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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) ($55) vs Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) ($74) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right true wireless.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple AirPods (3rd generation) | Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55 | $74 |
| Weight | 46.5g | 56.4g |
| Chip | Apple H1 | Apple H1 |
| Battery | 6h per charge, 30h with case | 4.5h ANC, 24h with case |
| Charging | Lightning, MagSafe or Qi | Lightning, wireless Qi |
| Fit | One-size, non-sealed | 3 silicone tip sizes |
| Water | IPX4 sweat/water resistant | — |
| Weight | 46.5g (Apple published: 4.28g bud x2 + 37.91g case) | 56.4g (Apple published: 5.4g bud x2 + 45.6g case) |
| ANC | — | Active + Transparency |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
- Force-sensor stem controls, no more taps
- MagSafe charging case
- IPX4 resistance, first in the base AirPods line
- Adaptive EQ tunes output to fit in real time
- Still no ANC or Transparency
- Shorter stem changes the grip some people relied on
- Non-sealed fit remains a wall against isolation
- Costs more used than 1st/2nd gen for a fit-only upgrade
Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)
- First sealed-fit AirPods with real ANC
- Three tip sizes for an actual acoustic seal
- Wireless charging case standard, not an upsell
- Still handles calls and Transparency mode well
- No Adaptive Transparency or force-sensor stem swipe
- ANC trails every AirPods Pro that followed it
- Ear tips wear out and need replacing on a used pair
- No IP rating beyond basic sweat resistance
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) is the better value at $55. Both are part of our curated true wireless index — tap through to check current pricing.
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