frequencies. Although it lacks the immersive ANC of the Pro series, the Gen 3 still delivers robust sound quality with solid bass response and clear mids.

Call Quality

Call quality is a key consideration for many users. Both models perform exceptionally well in this domain. The AirPods Pro Gen 2 utilizes three microphones and advanced noise suppression algorithms to ensure your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy environments. This microphone system also assists with beamforming to reduce ambient noise during calls.

The Gen 3, while lacking in ANC for audio playback, still offers impressive call clarity. With the help of beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone, Apple ensures that the Gen 3 delivers excellent call quality by minimizing background noise.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery Longevity

Battery life can often be the deciding factor for many potential buyers. The AirPods Pro Gen 2 offers up to 4.5 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and up to 5 hours without it. Including the charging case, you get about 24 hours of total battery life. Fast charging is also a feature, giving you 1 hour of playback from just 5 minutes of charging.

The AirPods Gen 3 improves upon this with longer battery life. You get up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, extending up to 30 hours with the charging case. This extra battery life becomes important for users who prioritize fewer charging sessions throughout the day.

Charging Cases

The charging cases also have unique features. Both models support wireless charging and are compatible with MagSafe. The Pro case offers a more robust feature set with its LED indicator that provides immediate feedback on charging status. It also supports wired charging via Lightning cable, giving users multiple options for recharging.

Gen 3’s case is slightly more compact and also supports wireless and MagSafe charging. The LED indicator is handy, but the smaller form factor makes it more portable and easier to carry in pockets. This trade-off between size and capability often depends on user preference, ensuring that both options have something valuable to offer.

Features and Software Integration

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

The standout feature of the AirPods Pro Gen 2 is its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This technology uses both external and internal microphones to gauge and neutralize ambient sounds, providing an immersive listening experience. ANC on the Gen 2 is particularly effective, making it a preferred option for frequent travelers or those needing to concentrate in noisy environments.

Complementing ANC is the Transparency mode, which allows external sounds to pass through, letting you stay aware of your surroundings without removing your earphones. This feature proves invaluable in urban settings where situational awareness is crucial.

In contrast, the AirPods Gen 3 does not include ANC or Transparency mode. While this might seem like a drawback, it’s clear that Apple aimed the Gen 3 at a different audience. Instead of diving into silent immersion, the Gen 3 focuses on enhancing everyday listening with features like Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.

Software and Ecosystem Integration

Both AirPods seamlessly integrate with Apple’s ecosystem, offering unique features that enhance user experience. The H1 chip in both models ensures fast pairing, switching between devices, and hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality. This chip also powers the low-latency audio, making both Gen 2 and Gen 3 suitable for gaming and video playback.

Where the AirPods Pro Gen 2 excels is in its customizable controls. Users can squeeze the stems to activate different functions, and these can be tailored through the iOS settings. The Gen 3, while more limited in functionality, still offers touch controls for play, pause, and skip functions.

Spatial audio is available on both models, but the Gen 2 goes a step further with dynamic head tracking. This feature ensures that sound remains anchored to your device, creating a more immersive experience. Gen 3, however, offers spatial audio without head tracking, sufficient for most users.

Comfort and Fit

Ear Tip Options and Seal Quality

Comfort is highly subjective, but Apple ensures that both products cater to various preferences. The AirPods Pro Gen 2 includes silicon ear tips in three sizes, providing a customizable and secure fit. These ear tips create a seal that enhances noise isolation and sound quality. The Gen 2’s ear tip fit test feature in the iOS settings assists in finding the best fit, ensuring optimal performance.

Conversely, the Gen 3 adopts a one-size-fits-all approach. Without silicone ear tips, it relies on its ergonomic design to fit comfortably in most ears. For many, this less intrusive approach may be more comfortable for extended wear, but it does sacrificed the enhanced noise isolation and secure fit the silicone tips offer.

Overall Comfort

Both models prioritize user comfort but in different ways. The AirPods Pro Gen 2 caters to users who need a secure fit for dynamic or physical activities. The snug design ensures the earphones stay in place, whether you are running or working out.

The Gen 3, with its more straightforward design, appeals to users who prioritize casual listening. Its lightweight build and more open fit make it less likely to cause discomfort over extended periods. Both models have their strengths, making comfort a personal rather than a universal choice.

Price and Value Proposition

Pricing Comparison

The AirPods Pro Gen 2 is generally more expensive, justified by its array of advanced features such as ANC, Transparency mode, and customizable fit. For those who prioritize these attributes, the extra cost is often seen as a worthwhile investment. Its price ranges around $249, but sales and promotions can occasionally bring it down.

The AirPods Gen 3, though more affordable, doesn’t skimp on quality. Its price usually hovers around $179, offering an attractive option for those who seek high-quality sound and Apple’s seamless integration without extra bells and whistles.

Value for Money

In terms of value, users must weigh the features against the price. The Gen 2 offers maximum features for those needing robust noise cancellation and a customizable fit. Its more substantial investment proves worthwhile for users who frequently travel or reside in noisy environments.

The Gen 3, while lacking some advanced features, still offers high value through sound quality, battery life, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. For users looking for a high-quality, straightforward audio experience, the Gen 3 provides excellent value for its price.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the AirPods Pro Gen 2 and Gen 3 depends largely on individual needs and preferences. If you value advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation, customizable fit with silicone tips, and dynamic head tracking for spatial audio, the AirPods Pro Gen 2 is the superior choice despite its higher price tag. It promises an immersive, adaptable audio experience that meets a wide range of use-case scenarios.

On the other hand, if you prioritize longer battery life, comfort for extended use, and a straightforward, high-quality audio experience, the AirPods Gen 3 offers substantial value at a more affordable price point. It excels in day-to-day listening and integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem without the complexity of added features.

Both models represent Apple’s standard of excellence in design, build quality, and user experience, ensuring that whichever you choose, you will receive a product that performs well in its intended roles. With this comprehensive comparison, you can now make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.