The holidays are here. That means everyone’s wish list is filled with big-ticket tech items. We’re talking everything from the iPhone 17 to the Nintendo Switch 2 to the Sony WH-1000xM6.
For the wireless earbuds crowd, the all-new AirPods Pro 3 are some of the most coveted stocking stuffers anyone could ask for. They’re also considered highly expensive for today’s commercial market (thanks a lot, inflation). The irony is that they share the same MSRP as every other previously released Pro model: $249.
1. ANC is just as effective on the AirPods Pro 2
According to Apple, active noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro 3 is twice as strong as it is on the AirPods Pro 2. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that. The technology has improved and does an amazing job of reducing ambient noise. However, the AirPods Pro 2 are just as good at noise neutralization.
Their noise cancellation eliminates most low- and mid-frequency sounds, while minimizing a good number of high-frequency noises. The AirPods Pro 3 do all three better. Does that make the AirPods Pro 2 less of a terrific noise canceller? Absolutely not.
Furthermore, Apple’s transparency mode and all other optional listening modes (e.g., Adaptive Audio, Hearing Aid) sound equally great on these two sets of buds.
2. Both models share most core features…with more to come
Adaptive Audio. Check. Live Translation. Check. MagSafe charging. Check. Personalized Spatial Audio. Check. Smart case with built-in speaker. Check. Touch volume controls. Check. Nearly 85 percent of features tied to iOS, such as auto-switching, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and hearing health modes. Check.
As you can see, there's very little differentiates these two entries in terms of functionality.
The AirPods Pro 3 are bound to receive new features in the coming months via iOS updates, and many of those will likely carry over to the AirPods Pro 2. Upgrades are guaranteed – no matter what model you choose.
3. Comfort favors the second-gen entry
Every set of AirPods feels pleasant to wear, but the AirPods Pro 3’s wider sound port makes them a bit uncomfortable after several hours of use. They press up against the concha the longer you have them on. This may only affect a handful of listeners with low pain thresholds.
The AirPods Pro 2 are extremely comfortable and can be worn for hours on end. Take it from a headphone reviewer who has continuously tested these buds for three years straight. I’m still enjoying the pain-free listening experience they provide.
4. The AirPods Pro 3’s newest features are more novelty than necessity
Don’t get me wrong now. I’ll take heart rate monitoring on a pair of buds any day. Just not at the expense of my finances…not in these times.
The HRM on the AirPods Pro 3 does work surprisingly well. I’ve tested it a handful of times and was impressed by how close BPM (beats per minute) readings were compared to my Fitbit Charge 6 and high-tech treadmills. Just bear in mind that it isn’t a viable replacement for more optimized wearables like the Apple Watch or any Garmin heart rate monitor.
Live Translation is serviceable for communicating with others, but it's also available through the AirPods Pro 2. Apple’s language translator doesn’t perform well when there is background noise. It also misinterprets many words and suffers from lag.
5. Affordability is everything
Two years into their lifecycle and the AirPods Pro 2 were on sale frequently for $199. Look online right now and you can find them for even less, while supplies last. Popular retail chains like Best Buy sell them for as low as $190.
The AirPods Pro 2 are no longer available on Apple’s website. Amazon has some units for $227, but you can save a lot on a refurbished pair ($159 in excellent condition) with an additional warranty.
Another factor to consider is replacement cost. AirPods are gonna AirPod, meaning they will break ever so often. iFixit gave each model a 0/10 score and labeled them “unrepairable.” That probably won’t impact your decision to pick up another pair, but we’re talking a $50 to $60 difference between these two entries. Sticking with the AirPods Pro 2 won’t hurt your pockets as much.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
