These are the 3rd generation AirPods. They are Apple’s latest set of true wireless earbuds. But before them, we had the AirPods 2nd gen and AirPods Pro.
Also read:
AirPods Pro Vs AirPods 2
AirPods 2 Vs AirPods 1
AirPods Pro Specs and Features
Similarities between AirPods 3, AirPods 2, and AirPods Pro
There are a good number of similarities between all three models of the Apple AirPods series for example.
- They are compatible with the find my network.
- They support seamless switching between iPhones, iPads, and Macs signed in with the same Apple I.D.
- All three have the same lightning charging port, and support Audio Sharing, with each other.
AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro differences
However, between these three models, the AirPods Pro is the only one to have unique features that cannot be found in the other two. That includes detachable ear tips and active noise cancellation. Apart from that, the new AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, are pretty much the same.
AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro similarities
Unlike the original AirPods 1 and 2 design with the long stem and touch sensors, The AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 Share the Same design language. I’m referring to the short stem with a more rounded speaker cavity.
Judging from their design, it’s possible that the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, may also have identical internal components like speaker drivers, microphones, and probably the H1 chip.
On the outside, they have the same force touch sensor controls, and an acoustic mesh covering their microphone ports, which Apple says helps reduce wind noise during calls. Other features that the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro both have in common are:
- Spatial Audio,
- IPX4 Sweat and Water resistance,
- And an adaptive equalizer
AirPods audio comparison
Even though the AirPods 2 have amazing clarity and sound quality, they also have small speaker drivers. Furthermore, they lack ear tips so they don’t have as much bass as the AirPods Pro.
However, the AirPods 3 would probably sound like a pair of AirPods Pro with noise cancellation off, and no ear tips for ambient noise isolation. On this note, I would not be surprised if the AirPods Pro’s ear tips, can also fit on the AirPods 3. Because they are pretty much carbon copies, in terms of design.
AirPods battery life & charging comparison
It’s probable the lack of ear tips on the AirPods 3 may have resulted from Apple’s decision to not grant them the active noise cancellation feature. In order to reduce their price and charging case size. Also, the absence of longer noise cancellation gives it a way better battery life than the AirPods Pro.
Talking about battery life, Apple rates the AirPods 3 as having 6 hours of listening time when they are fully charged. Meanwhile, the AirPods 2 have 5 hours of listening time, and the AirPods Pro is in the last position with 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge. Together with the charging case, both the AirPods Pro and AirPods 2 have about 24 hours of listening time. But the AirPods 3 can go up to 30 hours of listening time with its charging case included.
Both AirPods Pro and AirPod 3 support wireless charging. As for the AirPods 2, it does not support wireless charging by default. But it’s possible to buy a wireless charging case for the AirPods 2 separately. The AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro support fast charge with up to 1 hour of listening time for just 5 minutes of charging.
AirPods pricing
Now, let’s round up with, offers and pricing. Apple offers 6 months of Apple Music for free with the purchase of any AirPods Model. On Apple’s official UAE website, the AirPods Pro cost AED 999, followed by the AirPods 3 at AED 749 and finally the AirPods 2 at AED 549.
However, you can find the AirPods Pro selling at slightly cheaper prices (check best prices here) from major electronics retailers here in the UAE. That makes the price difference between the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 almost insignificant. So if you are deciding which model to buy between these two, then these three questions may help you make up your mind.
- How important is wireless charging to you?
- Do you want the longest possible battery life?
- Are you comfortable wearing earbuds with ear tips that go deep in your ears or do you prefer an open-fit earbud design?
- Do you absolutely need Active noise cancellation?
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