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Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods (2nd generation)AppleAirPods Pro 3
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2019September 2025
Sound
TypeOpen-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingNoYes
Transparency modeNoYes
Spatial audio with head trackingNoYes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CNoNo
ChipH1H2
Drivers–Custom high-excursion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifier
Chip–H2 in each AirPod; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the MagSafe Charging Case
Noise cancelling detail–Active Noise Cancellation with Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness and Loud Sound Reduction; foam-infused ear tips for passive isolation
Audio featuresAutomatic ear detection with dual optical sensors and a motion accelerometer; AAC Bluetooth audio; SBC support listed by What Hi-Fi?Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Personalised Volume; Voice Isolation; studio-quality audio recording; Live Translation; lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro
Hearing health–Hearing Test, Hearing Aid (with automatic Conversation Boost) and Hearing Protection
Health sensors–Heart rate sensor for workouts
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 5 hoursUp to 8 hours
With the case–Up to 24 hours
Wireless chargingYesYes
Battery life detailMore than 24 hours of listening including case recharges, according to Apple; launch announcement claims up to 50% more talk time than first-generation AirPodsUp to 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking on; 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts; 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature
Charging caseLightning Charging Case charges by cable; Wireless Charging Case supports Qi-certified chargers and Lightning, with a front status LED; both measure 53.5 x 44.3 x 21.3 mmMagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker for Find My and lanyard loop; charges with MagSafe, Apple Watch or Qi-certified chargers or a USB-C cable
Fast charging15 minutes in the case provides up to 3 hours of listening5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening
Design
Weight (each earbud)4 g5.55 g
Water and sweat resistance–IP57
Bluetooth5.05.3
Headphone cableNo–
ControlsDouble-tap to play, skip forwards or answer a call; hands-free Hey Siri; double-tap actions can be assigned separately to each earbudForce sensor with volume swipe on the stems (press to play, pause, answer calls and skip; press and hold to switch listening modes; swipe up or down for volume); camera remote; “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri Interactions
MicrophonesDual beamforming microphones and speech-detecting accelerometerDual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometer
Fit and ear tipsFixed open-ear shape without interchangeable tips; each earbud measures 40.5 x 16.5 x 18.0 mmFoam-infused silicone ear tips in five sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L)
Case weight38.2 g for either case, according to Apple's specifications43.99 g
Water resistance detail–IP57 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods Pro and charging case
Works withFull Apple features with compatible iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, Mac and Apple TV software; standard Bluetooth audio with fewer features on non-Apple devices; Live Listen, headphone levels and Headphone AccommodationsFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other devices, with limited features
ColoursWhiteWhite
In the boxAirPods, chosen charging case, Lightning to USB-A cable and documentationAirPods Pro 3, MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop, silicone ear tips (XXS, XS, S, M, L), documentation; USB-C cable sold separately

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