Apple AirPods 3 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

True Wireless

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 3
Apple AirPods Pro 3

HearWiki score

Sound

7.0

8.6

Noise cancelling

9.3

Battery

7.0

7.3

Calls

6.3

7.4

Value

8.3

Price (USD)

$84

$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 3 (2021). 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, Transparency mode and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

AirPods 32021
AirPods Pro 320254 yr newer

What differsAirPods 3AirPods Pro 3

Bluetooth: 5.0; 5.3
ANC type: None; Adaptive
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
USB-C: No; Yes
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Water resistance: IPX4; IP57

Level on: Top codec, Wireless charging, Wear detection, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods 3AirPods Pro 3

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $84; $180
HearWiki score: 70; 86
Released: 2021; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; 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: 6 h; 8 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 8 h
Battery incl. case: 30 h; -
Wireless charging: Yes; Yes
Active noise cancelling: No; Yes
ANC type: none; adaptive
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Companion app: Yes; Yes
Custom EQ: Yes; -
Wear detection: Yes; Yes
Controls: buttons; touch
Voice assistant: Siri; Siri
Weight: 4.3 g; 5.5 g
Case weight: 37.9 g; 44 g
Water resistance: IPX4; IP57
Foldable: No; -
Detachable cable: No; -
USB-C: No; Yes
Connector: Lightning; -
Microphones: 3; 3
Microphone type: beamforming; beamforming

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods 3 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3
Spec	Apple AirPods 3	Apple AirPods Pro 3
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$84	$180
HearWiki score	70 / 100 Good	86 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2025
Audio
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
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.0	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing	No	Yes
Battery
Battery life	6 h	8 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	8 h
Battery incl. case	30 h	-
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	none	adaptive
Transparency mode	No	Yes
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	Yes	-
Wear detection	Yes	Yes
Controls	buttons	touch
Voice assistant	Siri	Siri
Design
Weight	4.3 g	5.5 g
Case weight	37.9 g	44 g
Water resistance	IPX4	IP57
Foldable	No	-
Detachable cable	No	-
USB-C	No	Yes
Connector	Lightning	-
Calls
Microphones	3	3
Microphone type	beamforming	beamforming

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods 3

The Apple AirPods 3 deliver a noticeable step up in audio clarity, detail, and spatial sound compared to earlier models, alongside improved battery life and a more secure fit for many users. They offer solid call quality and seamless integration with Apple devices, but their open design and lack of active noise cancellation mean they won't suit everyone, especially in noisy environments. While the sound is a clear upgrade, it's not class-leading, and the fixed fit may not work for all ear shapes.

Pro:Improved sound clarity and detail over previous AirPods
Pro:Better battery life than AirPods 2
Pro:IPX4 water resistance for workouts and light rain

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Open, non-customizable fit may not seal well for all ears
Con:Sound quality is good but not outstanding for the price

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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