Apple AirPods 3
Score: 54/100
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Lightning
Score: 64/100Rankings
AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offer top-tier ANC, personalized spatial audio and deep Apple ecosystem integration, delivering a premium experience for iPhone users. Battery life is modest at 6 h with ANC, and the case lacks wireless-charging indicators.
AirPods (3rd Gen) provide a comfortable, lightweight fit, spatial audio and impressive total battery life via a MagSafe case, but lack ANC and rely on a single AAC codec. They integrate tightly with Apple devices and are sweat-resistant, making them a solid everyday choice for iPhone users.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 hoursbest | 6 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.28 gbest | 4.28 gbest |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Active Noise Cancellation | false | true |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the AirPods 3 for delivering noticeably better audio, a more secure fit, and the addition of Spatial Audio and MagSafe charging, while noting the absence of ANC and limited codec support as primary shortcomings.
Everyday users love the effortless pairing, comfort and long battery life, but miss having active noise cancellation and wish for more color options and on-ear volume controls.
“Best noise cancellation I've ever used on a commute.”
“Love being able to swipe the stem to change volume-so convenient.”
Professional reviewers commend the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for their rich, balanced sound and industry-leading ANC, highlighting the Conversation Aware feature and case's built-in speaker, while noting the absence of hi-res codec support and a fixed EQ as drawbacks.
Everyday users rave about the superior noise cancellation, immersive spatial audio and convenience of stem-swipe volume control, but note the lack of EQ customization, case scratches and limited Android features.
