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Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation)

Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation) ($55) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right true wireless.

Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple
AirPods Pro 2
$249
Best for iPhone
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Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
Apple
AirPods (3rd generation)
$55
Check Price →
Spec-by-spec
SpecApple AirPods Pro 2Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
Price$249$55
Weight61.4g46.5g
ANCAdaptive Audio—
Battery6h / 30h case6h per charge, 30h with case
ChipH2Apple H1
CodecAAC—
ChargingMagSafe + USB-CLightning, MagSafe or Qi
FitSilicone tips XS–LOne-size, non-sealed
Water—IPX4 sweat/water resistant
Weight—46.5g (Apple published: 4.28g bud x2 + 37.91g case)
Pros & Cons

Apple AirPods Pro 2

  • Adaptive ANC best-in-class
  • Conversation Awareness
  • Seamless iPhone switching
  • Find My integration
  • MagSafe case charging
  • iPhone-ecosystem mostly
  • No LDAC / aptX
  • Ear tip fit not universal

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 (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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