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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($249) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation) ($55) — 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 (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $55 |
| Weight | 55.1g | 46.5g |
| ANC | Adaptive Audio 2.0 | — |
| Battery | 7h / 35h case | 6h per charge, 30h with case |
| Chip | H2 | Apple H1 |
| Codec | AAC + Apple Lossless | — |
| Charging | MagSafe + USB-C | Lightning, MagSafe or Qi |
| Fit | Silicone XS–L + XL | One-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 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 (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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