AirPods, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 compared, which ones to choose?

AirPods, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 compared, which ones to choose? Apple has made the AirPods a real complete system with a range that goes from AirPods (officially: AirPods 2nd generation) to AirPods 3rd generation to finish with the latest Airpods Pro 2 (Airpods Pro 2nd generation) which recently took the place of the Airpods Pro.

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With three products on the plate at three different price ranges, it is legitimate to wonder how AirPods, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 stand out from each other, what are the main features and ultimately which are the best for each of us. Saving money and directing attention to AirPods, pointing directly to AirPods Pro or trying to figure out if the middle ground, the AirPods 3, are adequate?

Macitynet has done extensive reviews of all four models: AirPods 2, AirPods 3, Airpods Pro and AirPods Pro 2. From here you can get all the information you need to get an idea of how they work and what we think. However, this article was created to underline and clearly present the differences between the various models. We will only talk about those officially on the market: Airpods, Airpods 3 and Airpods Pro 2. Speaking of the Airpods Pro 2 we will also make a few mentions at the bottom of the original Airpods Pro which are still on the market and which could arouse someone’s attention since it is possible to find them, even if probably for a short time, at lower costs.

What is there, what is missing

The best starting point is probably a look that summarizes what the main differences are, what is in one model and what is missing in another.

What AirPods Pro 2 have more than AirPods 3

  • New H2 control chip
  • Active noise suppression
  • Ear tips
  • Case and headphones with Where’s function
  • Touch control of the volume on the temples
  • What the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 have and the AirPods don’t have
  • Spatial audio with head position tracking
  • Adaptive equalization
  • Resistance to water and perspiration
  • Magsafe wireless charging case
  • Pressure sensor controls
  • Inward facing microphone
  • What all AirPods have
  • There are so many things that make all AirPods different from other full wireless earphones

Compatibility Hey Siri

  • Automatic switch between devices using iCloud
  • Accelerometer and position sensor in the ear cable
  • Automatic pairing with Apple devices
  • Control directly in the iPhone settings

How they are made: the design comparison

For our reasoned comparison let’s start from the design. From this point of view, the three models might seem like two. The AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro are barely distinguishable. Instead the AirPods are very different from the last two creations.

Airpods design

The AirPods are the direct heirs, but it would be better to say the twin brothers of the original AirPods. What distinguishes them is the elongated stem and the shape of the headset very similar to that of the EarPods, the historic headphones of the iPod and iPhone. The peduncle that descends downwards is the most controversial element from an aesthetic point of view but also the most distinctive sign together with the white color. The AirPods are 40.5mm long, 16.5mm wide and 18mm deep. The weight is 4 grams.

The AirPods case is another characteristic element. It has an elongated shape with a lid that opens on the shorter side. The case also charges the AirPods and is only charged with a Lightning cable. There is also a case that is recharged via wireless but it is sold as an accessory at a price (official price of 89.99 euros) which does not make its purchase convenient.

AirPods Pro 2 design

AirPods Pro 2 are identical to the original Airpods Pro and are shorter than the second generation AirPods, measuring 30.9mm tall, 21.8mm wide and 24mm deep. The weight is 5.3 grams. The AirPods Pro are, therefore, more squat, with a shorter “stem”, but much wider in the ear part, this is mainly due to the rubber inserts which we will discuss below.

The case (which charges via cable and wirelessly with Magsafe compatibility) is completely different; in the AirPods Pro the case is wider than long, exactly the opposite of that for the AirPods: 60.6 x 45.2 x 21.7 mm, with a weight of 45.6 grams against 44.3 x 53.5 x 21.3 mm, weighing 50.8 grams. This determines the fact that the flap opens on the longer side while in the previous AirPods it opens, as mentioned, on the shorter side.

The only element, which stands between aesthetics and substance, are the silicone pads present only on AirPods Pro 2. The inserts have four (there were three in the Airpods Pro) of different sizes including XS, so as to adapt to the ear, whatever the shape of the auricular cavity. Apple says the ear tips act as a seal to aid active noise cancellation.

From a structural point of view, the presence of these rubber pads was perhaps the main novelty of the original AirPods Pro compared to the previous generation AirPods and above all to the AirPods 3. This specificity was also maintained with the launch of the Airpods Pro 2

AirPods 3 design

To describe the AirPods 3 it would be enough to refer to the AirPods Pro. In fact, they are very similar products, indeed from the point of view of design they are almost identical. They differ only in that the AirPods 3 do not have ear tips and therefore are overall smaller and lighter, but we are talking about millimeters or even tenths of a millimeter and fractions of a gram.

The case, which always recharges both via cable and wirelessly and is compatible with Magsafe, is also identical to that of the AirPods Pro, only smaller, again due to the lack of rubber pads that allowed Apple to reduce its size. For the rest, the shape is the same and even the flap opens in the same way on the longer side instead of on the shorter one.

