Upgrading from AirPods 2 (standard) to AirPods 3 (standard) offers better sound, longer battery, spatial audio, sweat resistance, and a more secure fit with new ear tips, making it a worthwhile upgrade for general users seeking these enhancements, but if you have AirPods Pro 2, the upgrade to Pro 3 is more nuanced, depending on if you prioritize new features like heart rate sensing or better ANC/fit over saving money, as Pro 2 remains excellent and gets some Pro 3 features via updates.
As I said, these buds are significantly improved in the four most important areas: fit, sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life. The result is that you don't feel like you're making any compromises when buying the AirPods Pro 3 if you're an Apple user.
The AirPods Pro 2's IP rating depends on whether you own one with an earlier Lightning (IPX4) or USB-C (IP54) port. In comparison, the larger case of the AirPods Pro 3 has a higher IP rating of IP57, making them more dust and water-proof.
Overall Winner: Apple AirPods 3rd Generation
The newer 3rd generation of Apple's regular line of AirPods is improved upon the 2nd generation in pretty much every way. With better sound quality, features like Spatial Audio, and 20% more battery life, it's hard to argue a case for the older 2nd generation.
While the Pro 3s do cancel slightly better (at the cost of ear canal pressure from the eartips), in my experience this difference is very minor, and really only noticeable when A/B'ing them side by side. The Pro 2s already did an outstanding job with noise cancellation, so you're not gaining much here.
Are AirPods 3 noise cancelling? No, Apple AirPods 3rd generation do not contain any active noise cancelling features. Only the AirPods Pro series and Max contain noise cancelling.
Like their predecessors, the AirPods (3rd gen) are designed to last between 2 to 3 years, factoring in the typical 300 to 500 charge cycles that lithium-ion batteries can sustain.
The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3, offering superior sound with better bass, the H2 chip for advanced features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, and USB-C charging (with MagSafe on the ANC model), making them a significant upgrade for most users seeking improved audio and modern tech in an open-ear design, though the AirPods Pro 3 offers superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) if a sealed fit and top-tier noise blocking are priorities.
Between the new shape and the foam-infused ear tips, AirPods Pro 3 are a lot easier for me to wear for longer periods of time. Apple says that these are the 'most secure and best-fitting AirPods ever', based on 100,000 hours of user research and 300 million ear fit datapoints. That certainly feels accurate.
The AirPods 4 are better for an open, comfortable fit with good sound and features like Spatial Audio, while the AirPods Pro 2 offer superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), richer bass, louder volume, and volume control on the stem, making them better for immersive listening and noisy environments. Choose AirPods 4 for budget-friendly comfort and sound; choose AirPods Pro 2 for top-tier ANC, sound, and features, especially if you prefer an in-ear seal.
The "best" AirPod depends on your needs, but the AirPods Pro 3 are generally considered the top overall for features like superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), fitness tracking (heart rate), and sound, while the AirPods 4 (ANC version) offer great value and improved sound for those who prefer the open-ear design. For premium sound and design, the AirPods Max are the best over-ear choice, but the Pro 3 earbuds offer the best balance of features, performance, and fit for most users.
AirPods Pro 3 deliver unbelievable sound quality, the world's best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation, an exceptional fit and stability, heart rate sensing during workouts, and extended battery life.
Sound Quality: More Accurate Audio
The AirPods Pro 3 sound even better than the already excellent Pro 2, thanks to a new multiport acoustic design and refined Adaptive EQ that actively adjusts the audio profile to what you're listening to.
The AirPods Pro 2 offers excellent noise cancellation and sound, but the newer AirPods Pro 3 (or the latest gen, depending on the date of review) brings significant upgrades like enhanced ANC, improved sound quality with deeper bass, longer single-charge battery life (8 hrs vs 6 hrs), heart rate tracking, more water resistance, and USB-C charging, making the Pro 3 better for workouts and serious listeners, while the Pro 2 remains a strong value.
Best Noise Cancellation and Sound
You still can't adjust the EQ the way you can with other earbuds, but otherwise, the AirPods Pro 3 are close to perfect and the best in-ear AirPods you can buy.
Yes, AirPods 4 are considered worth it for many users, especially the model with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), as they offer great sound, effective ANC for an open-fit earbud, superior Apple ecosystem integration (H2 chip), improved comfort for those who dislike silicone tips, and a more affordable price point than AirPods Pro. They are a strong contender for the best everyday Apple earbuds, though they lack volume control on the buds and some advanced Pro features, but provide excellent value for most users wanting an upgrade from older models.
With typical usage, your AirPods will last for around two or three years, and the cause of most failures is the lithium-ion battery. This length of time coincides nicely, for Apple, with their general two and a-half year product cycles.
While the lifespan of AirPods can vary depending on usage patterns and environmental factors, it is generally recommended to consider replacing them after approximately two to three years of regular use.
AirPods batteries drain fast mainly due to battery wear, ANC/Transparency mode, Spatial Audio, high volume, and constant device switching. Turn off these features when not needed, update firmware, reset AirPods if necessary, and avoid heat exposure to extend battery life.
AirPods 3 are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and they are IPX4 rated. Sweat and water resistance are not permanent conditions. Size and weight vary by configuration and manufacturing process. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage, and many other factors.