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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods (1st generation)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($249) vs Apple AirPods (1st generation) ($30) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right true wireless.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Apple AirPods (1st generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $30 |
| Weight | 55.1g | 46g |
| ANC | Adaptive Audio 2.0 | — |
| Battery | 7h / 35h case | 5h per charge, 24h with case |
| Chip | H2 | Apple W1 |
| Codec | AAC + Apple Lossless | — |
| Charging | MagSafe + USB-C | Lightning case only |
| Fit | Silicone XS–L + XL | One-size, non-sealed |
| Weight | — | 46g (Apple published: 4g bud x2 + 38g case) |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Adaptive Audio 2.0 class-leading
- Hearing health test + aid
- Apple Intelligence live translation
- 7h battery (up from 6h)
- MagSafe case unchanged
- AAC-only codec (no LDAC)
- Apple ecosystem best
- Premium price unchanged
Apple AirPods (1st generation)
- The device that started the true-wireless category
- Automatic pairing across Apple devices, still instant
- Cheapest way into the AirPods shape
- Genuinely small and light at 4g per earbud
- No noise cancellation or Transparency mode
- Case charges via Lightning only, no wireless pad
- Battery is a decade old on any used pair
- No volume control, tap-only for playback and Siri
Apple AirPods (1st generation) is the better value at $30. Both are part of our curated true wireless index — tap through to check current pricing.
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