True Wireless
Apple AirPods 3
76Great
$84
Full review dataApple AirPods 3 vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C): which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) - Great overall at around $125.
True Wireless
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
84Great
$120
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple AirPods 3
Sound7.5
Battery7.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3 | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $84 | $120 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 11 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | - | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Impedance | - | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 100 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 h | - |
| Battery incl. case | 30 h | 30 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | none | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No |
| Wear detection | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | both | both |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4.28 g | 5.3 g |
| Case weight | 37.91 g | 50.8 g |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Detachable cable | No | No |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 3 | - |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods 3
The Apple AirPods 3 are a notable step up from earlier models, offering richer sound, longer playback, and a more secure fit, all wrapped in a familiar design. They excel at calls and integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, but their open fit and lack of noise cancellation mean they won't suit everyone, especially those seeking isolation or heavy bass. For Apple users upgrading from older AirPods, they're a solid choice, though competitors offer more features at similar prices.
- Pro:Improved sound clarity and detail
- Pro:Excellent call quality with multiple mics
- Pro:Comfortable, secure fit for many
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Open fit lets in ambient sound
- Con:Limited to Apple devices for full features
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
- Pro:Decent battery life with case
- Con:No multipoint connection
- Con:Limited to AAC codec
- Con:No custom EQ in app
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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