Choosing Wireless Earbuds: AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro?

Apple’s wireless earbuds are lightweight, compact, and fit comfortably and securely in your ears. They quickly connect to iPhone, iPad, and Mac, providing high-quality sound for watching movies, listening to music, and making calls. Let’s compare the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2. They have similar designs and features, but there are some differences. Here’s a look at their characteristics to help you decide whether the AirPods 3 or the AirPods Pro (latest generation) is the better choice for you.

AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro: Sound Comparison

Both models offer high-quality drivers, delivering pleasant, deep, and rich sound. The frequencies are well-balanced, with strong bass without being overwhelming. During calls and audiobook listening, the speech is clear. This is the level of performance you expect from premium wireless earbuds.

Both the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro support Spatial Audio (creating an immersive sound experience) and Dolby Atmos (providing 3D sound like in cinemas). These features enhance your movie or music experience by making it feel as if the sound source is right in front of you. When you turn your head, the sound appears to move closer or further away, giving the sensation of sitting in the front row of a concert hall or theater.

Sound Differences Between AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro

• AirPods 3: Equipped with the H1 chip, they deliver a high-quality sound experience with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
• AirPods Pro: Feature the more advanced H2 chip, which provides improved digital sound, superior noise cancellation, and better energy efficiency.

The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro offers a more refined audio experience with enhanced noise cancellation, making it a better choice for those seeking high-quality sound and a more immersive experience.

Additional Features Exclusive to AirPods Pro

• Active Noise Cancellation: This feature effectively reduces external sounds, which is useful if you frequently make phone calls or listen to music in noisy environments, such as busy streets, public transport, or open offices. It helps you focus by blocking out ambient noise and chatter from colleagues, as well as disturbances like wind or construction noise.
• Transparency Mode: Allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. This is useful for staying aware of important announcements at an airport or hearing approaching vehicles. You can switch from noise cancellation to transparency mode easily by pressing and holding the stem of the earbuds.
• Pressure Equalization: Eliminates the uncomfortable sensation of pressure that can occur with regular in-ear headphones, making the listening experience more pleasant.
• Adaptive Sound: This feature automatically adjusts between transparency and noise cancellation modes based on your environment. For example, if you’re walking down a street with roadwork, noise cancellation will increase. The personalized volume is also adjusted by AI to match the surrounding environment.

These features make the AirPods Pro a versatile choice for various situations, enhancing comfort and functionality.

Battery Life and Charging

The battery life for both models is quite similar, but the AirPods Pro have a slight edge:

• Playback Time: Both models provide up to 6 hours of playback time on a single charge.
• Spatial Audio: Up to 5 hours with AirPods 3 and up to 5.5 hours with AirPods Pro.
• Talk Time: 4 hours with AirPods 3 and 4.5 hours with AirPods Pro.

With the Charging Case:

• AirPods 3: Up to 30 hours of music playback and 20 hours of talk time.
• AirPods Pro: Up to 30 hours of music playback and 24 hours of talk time.

Charging Options:

• AirPods 3: Charged via Lightning connector.
• AirPods Pro 2: Charged via USB-C cable.

Both models support MagSafe wireless charging. However, the second generation of AirPods Pro offers more versatility in charging options.

Design of the Earbuds and Case

The charging cases are almost identical. The AirPods Pro 2 case measures 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 mm and weighs 50.8 g. The AirPods 3 case is slightly smaller (46.4 x 54.4 x 21.38 mm) and lighter (37.91 g). The Pro version case features a built-in speaker that emits a sound when you are searching for the case or if the battery is low.

The difference in the shape of the earbuds is noticeable. The AirPods Pro are in-ear, with interchangeable silicone tips (extra pairs of different sizes are included). They provide excellent noise isolation.

The AirPods 3 do not have any ear tips; they are standard drop-shaped earbuds. This design is more familiar and comfortable for many users. However, they do not offer the same level of noise isolation as the AirPods Pro, so they might not be as effective at blocking out noise in public transport or on the street.

Common Features

Both models share several useful features:

• Water Resistance: Both AirPods and their cases have an IPX4 rating, meaning they are resistant to splashes of water and sweat. They can handle use in the gym or during a run but should not be used while showering or swimming.
• Seamless Integration with Apple Devices: Simply connect the AirPods to a device with your Apple ID, and they will be able to recognize and connect with your other Apple devices. For example, if you’re using AirPods with a Mac and receive a call on your iPhone, the AirPods will automatically switch to the call.
• Automatic Ear Detection: Sound playback occurs only when both earbuds are in your ears. If you remove one earbud or place the earbuds on a surface without the case, playback stops.

Touch Controls and Finder Feature

• Touch Controls: Both models allow you to manage playback, such as pausing and skipping tracks, with touch gestures. You can also summon Siri by voice command (“Hey Siri”) or by tapping the earbuds. Siri can help with directions, finding tracks, and more.
• Finder: The “Find My” feature helps locate both the case and individual earbuds.

These features enhance convenience and show Apple’s attention to user experience.

AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro

Choosing between AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro depends on your preferences and needs. Both models offer reliable comfort, water resistance, easy connectivity, high-quality sound with spatial audio support, and long battery life.

• AirPods Pro: Opt for these if you prefer in-ear designs and value active noise cancellation. They are ideal for audiophiles and frequent callers who need to block out background noise in noisy environments.

If you don’t like in-ear headphones with silicone tips, drive a car, and prefer quiet environments for online communication and music listening, the AirPods 3 might be the better choice for you. They are also an excellent everyday accessory.

Additionally, AirPods 3 are more affordable compared to the Pro version, priced at 459 AZN versus 699 AZN.

To find out if you like the sound quality and if the fit suits you, visit iSpace and try both models of headphones. You can play your favorite song, compare the sound, and assess the fit to determine which one is best for you. Our consultants will assist you in making your choice and show you how to connect AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.

You can purchase AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 through Trade-in, as well as via installment or credit. See you at iSpace!

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