True Wireless
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
Not yet scored
$250
Full review dataApple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods Pro (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.
True Wireless
Apple AirPods Pro 3
86Outstanding
$180
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 7 of 7 measures.
- Apple AirPods Pro (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)
$250
$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?
Same generation
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Apple AirPods Pro 3 adds Water resistance IP57 against IPX4. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation)2022
- AirPods Pro 320253 yr newer
What differsAirPods Pro (2nd generation)AirPods Pro 3
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- IP57
Everyday features
Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, ANC type, Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Companion app.
Specifications
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)AirPods Pro 3
- Type
- True Wireless
- True Wireless
- Price (USD)
- $250
- $180
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 86
- Released
- 2022
- 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
- 5.3
- Codecs
- AAC
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- Yes
- 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
- Yes
- Yes
- ANC type
- adaptive
- adaptive
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- Yes
- Companion app
- Yes
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- -
- Wear detection
- Yes
- Yes
- Controls
- touch
- touch
- Voice assistant
- Siri
- Siri
- Weight
- 5.3 g
- 5.5 g
- Case weight
- 50.8 g
- 44 g
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- IP57
- Detachable cable
- No
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Microphones
- 3
- 3
- Microphone type
- beamforming
- beamforming
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
These second-generation wireless earbuds from Apple deliver adaptive noise cancellation and a transparency mode that adjusts to loud sounds, all powered by an upgraded chip. With a comfortable in-ear fit, touch controls, and a charging case that extends total playback to 30 hours, they're a solid choice for iPhone users. The IPX4 rating and wireless charging add everyday convenience, while the custom dynamic driver and AAC codec aim for clear, balanced sound.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Effective transparency mode with loud-sound reduction
- Pro:Comfortable and secure fit with IPX4 sweat resistance
- Con:AAC-only codec limits high-resolution wireless audio on Android
- Con:Touch controls may take time to learn
- Con:Battery life per charge is average at 6 hours
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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