The Pro are able to put out more bass, and also have a great ANC feature. They come with differently-sized ear tips and are much more comfortable and stable once you find a good fit. On the other hand, the 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life, and their mic has a better recording quality.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3, the third generation of its high-end in-canal noise-cancelling earphones, surpass the AirPods Pro 2 in every way. Apple has dialed in a fresh sound that improves the audio, redesigned the buds to fit more securely in your ear, and added foam to the eartips to create a better in-ear seal.
AirPods Pro are the widest one with the shortest ear pieces with silicone rubber component. AirPods Pro Generation 1 and Generation 2 are both compatible with our AirPods Pro cases. AirPods Generation 3 case features a narrower width compared to the AirPods Pro and wider compared to Gen 1/2.
An even better-fitting design
The AirPods Pro 3 look a whole lot like their predecessor at first glance, but there are some key improvements here. They sport a slightly longer and curvier design, which does a better job hugging your ear for a secure fit without adding any uncomfortable pressure.
The AirPods Pro 3 charging case is lighter at 1.55 ounces compared to the AirPods Pro 2's case, which is 1.79 ounces. Apple also now puts five different sizes of ear tips in the box, and each tip is now foam-infused.
On AirPods or AirPods Pro, the model number appears on the underside of each AirPod, starting with the letter A. On AirPods Max, the model number appears behind the cushion on the left ear cup.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the best iPhone-compatible earbuds for small ears we've tested. These high-end earbuds are the next generation of the Apple AirPods Pro 2. They come with five sets of hybrid foam and silicone ear tips, and we found they've also sized down relative to the corresponding ear tips on the Pro 2.
The AirPods 4 are better in terms of both sound quality and features. You get an upgraded H2 chip for cleaner sound, upgraded force touch controls, a new model with the best ANC on open earbuds, and features like Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, etc. The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3.
The AirPods Pro 3 Are the Best AirPods Yet | Reviews by Wirecutter.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: Verdict
That said, the AirPods Pro 2 have excellent ANC and audio quality and are the better option if you're frequently in noisy environments. The AirPods Pro 2 also has unique features like hearing protection and hearing assistance and better (though not exceptional) battery life.
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.
Reasons to buy
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 upgrade is worth the cash. Apple has spent years refining its AirPods lineup, but the AirPods Pro 3 mark the most ambitious leap forward yet. These earbuds promise not just better Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and audio quality, but also new and exciting features.
The Pro 3 feel more comfortable and secure, unless your ears are sensitive to deeper-fitting in-ear designs compared to the AirPods Pro 2. That said, some people appreciate the less invasive in-ear fit of the AirPods Pro 2 vs the AirPods Pro 3's deeper fit that sits a little farther into the ear canal.
Try inserting the AirPods with the medium-sized ear tips in your ears so that the AirPods are seated comfortably and securely. If you can't get a good seal, try adjusting the AirPod or switch to a larger ear tip. If the ear tip feels too large in your ear or is uncomfortable, try a smaller ear tip.
Our Top Picks for Earbuds That Stay Put
JBL Endurance Peak 3: This is the ultimate training partner. With a bendable Powerhook™ design that adjusts to your ear shape and a rugged IP68 dustproof and waterproof rating, these earbuds that don't fall out are built to endure anything.
Learn how to insert AirPods 3 or AirPods 4 in your ears for the best fit. Gently press AirPods in your ears and rotate toward your face. Your AirPods should feel snug and secure.
Our Verdict. The Apple AirPods Pro are better for most purposes than the Apple AirPods (3rd generation). The Pro are able to put out more bass, and also have a great ANC feature. They come with differently-sized ear tips and are much more comfortable and stable once you find a good fit.
Fake AirPods may look similar, but they often lack key features such as:
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.
For free recycling of your old device, a prepaid shipping label, and instructions, see the Apple Trade In website.
Although the AirPods Pro 3 didn't get a new H3 chip or a charging case that could convert into a Bluetooth transceiver to use buds on a plane, the next gen Pro AirPods have all the key elements.