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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value noise isolation and a more immersive listening experience, the Apple Airpods Pro 2 could be a better choice for you as they have active noise canceling and perform better for watching TV and gaming due to low latency mode. However, if you are concerned about price and you do not need the best noise isolation or low latency, the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) might be sufficient for your needs. They still offer decent sound quality and are more affordable. Keep in mind that both options are optimized for Apple devices, offer wireless charging, and have similar battery life. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro 2
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
8.4
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
7.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Cost
$140
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $140 and the Apple Airpods Pro 2 costs $180.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for music.
Phone Calls
7.6
7.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.8
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Apple Airpods Pro 2 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Apple Airpods Pro 2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Apple Airpods Pro 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$140 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | September 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 5.3 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Apple Airpods Pro 2
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Apple Airpods Pro 2
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Nick Landia, Ph.D
Chief Data Scientist
Nick is a machine learning expert with a Ph.D in recommendation systems from the University of Warwick.
Aaron Koller, Ph.D
Head of Product
Aaron is a product leader and recommendation enthusiast with a Ph.D in philosophy from Syracuse University.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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