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Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods (2nd 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 (2nd 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)
$160
$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?

New platform

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Apple AirPods (2nd generation) (2019). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0 and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection and Transparency mode.

  • AirPods (2nd generation)2019
  • AirPods Pro 320256 yr newer
What differsAirPods (2nd generation)AirPods Pro 3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes
Water resistance
Not rated
IP57

Level on: Top codec, Wireless charging.

Specifications

AirPods (2nd generation)AirPods Pro 3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$160
$180
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2019
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
5.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Battery life
5 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
8 h
Battery incl. case
24 h
-
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
none
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Siri
Weight
4 g
5.5 g
Case weight
38.2 g
44 g
Water resistance
none
IP57
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
2
3
Microphone type
beamforming
beamforming

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods (2nd generation)

Apple's second-generation AirPods are true wireless earbuds from 2019, offering a secure fit and seamless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. They deliver up to 5 hours of playback per charge, with 24 hours total via the included wireless charging case, and rely on dual beamforming mics for clear calls, though they lack noise cancellation and water resistance.

  • Pro:Easy pairing and reliable connection with Apple devices
  • Pro:Compact, lightweight design with a comfortable fit
  • Pro:Convenient touch controls and wireless charging case
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Limited to SBC and AAC codecs, no aptX or LDAC
  • Con:No multipoint pairing or companion app for customization

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 (2nd generation)Apple AirPods Pro 3