Which AirPods Should I Get? AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 2 Comparison

Editor's note: This piece on Apple AirPods was first published on Money101.^[1] We've edited the original article to suit our local audience.

Curious about Apple’s latest products? Now that Apple's AirPods Pro 2 is officially on sale in the Philippines, you’re probably wondering how the previous models hold up to their newest counterparts. Spoiler: not too bad, considering they were launched years ago. 

This article enumerates AirPods Pro 2’s new features and compares previous generations to newer ones such as AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3 and AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 2. If you’re unsure which model to get, keep reading.

AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro

In the past, Apple has launched five wireless Bluetooth headsets: AirPods 1 (2017), AirPods 2 (2019), AirPods Pro (2019), AirPods Max (2020), AirPods 3 (2021), and finally, AirPods Pro 2 (2022).

Although the new AirPods Pro 2 looks roughly the same as the previous iteration of AirPods Pro, there are a few improvements worth noting:

• New H2 chip: Equipped with the new H2 chip, AirPods Pro 2’s active noise reduction performance is twice as effective. Its personalized spatial audio also brings a more immersive listening experience. It minimizes high-decibel ambient noise intensity.

• Improved battery and charger: The battery life has increased to 6 hours, 1.5 hours more than the previous generation. In addition to the Lightning charging cable, Qi wireless charging pad, and MagSafe magnetic suction, you can also use Apple Watch chargers to charge AirPods Pro 2. The charging box also comes with a Find My function and a lanyard hole for easy hanging.

• Force sensor: In the past, you couldn’t control the volume directly with the AirPods Pro, and you had to adjust it via your Bluetooth-connected iPhone or Mac. With the AirPods Pro 2 force sensor, you can adjust the volume by sliding a finger directly on the headset.

• Improved waterproof level: Both the AirPods Pro 2 earphones and the charging case have been upgraded to IPX4-level sweat and splash resistance, making them more suitable for non-water sports and physical training.

• New earbud size: With the new XS-sized ear tips, you can enjoy a more comfortable wearing experience.

Read more: [Battle of the Brands] AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: Your Side-by-Side Comparison Guide

Comparison of All AirPods Models, Including AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 2

This section covers only the in-ear models AirPods 2, AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro 2. It doesn’t include the first-generation AirPods, as Apple discontinued the model in 2019.

Comparison of AirPods Appearance and Prices

Off the bat, the AirPods and the AirPods Pro series differ in appearance. The former is a semi-in-ear design, while the latter is an in-ear design with earplugs.

Aside from appearance, the prices differ, too. Check out the table below for a quick comparison of each model’s appearance and price:^[2]

Read more: 10 Pinoy Tech Bloggers on What To Do Before Buying a Gadget

AirPods Specifications Comparison

As Apple's latest wireless Bluetooth earphones, AirPods Pro 2 offers many improvements. Compared to previous generations, its biggest feature is the upgrade from the H1 chip to the H2 chip, which significantly enhanced the overall sound quality.

So how do the older models compare? Take a look at the table below:

AirPods Battery Life Comparison

For most users, battery life is a key concern. The new version of AirPods Pro 2 offers a much-improved battery life compared to the previous AirPods Pro.

Here’s how it compares to other models:

AirPods and AirPods Pro vs AirPods Max 

AirPods Max is Apple's first over-ear wireless Bluetooth headset. Like AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2, it features active noise cancellation. However, AirPods Max can completely cover the entire ear and comes with eight built-in noise-canceling microphones vs AirPods Pro’s two.

• Appearance: AirPods Max is an over-ear type, which is larger and heavier; AirPods Pro series is an in-ear type, which is smaller in size and lighter in weight. Wearing the former for a long time may therefore cause discomfort.
• Chip configuration: At present, AirPods Pro 2 is equipped with an H2 chip. AirPods Max and AirPods Pro both come with H1 chips.
• Battery life: AirPods Max offers the highest battery life out of all of Apple’s wireless Bluetooth headsets, with up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge. AirPods Pro’s battery life is 4.5 hours, and AirPods Pro 2’s is 6 hours.
• Price: Since AirPods Max is a high-end wireless Bluetooth headset with the most excellent functions and sound quality, the price is ₱32,990, which is a lot more expensive compared to other models.

Read more: 11 Must-Have Phones and Gadgets for Your Wish List

Which AirPods Should I Get?

Still not sure which one to go for after that comprehensive comparison of each model? We’ve listed the suitable AirPods model depending on your needs below:

FAQs on AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 2

1. What is the difference between Apple AirPods 2 and Apple AirPods 3?

AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 are both semi-in-ear wireless Bluetooth headsets. The biggest difference between the two is that the former features relatively common sound quality and functions. The latter features upgraded spatial audio functions and a more immersive listening experience.

2. Which is better: AirPods Pro or AirPods 3?

Wondering what the difference is between AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3? The latter was released only two years after the former, so a lot of Apple fans often compare AirPods 3rd gen vs Airpods Pro.

First off, AirPods 3 features a semi-in-ear design, while AirPods Pro has an in-ear design with earplugs. They share key specs such as the H1 chip, Spatial Audio, and sweat and water resistance.

When it comes to battery life, AirPods 3 can go for longer with 30 hours of listening time with the charging case vs AirPods Pro with only 24 hours. However, AirPods Pro‌ has an edge over AirPods 3 with its Active Noise Cancellation feature.

3. Do AirPods work on Android smartphones?

Yes, you can use AirPods with your Android phone, or any Bluetooth-enabled device for that matter. However, you’ll lose access to features such as Siri, Spatial Audio, and Quick Pairing.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve compared previous generations to newer ones such as AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3 and AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 2, you know each model’s strengths and weaknesses. Which one’s your pick?

Sources:

• ^[1] AirPods Pro 2 正式在台開賣！最新 Apple AirPods 系列功能/續航力/價格比較 (Money101, 2022)
• ^[2] Apple AirPods