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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: 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.

Score breakdown

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

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.5
Battery8.0
Calls8.5
Value7.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Apple AirPods Pro 3
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)Apple AirPods Pro 3
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$125$232
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great84 / 100 · Great
Released20222025
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size11 mm10.7 mm
Drivers per side21
Frequency response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Impedance16 Ω-
Sensitivity100 dB/mW110 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.3
Bluetooth version5.35.3
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life-8 h
Battery life (ANC on)-8 h
Battery incl. case30 h24 h
Quick charge-5 minutes in case = about 1 hour listening time
Wireless chargingYesYes
Features
ANC typeadaptiveadaptive
Transparency modeYesYes
Companion appYesYes
Custom EQNo-
Wear detectionYesYes
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSiriSiri
Design
Weight10.6 g10.1 g
Case weight50.8 g43.99 g
Water resistanceIP54IP57
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones-3

What reviewers said

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

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that deliver top-tier active noise cancellation, clear call quality, and a well-balanced sound profile. They offer a robust feature set including adaptive ANC, wireless charging, and IP57 water resistance, though their higher price and somewhat finicky fit may give some buyers pause. Overall, they stand out as a polished, high-performance option for iOS users willing to invest in a premium experience.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality in noisy environments
  • Pro:Strong battery life with the charging case
  • Con:Fit can be finicky and may lose seal easily
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Only supports AAC codec

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

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