It should be noted that, however, the latest version of the Airpods Pro 2, while maintaining the same shape, the case adds various more functions, which we will discuss below.

Ergonomics

The differences in structure between AirPods, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro are also reflected in ergonomics, therefore in comfort and stability. Let’s say right away that of the three models the least comfortable are the AirPods. Even if all three versions are made of a very slippery plastic, the basic version is characterized by earphones with a little ergonomic shape, moreover they are devoid of rubber pads. Mind you this doesn’t mean they fall out of your ears, but not everyone will find them equally stable

AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 have an identical shape and a more carefully studied curvature of the ear tips. Stability and comfort are substantially the same even if the rubber pads of the AirPods Pro 2 increase their safety in situations of greater motor stress. However, it must also be said that the AirPods Pro due to the presence of the rubber pads can be unwelcome to a certain number of people who do not like having something enter the earphone cable.

Technical features

The AirPods from a technical point of view from both the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 3. The AirPods Pro 2 on the other hand differ from the AirPods 3 essentially for a single great function: active noise cancellation. To this is also added a case that has a small speaker that plays a sound when you activate the charge or you look for them with Where is. For this reason it is appropriate to first underline what differentiates Airpods from AirPods Pro and AirPods 3.

Charging case

As we mentioned above, the charging cases, even if functionally they perform the same task (they recharge the earphones) have a substantial difference: that of the AirPods is recharged only via cable, that of the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 can also be recharged via wireless.

A special feature of the wireless case is also compatibility with the Magsafe platform. It basically contains a magnet that aligns the case to the Magsafe or Magsafe Duo and all magnetic chargers. Speaking of recharging, it is important to underline that the AirPods Pro 2 can also be recharged with the Apple Watch charger

The IPX4 certification of the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3

The first feature that distinguishes AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 from AirPods is the IPX4 certification. Technically the certification says that the earphones have been tested in the laboratory under controlled conditions, with an IPX4 rating according to the IEC standard 60529. They are therefore resistant to water splashes, rain and sweat, but cannot be used for swimming. Water and sweat resistance, Apple says, aren’t permanent features and could decrease with normal wear. However, Apple recommends that you do not attempt to charge your AirPods Pro and Airpods 3 when they are wet.

The AirPods however, at least formally, do not have any water resistance certification. However, this does not mean that they are not able to tolerate splashes of water, humidity or sweat. Indeed, in our experience they can be safely used in these conditions. The fact is that if by chance something unpleasant should happen to the earphones after a splash of water, you will not be able to contact Apple for a warranty repair …

We also point out that the Airpods Pro 2 case is water resistant with the same IPX4 certification as the earphones. Here too: don’t forget it in your pocket and then wash your pants. It will hardly be extracted still functional.

Controls on the earphones: touch against the stem to be squeezed

AirPods 2 have a tap-based control system. To operate some functions it is necessary to lightly tap the stem of the headset. The AirPods 3 and Airpods Pro 2, on the other hand, have a capacitive sensor that allows you to perform functions such as turning on the transparency mode, playing music, going to the next track, returning to the previous track by “squeezing” the stem. It is a more precise system but not always more comfortable; finding the point to press to carry out the foreseen functions is not entirely intuitive given that you have to operate blindly. In some situations, for example while walking or cycling, we actually found it impractical.

The Airpods Pro 2 also introduced a touch sensor for volume control. Swiping up or down on the rod adjusts the volume even without using the phone

Adaptive equalization of AirPods Pro and AirPods 3

The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 have an adaptive equalization system. It is a technology that measures the shape of the ear, music and sound response and tries to modify the equalization level to make the reproduction as faithful as possible.

This feature, not present on AirPods, works very well in our experience. This can be clearly perceived by listening to music on AirPods 3 which, despite having no rubber pads, offer high-level listening quality. The bass and the stage effect are particularly excellent. This is precisely due to the ability of the earphones to modify the music according to the reproduction environment (understood in a broad sense).

Spatial sound of Airpods 3 and Airpods Pro 2

The Airpods Pro 2 and Airpods 3 are compatible with spatial audio, a technology “which Apple says offers dynamic head position tracking to simulate the surround sound experience”. In fact with a recent device, an iPhone, an iPad, a Mac or an Apple TV, and a supported app (including Disney Plus, Netflix AppleTV+ when the audio track is recorded in 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos) “The sound field remains anchored to the device and the voice remains with the actor or the action on the screen”.

This system, similar to Dolby Atmos for headphones and the future PS5 3D Audio, puts us in the center of a three-dimensional space very similar to that of the cinema, an open and wide sound that adds up to a bass boost to simulate the presence of a Subwoofers.

  • The original Airpods don’t support this function

Active noise suppression

If you are interested in noise suppression, there is no other solution than to turn to the AirPods Pro 2. Neither of the other two models in fact has the ability to create silence using a sound equivalent to the background one to cancel it before it reaches the user’s ear.

