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

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods (3rd generation)AppleAirPods Pro 2
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2021September 2023
Sound
TypeOpen-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingNoYes
Transparency modeNoYes
Spatial audio with head trackingYesYes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CNoNo
ChipH1H2
DriversCustom high-excursion Apple driver and high dynamic range amplifierCustom high-excursion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifier
Chip–H2 in each AirPod; U1 chip in the MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
Noise cancelling detail–Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation; Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Audio Sharing; AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys)Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Personalised Volume; Voice Isolation; Live Translation (with iOS 26 and an Apple Intelligence iPhone); lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro
Hearing health–Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Loud Sound Reduction in the UK; active Hearing Protection is available only in selected regions, not the UK
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 6 hoursUp to 6 hours
With the caseUp to 30 hoursUp to 30 hours
Wireless chargingYesYes
Battery life detailUp to 5 hours with Personalised Spatial Audio enabledUp to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking on; up to 4 hours of Lossless Audio listening with Apple Vision Pro
Charging caseMagSafe case supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging or Lightning; Lightning-only case introduced in 2022 has no wireless chargingMagSafe 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 chargingAround 1 hour of listening after 5 minutes in the case5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening
Design
Weight (each earbud)4.28 g5.3 g
Water and sweat resistanceIPX4IP54
Bluetooth5.05.3
ControlsForce sensor for playback, calls and Siri; “Hey Siri”; no stem volume controlTouch control on the stems (press to play, pause, answer calls and skip; press and hold to switch listening modes; swipe up or down for volume); “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri Interactions
MicrophonesDual beamforming and inward-facing microphones; skin-detecting sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometersDual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometer
Fit and ear tipsOpen-ear design without silicone tipsSilicone ear tips in four sizes (XS, S, M, L)
Case weight37.91 g50.8 g
DimensionsEach earbud 30.79 × 18.26 × 19.21 mm; case 46.40 × 54.40 × 21.38 mm (height × width × depth)–
Water resistance detailIPX4 for earbuds and case; resistance can diminish over timeIP54 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods Pro and charging case
Works withApple devices with current iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS or tvOS; Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, with limited featuresFull 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, Lightning or MagSafe charging case, Lightning to USB-C cable, documentationAirPods Pro 2, MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop, silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L), USB-C Charge Cable, documentation

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