What to Buy — AirPods Pro or AirPods 3

AirPods are wireless earbuds that attract with their sleek style, ergonomic design, and quality sound. They are suitable for music lovers, movie enthusiasts, and regular users who choose comfortable communication, convenience during sports, work, or walks. Plus, they quickly connect to any Apple device. So, let’s compare: AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3 — we’ll look into the main characteristics and find out which to buy.

Immersing in Sound Atmosphere

Both Apple headphone models guarantee deep and very pleasant sound. The speakers deliver distortion-free sound, regardless of the type of music you prefer: AirPods are universal headphones. The bass is powerful enough but balanced. Each instrument in the melody is heard clearly, and speech remains clean and distinct.

The Pro version and AirPods 3 allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of a musical composition or a series. Spatial sound is achieved through special technologies:

• Spatial Audio — presence effect;
• Dolby Atmos — surround sound, like in a movie theater.

With these headphones, it feels like the sound source is right next to you. Turn your head — the melody/voice will come closer or move away. It creates the feeling that you are near the stage or sitting in a theater, not at home.

Is there a difference in sound? AirPods 3 use the H1 chipset, while AirPods Pro 2 have an improved H2 chip, allowing the gadget to effectively cancel noise, conserve battery, and deliver better digital sound.

The Pro version has special advantages:

• Pressure equalization: Forget about the vacuum feeling in your ears and other discomforts that regular earbuds may cause.
• Transparency mode: Listen to music and audiobooks without missing out on what’s happening around you: notifications in supermarkets, announcements at stations, approaching vehicles. You can switch to noise cancellation mode with a long press on the device’s stem.
• Active noise cancellation system: If you want to block out external noise, this function will save you. It’s useful when you have to answer calls in noisy transport or on the street. Or if you want to immerse yourself in music without listening to conversations around you, heavy rain, or neighbors with a drill.

AirPods Pro 2 support adaptive sound. This means that the gadget automatically changes noise cancellation and transparency modes based on the environment. Walking down a busy avenue or past a construction site — the device will enhance noise cancellation. Thanks to AI (artificial intelligence), personalized volume will immediately adjust to the surrounding space.

Moreover, the headphones have a speech recognition feature. During a conversation, background noise will become quieter, and the interlocutor’s voice will be amplified. When you speak, noise cancellation will turn off, and the music will quiet down.

Comparing Battery Life and Charging Features

Unlike the AirPods 3, the AirPods Pro model lasts a bit longer on a single charge. But in practice, you are unlikely to notice the difference.

Here are the main characteristics:

• Talk time: AirPods 3 — 4 hours, while the Pro version allows for 30 minutes more conversation.
• Spatial audio activation: 3rd generation headphones will last 5 hours, Pro — 30 minutes longer.
• With the case: AirPods 3 allow for 30 hours of music enjoyment and 20 hours of talk time, while the Pro version offers 30 and 24 hours, respectively.

Both devices provide 6 hours of music playback time.

AirPods 3 use a Lightning cable for charging. Pro 2 can be charged via a USB-C cable. Both models also support MagSafe wireless charging.

However, the second-generation AirPods Pro are considered more versatile. The headphones can be charged directly from an iPhone 15/Plus/Pro/Pro Max. A USB-C cable fits iPad, Mac, and iPhone 15.

Exploring the Appearance

The cases or charging cases are almost identical in size. They fit in a jeans pocket and don’t take up much space in a bag. They are lightweight and won’t be cumbersome if attached to your pants with a carabiner. Here are the specific parameters:

• AirPods 3: Size — 46.4×54.4×21.38 mm. Weight — 37.91 g.
• AirPods Pro 2: Size — 45.2×60.6×21.7 mm. Weight — 50.8 g. The case has a built-in speaker that signals low battery and helps find the device faster.

The Pro version is in-ear vacuum headphones with soft, durable silicone ear tips. Even without noise cancellation, they isolate external sounds well. The set includes several pairs of silicone tips in sizes XS, S, M, L.

AirPods 3 are without ear tips. The design is classic earbuds. For some, this classic design remains familiar and comfortable. However, in public transport or on a busy avenue, you will have to tolerate the surrounding noise.

Finding Common Advantages

Apple engineers create products with a lot of useful features. This is one reason why the brand’s technology is so popular worldwide. Both AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro are equally well-designed and reliable.

• Automatic ear detection: Insert the devices into your ears, and the music plays. Remove one earbud or leave the buds without a case on the table — the sound stops completely. This is convenient if you meet a friend on the street while your phone is in your pocket.
• Integration with all Apple devices: Connect the gadget to a device with your Apple ID — the buds will immediately recognize your other iPhone, iPad, and Mac. For example, you can work on a MacBook with headphones, but when the iPhone rings, the wireless AirPods will instantly switch to the call.
• Water resistance: The buds and case meet the IP54 standard. This means they are protected from water droplets and sweat. So feel free to take them to your sports training. However, the gadget is not suitable for swimming in the pool, showering, or being in a sauna.

• Convenient control: To pause a track, just press the earbud stem once. You can also summon Siri to help find the right music or plan a route for your next trip.
• Support for the “Locator” function: This program helps you find the charging case and even the earbuds separately.

Choosing the Winner

So, which AirPods model is better? There is no winner here. The choice depends only on your planned budget and preferences. Both gadgets are comfortable to wear. They are splash-resistant and securely fit in your ears. They are compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Mac. They allow you to enjoy deep spatial sound and continuously work on a single charge for a long time.

If you often have to answer calls from colleagues and loved ones in noisy environments, the clear choice is the 2nd generation Pro version with an active noise cancellation system. The in-ear buds are also suitable for music lovers who want to focus exclusively on music and not on surrounding conversations and traffic noise.

If you don’t like in-ear headphones and prefer the classic earbud design, consider the AirPods 3. These headphones are also suitable for those who prefer personal transport, listen to tracks, and communicate in a calm environment without extraneous noise.

The price for the 3rd generation is 619 GEL, while the AirPods Pro is 919  GEL. As we can see, the classic earbuds are cheaper than the vacuum headphones.

If you are still unsure about what to choose, we invite you to explore Apple technology at the iSpace showrooms. Consultants will provide you with detailed information about each model and help you decide, sharing tips on using AirPods.

You can also make a purchase on installment, credit, or take advantage of the Trade-in program with us.