AirPods Pro for this purpose relies on an extra inward-facing microphone that picks up any sound, further enhancing the ANC effect. According to Apple, this process runs hundreds of times per second.

The noise suppression that the AirPods Pro 2 are capable of reaches a very high level higher than that of the original Airpods Pro. In their latest incarnation, the Airpods Pro 2 in our tests easily reach the level of the original Bose Quietcomfort Eabuds (now surpassed, however, by the Quietcomfort Earbuds II).

AirPods Pro also introduced Transparency mode to the Apple world for the first time, which can allow users to hear their surroundings while listening to music, making the use of earphones safer for the wearer: thus, one can listen to traffic or other potential dangers while walking around with headphones on. The system is similar to the ANC, as it detects ambient noise and processes it, but instead of producing an anti-noise it passes the sound from the outside and amplifies it.

In the Airpods Pro 2 transparency is also adaptive; which means that when there is a particularly loud and annoying sound, the noise reduction function is activated automatically.

Autonomy

As for autonomy, we can say that AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro are equivalent: the AirPods Pro 2 last 6 hours with ANC activated just like the AirPods 3 which do not have ANC. Both the Airpods Pro 2 and the Airpods Pro 3 reach 30 hours using the case.

Airpods are less efficient in terms of autonomy: they play for five hours and with the case they reach 24 hours.

Identical functionality

The main features of AirPods 2, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro are the same, partly related to the presence of the same family of H series chips, Airpods Pro and original Airpods have H1 version, Airpods Pro 2 have the fastest and most powerful H2. The chip is used for connectivity with an iPhone or other device, as well as enabling Siri voice commands, and reducing audio latency by up to 30 percent.

Built-in optical sensors and motion accelerometers work together to manage the audio experience, like turning on the microphones for calls and for Siri, and to turn each AirPod on when it’s placed in an ear.

In AirPods 3 and Airpods Pro 2, the sensor turns the earphones on and off when in contact with the skin. Therefore, it is not enough that there is something in contact with the infrared sensors. In practice, putting the AirPods in your pocket they will no longer start playing …

Taps on each earbud can be used to control music playback or answer a phone call, while the “Hey Siri” voice command is used to request help from Siri.

AirPods Pro 2

  • Active noise cancellation
  • Excellent music quality

Airpods 3

  • Balancing of costs and functions
  • Good autonomy

Airpods 2

  • More ergonomic case
  • Very affordable cost

Which ones to choose?

In the face of all this, AirPods Pro 2 are an easy choice for those looking for a pair of true wireless earphones with active noise cancellation technology. This, together with the Transparency mode, gives the headphones an extra weapon: being able to use them safely, listening to music, without totally estranging yourself from the surrounding environment.

Also interesting is the case that is found with Where is it and the precise location function of the earphones.

If you want to spend a little less, you can consider the AirPods 3. You will have practically all the functions of the AirPods Pro, minus the rubber pads and noise suppression.

If the aim is to have good quality earphones perfectly integrated with the Apple world while spending as little as possible, AirPods 2 are still a valid choice today. They are often found for just over 100 euros and offer things that no other non-Apple headset can offer.

Which ones to buy now?

A couple of questions about the time-related purchase choice we’re in are worth addressing. Should I buy Airpods now? And which ones should you buy? If you want to look at aging and the likelihood of an upgrade, the advice is to buy quietly. Apple has just released the new version of the Airpods Pro and at the moment there is nothing on the horizon.

The original Airpods are unlikely to be updated soon. They were reduced in price at the launch of the Airpods 3. In the future they will most likely be discontinued but we do not see such a scenario in the short term. Even here when there is a discount (sometimes the Airpods have even dropped below €100), assuming you are interested in the specifics, buy with confidence.

As for the now decommissioned original Airpods Pro they might still be a good buy even if you have

  • Custody without Where is
  • Transparency without adaptive function
  • Less effective noise suppression
  • Reduced autonomy

This is why the important thing is to find them at a good price; in our opinion no more than 200/220 euros.

Prices and availability

We come to the prices and where to buy. AirPods with standard case cost 159 euros but are always found at lower prices on Amazon (the most normal price is 125€). AirPods 3 cost 219 euros (but even here on Amazon there is often a discount). If you buy from Apple the new AirPods Pro cost 299 euros; this model is also available on Amazon and at the moment we have never seen substantial discounts but they could come in the future

You can often find good discounts on eBay as well. Here the factor in favor of the auction site is often played on discount operations which, thanks to special codes, significantly reduce the price even below what you can see on Amazon. Obviously, attention must be paid to the seller, a problem that does not exist on Amazon and to the fact that the return is often increasingly complex and practically always paid for, two problems that also do not occur in the Amazon purchase process.

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