the differences are smaller than ever

The AirPods 3 are more expensive than its predecessors, but also a lot better. In fact, the new AirPods differ little from the Pro earbuds. In this AirPods vs AirPods Pro comparison, we pit the two against each other.

AirPods vs AirPods Pro: you should choose these earbuds

We had to wait more than two years, but Apple has announced new AirPods. We have now reached the third generation. The AirPods 3, as we call them for convenience, are considerably better than their predecessors but also slightly more expensive.

In terms of price, they creep dangerously close to the AirPods Pro, the most expensive (and best) earbuds that Apple sells. It is therefore worth comparing the two. This is the AirPods vs AirPods Pro comparison that will help you make a choice.

Design: almost the same

The AirPods 3 got shorter stems, just like the AirPods Pro. Also new: the top of the earbuds is more ergonomically designed, so they fit better in your ears.

Furthermore, both types have a pressure-sensitive button in the stems (Force Touch) with which you can pause the music, for example. Also the same: the dust and water resistance. Both earplugs can therefore withstand a splash of water and/or sweat.

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There are also differences between the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro. The latter, for example, has silicone ear cushions. These come in different sizes, so there is always one that fits well. The ‘regular’ AirPods don’t have ear cushions and so may be less comfortable to wear – depending on what you like.

On the other hand, the AirPods 3 are lighter than the Pro variant. The accompanying charging box is also narrower and you can charge it wirelessly with MagSafe. The latter is also possible with the charging case of the Pro earphones.

Also interesting: Tip: this is how you can replace the AirPods Pro ear cushions

Sound quality

Since it’s about earplugs, there is really only one relevant question: which ones sound better? In terms of audio, the AirPods Pro are still the best. This is mainly due to the presence of one exclusive function: active noise cancellation (also called active noise cancellation).

The bottom line is that the AirPods Pro earbuds can filter out ambient noise so that you can focus completely on your work, study or gym visit. The AirPods 3 do not have noise cancellation. The entry-level earphones also do not have a Transparency mode, which actually amplifies sound. This allows you, for example, to talk to someone while wearing the AirPods Pro.

New audio features for ‘regular’ AirPods

Fortunately, the entry-level earbuds do borrow two other previously exclusive features from the Pros: Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio. Adaptive EQ is an audio technique that adjusts the pitch of audio to the shape of your ears. As a result, the sound not only sounds warmer and fuller, but you also have less chance of audio distortion.

Spatial Audio is especially useful when watching movies. This function brings surround sound to the AirPods 3. As a result, sound seems to move around you, instead of coming statically from one direction. In a film, for example, is a weapon being shot on the left side of the screen? Then you hear the bullet whizzing past your left ear.

Furthermore, both versions are controlled by the Apple H1 chip. In principle, you will therefore not notice any difference in speed when passing on commands to Siri, or when you pair the earphones with an Apple device.

Finally, a small nuance: we haven’t tested the AirPods 3 yet, so we can’t say for sure whether the earbuds really sound as good as Apple promises. On paper, however, the differences are small. Loves iPhoned keep an eye out for the in-depth review of the AirPods 3.

Battery: surprising winner

In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Pro beat the regular AirPods. The roles are reversed when it comes to battery life. The AirPods Pro last five hours (when the noise cancellation is turned off), while the AirPods 3 allow you to listen to music one hour longer before the earbuds fall out.

Fortunately, both types of earplugs charge quickly. If you put the AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro in the charging case, you will have enough power after five minutes to listen to music (or make calls) for another hour.

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Conclusion AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro comparison

The differences between the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro are very small. Both have approximately the same design and in terms of audio functions they differ little from each other. Which earplugs are best for you to buy, therefore, mainly depends on your wishes.

For example, the AirPods Pro are better suited to wear while studying and/or working from home. Thanks to the active noise cancellation, you can filter out ambient noise and focus on your work. With the exchangeable silicone carrying pads, the wearing comfort is also better.

In contrast, the AirPods 3 have the longest end in terms of battery life and with the H1 chip they have exactly the same hardware as the Pro earplugs. Also in terms of price, there is little difference between the two types of AirPods. The AirPods 3 cost 199 euros and are therefore two tens more expensive than their predecessors.

The official suggested retail price of the AirPods Pro is 279 euros, but you can now buy the earbuds for around 210 euros.

Also read: (Audio) problems with your AirPods? 6 quick solutions in a row

To buy

Do you want to buy the AirPods 3? They will be available everywhere from October 26. The AirPods 2 will also remain available and have been reduced in price to 149 euros (was 179 euros).

Are you planning to buy the AirPods Pro? Then use the price comparison below. iPhoned continuously collects the best prices from all kinds of (web) stores so that you always walk away with the best deal.