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Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro 3, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods (1st generation)
  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
8.6
Noise cancelling
-
9.3
Battery
-
7.3
Calls
-
7.4
Value
-
8.3
Price (USD)
$100
$180

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Apple AirPods (1st generation) (2016). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C and Water resistance (IP57).

  • AirPods (1st generation)2016
  • AirPods Pro 320259 yr newer
What differsAirPods (1st generation)AirPods Pro 3

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Water resistance
Not rated
IP57

Level on: Multipoint pairing.

Specifications

AirPods (1st generation)AirPods Pro 3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$100
$180
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2016
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
dynamic
10.7 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
10.7 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
-
110 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Battery life
5 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
8 h
Battery incl. case
24 h
-
Full charge time
15 min
-
Quick charge
15 min → 3 h
-
Wireless charging
-
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
both
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Siri
Weight
4 g
5.5 g
Case weight
38 g
44 g
Water resistance
none
IP57
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
-
3
Microphone type
-
beamforming

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods (1st generation)

These first-generation Apple AirPods are true wireless earbuds that rely on the W1 chip for effortless pairing and automatic device switching. They deliver around five hours of playback per charge, extendable to 24 hours with the included case, and support quick Siri activation via double-tap. While they lack noise cancellation and water resistance, they offer reliable multipoint connectivity and a lightweight, comfortable fit.

  • Pro:Effortless pairing and automatic switching between devices
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Pro:Quick charging provides 3 hours of playback in 15 minutes
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water or sweat resistance
  • Con:Micro-USB charging only (no USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, secure fit. They deliver clear calls, robust battery life, and a balanced sound profile, all wrapped in an IP57-rated design that handles water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging, they offer a polished experience for Apple and non-Apple users alike.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality with beamforming mics
  • Pro:Strong battery life of 8 hours with ANC on
  • Con:Fit may be tricky for some ears
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonApple AirPods (1st generation)Apple AirPods Pro 3