When it comes to wireless earbuds, Apple’s offerings have been at the forefront of innovation and convenience. With the release of the AirPods 3rd Generation and AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, many consumers are left wondering what sets these two products apart. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the differences between these two earbuds, exploring their design, features, sound quality, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Fit
One of the most noticeable differences between the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen is their design and fit.
The AirPods 3rd Gen boasts a similar design to its predecessors, with a sleek and compact build that fits snugly in the ear. They weigh in at 4.28 grams each, making them incredibly lightweight and easy to wear. The stem is slightly shorter than the AirPods Pro, and the ear tips are designed to provide a comfortable, one-size-fits-all fit.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen features a more ergonomic design, with a wider range of ear tips to accommodate different ear shapes and sizes. These earbuds weigh in at 5.4 grams each, slightly heavier than the AirPods 3rd Gen. The stem is slightly longer, and the ear tips are designed to provide a more secure fit, making them ideal for active users.
Ergonomic Design
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen features an ergonomic design that’s specifically engineered to fit the contours of the human ear. This design allows for a more secure fit, reducing the likelihood of the earbuds falling out during exercise or other high-intensity activities.
IPX4 Water Resistance
Both the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen feature IPX4 water resistance, meaning they can withstand splashes and sweat. However, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen takes it a step further with its water-resistant design, which makes it more suitable for swimmers and athletes who engage in water-based activities.
Features and Functionality
When it comes to features and functionality, both the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen offer a range of innovative technologies that enhance the listening experience.
Active Noise Cancellation
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that actively blocks out ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or podcasts. This feature is particularly useful in noisy environments, such as airplanes, trains, or busy city streets.
In contrast, the AirPods 3rd Gen does not have ANC, relying on the natural sound isolation provided by the ear tips.
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen also features Transparency Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings while still listening to music or podcasts. This feature is perfect for situations where you need to be aware of your environment, such as when walking or jogging in busy areas.
Audio Sharing
Both the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen feature Audio Sharing, a technology that allows you to share audio with a friend or family member. This feature is perfect for watching movies or listening to music together.
Wireless Charging Case
Both earbuds come with a wireless charging case, making it easy to recharge your earbuds on the go.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen deliver exceptional performance.
Driver Size
The AirPods 3rd Gen features a 12mm dynamic driver, which provides clear and balanced sound with deep bass.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen features a 11mm dynamic driver, which provides a more nuanced and detailed sound with enhanced treble.
High-Fidelity Audio
Both earbuds support high-fidelity audio, with the ability to stream audio in high-quality formats such as AAC and SBC.
Pricing and Availability
When it comes to pricing and availability, the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen differ slightly.
AirPods 3rd Gen
The AirPods 3rd Gen is available for purchase starting at $179 for the standard model, with the wireless charging case adding an additional $40.
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen is available for purchase starting at $249 for the standard model, with the wireless charging case included.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both the AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen offer exceptional performance and innovative features, they cater to different needs and preferences.
The AirPods 3rd Gen is an excellent choice for those who want a lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-use wireless earbud with great sound quality.
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, on the other hand, is ideal for those who need a more advanced feature set, including Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and a more ergonomic design.
Ultimately, the choice between these two earbuds depends on your individual needs and budget.
| Feature | AirPods 3rd Gen | AirPods Pro 2nd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Fit | One-size-fits-all, lightweight | Ergonomic design, multiple ear tips |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | No | Yes |
| Audio Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging Case | Yes (optional) | Yes (included) |
| Pricing | $179 (standard), $219 (wireless charging) | $249 (standard) |
By understanding the key differences between these two earbuds, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect pair for your needs.
What are the key differences between AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen?
The most significant difference between AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen lies in their design, features, and pricing. AirPods 3rd Gen are the standard wireless earbuds, offering a more affordable option for those who want a seamless listening experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are designed for those who want a more premium listening experience, with advanced features like active noise cancellation, water resistance, and customizable ear tips.
In terms of sound quality, both models offer high-fidelity audio with clear and crisp sound. However, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen take it a step further with their active noise cancellation, which blocks out background noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music or podcasts. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen come with three different sizes of ear tips, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit for any ear size.
Do AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen have the same battery life?
Both AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen offer an impressive battery life, with up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge. However, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen have a slight edge when it comes to talk time, offering up to 4.5 hours of talk time compared to the AirPods 3rd Gen’s 4 hours.
It’s worth noting that both models come with a wireless charging case, which provides additional battery life. With the case, you can get up to 30 hours of listening time and up to 24 hours of talk time. This makes them perfect for long trips or extended use.
Can I use AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with non-Apple devices?
While AirPods are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, they can also be used with non-Apple devices. However, the experience may not be as seamless, and some features may not work as intended. You can pair your AirPods with Android devices, PCs, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, but you may need to go through a few extra steps to get them connected.
That being said, if you’re using AirPods with a non-Apple device, you may not have access to some of the advanced features like Siri, audio sharing, and seamless pairing. Additionally, you may need to adjust the settings on your non-Apple device to get the best possible audio experience.
Do AirPods Pro 2nd Gen have better sound quality than AirPods 3rd Gen?
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are designed to offer a more premium listening experience, and they do have some advantages when it comes to sound quality. The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen have a more advanced driver design, which allows for deeper bass and clearer sound. Additionally, the active noise cancellation feature helps to block out background noise, allowing you to focus on the music or audio you’re listening to.
That being said, AirPods 3rd Gen still offer high-quality audio, and many users may not notice a significant difference between the two models. However, if you’re an audiophile or someone who values premium sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are definitely worth considering.
Are AirPods Pro 2nd Gen water-resistant?
Yes, AirPods Pro 2nd Gen have a rating of IPX4, which means they are resistant to water and sweat. This makes them perfect for workouts, runs, and other activities where you may be exposed to moisture. However, it’s worth noting that the IPX4 rating is not the same as being fully waterproof, and you should still be careful not to submerge your AirPods Pro 2nd Gen in water.
AirPods 3rd Gen, on the other hand, do not have any official water resistance rating, so you should be more careful when using them in wet or humid conditions.
Can I customize my AirPods Pro 2nd Gen ear tips?
Yes, one of the unique features of AirPods Pro 2nd Gen is the ability to customize the ear tips for a snug and comfortable fit. The ear tips come in three different sizes – small, medium, and large – and you can try out each size to see which one works best for you. The ear tips are also designed to be easy to swap out, so you can try out different sizes or replace them if they become worn out.
Customizing the ear tips can make a big difference in the sound quality and overall listening experience. By finding the right size ear tip, you can get a better seal in your ear, which can help to block out background noise and improve the sound quality.
Do AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen support spatial audio?
Yes, both AirPods 3rd Gen and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen support spatial audio, which is a feature that allows for a more immersive audio experience. Spatial audio uses dynamic head tracking to simulate a surround sound experience, making it feel like the sound is coming from all directions. This feature works with compatible content, such as movies and TV shows, and can be accessed through the Settings app on your Apple device.
It’s worth noting that spatial audio on AirPods requires a compatible Apple device, such as an iPhone or iPad, and may not work with non-Apple devices. Additionally, the feature may not be available on all content, so you may not be able to experience spatial audio with every movie or TV show.