Apple AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: Which wireless headphones should you buy?

If wireless headphones have become widely democratized over the past decade, Apple and its AirPods probably have something to do with it.

Apple AirPods 3 (2021) – Best prices:

And the AirPods Pro, launched in 2019 and which introduce active noise cancellation – the ANC function – are particularly popular.

Apple AirPods Pro – Best prices:

The third and new generation of AirPods, launched in October 2021, is also among the options to consider for a new purchase. A little less features, but a full audio package and a reasonable price.

So, will you choose the quality or the cheap?

Design and outfit

The original AirPods were long and their design was too disturbing for many to wear. Partly for this reason, Apple later launched the short-stem AirPods Pro. Two years later, the third generation of AirPods (or AirPods 3, as I’ll call them from now on) came out with a design that inspired the moniker “AirPods Pro Lite.” Basically the look and feel of the two models are very similar.

Where the two models differ physically is in the padding of the toe cap. With tapered silicone tips available in three sizes (small, medium, and large), the AirPods Pro are arguably more customizable, and their in-ear design offers superior passive noise cancellation. This is because the shape of the headphones themselves help block out outside noise. Given its “Pro” nature, Apple also offers an “Ear Tip Fit Test,” which plays chimes to determine which size ear tip is right for you.

By comparison, the AirPods 3 rely on a streamlined form factor — not rubber tips — to cling to your ears. Naturally, the waterproofing is less with this model, but many will find the less intrusive app more comfortable, especially if you wear the headphones for hours on end. They are also lighter than the Pro, by a few grams of course.

Left: AirPods 3. Right: AirPods Pro. Image: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet.

Both headphones are IPX4 rated, which means they can handle splashing water. Whether you’re running in the rain or sweating indoors, you won’t have to worry about water damage with either model. However, the main difference is in the charging case. That of the AirPods Pro does not benefit from the same IPX4 certification as the headphones, while that of the AirPods 3 does. Even if you normally store your charging case in your pocket or bag, you should know that the AirPods 3 case objectively offers better protection.

sound and features

In terms of audio performance, the main selling point of the AirPods Pro, especially over the AirPods 3, is active noise cancellation (ANC). Not to be confused with the aforementioned “passive noise cancellation,” ANC uses the headphones’ external mics to deflect ambient sounds like birds chirping, fans, and chatter. This audio gem has made its way into most, if not all, high-end earphones and headphones.

Conversely, AirPods Pro also feature a transparency mode that amplifies the sounds of your surroundings so you don’t miss a beat of reality. Instead of taking off your headphones, you can use the transparency mode to watch for the arrival of the metro, monitor traffic or converse with a passerby.

So yes, you will have to pay the price of the Pro to acquire this great noise reduction feature. But the AirPods 3 have not said their last word: if they do not have ANC functionality, they also have spatial audio and adaptive equalization.

Spatial Audio is Apple’s internal technology that synchronizes audio playback through dynamic head tracking. Basically, the sounds of music, videos, and movies play through your ears as if the instruments were physically in front of you. Take a step left or right and you will hear the positioning change.

Speaking of immersion, Adaptive EQ automatically adjusts the AirPods low and mid frequencies for fuller, lifelike sound.

According to our tests, both models of AirPods offer exceptionally clear and rich sound. Both models are also equipped with the Apple H1 chip: they are therefore equal in terms of quick pairing and interactions with Siri.

Battery and charging

Beyond comfort and sound quality, battery life is a pillar worth weighing between the two AirPods models. Although the charging cases look nearly identical, you can expect more endurance from the newer AirPods 3.

Image: Logix.

In our tests, the AirPods 3 reached the 30 hours of music listening time announced by Apple. That’s an improvement over the AirPods Pro’s 24-hour battery life. One of the main reasons for this result, believe it or not, is the lack of ANC on the AirPods 3. By doing without this very power-hungry feature, the more affordable AirPods are able to conserve their energy efficiently. Disabling the Spatial Audio feature, which only works with certain Apple Music media files, is even more effective.

Going by the numbers, the AirPods 3 will last about six hours before needing to be put away in the charging case, while the AirPods Pro will last between three and five hours, depending on whether ANC is on or off. Either way (literally), you can charge via Lightning cable, wirelessly via Qi, or via Apple’s MagSafe system.

Price

As we mentioned, 80 euros separates the new AirPods 3 from the AirPods Pro. However, given how old the Pro model is, you’re more likely to find a great deal on this model than on the AirPods 3. In fact, at the time of writing, the AirPods price was generally aligned with the latest AirPods. And at that price, you’ll be hard pressed to find better wireless headphones.

Nevertheless, it is not impossible to get a pair of AirPods 3 for less than its price – 199 euros. In addition to the price, the strongest argument for the AirPods 3, compared to the Pro model, comes down to its comfort and battery life. The AirPods 3 are really well balanced and offer the bare necessities… and even more.

Alternatives to AirPods

If you are considering other models of wireless headphones, you can take a look at the following devices:

AirPods 2 (2019) + wireless charging case

Apple AirPods 2 (2019) + wireless charging case – Best prices:

OnePlus Buds Pro

OnePlus Buds Pro – Best Prices:

Apple AirPods 3 (2021) – Best prices:

Apple AirPods Pro – Best prices:

Source: ZDNet.com