Apple AirPods Pro · Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2: Worth the Upgrade?
More of a Sidegrade
Trading a Apple AirPods Pro 2 for a Apple AirPods Pro 3 is more of a sidegrade than an upgrade — you gain in some areas but lose in others. Only switch if the specific differences align with your needs.
28
Upgrade Score
-$15
Price Difference
0
Rating Change
3
New Features
4
Features Removed
How the Scores Compare
Apple AirPods Pro 2→Apple AirPods Pro 3
Anc-94
94
→
0
Portability+92
0
→
92
Fit+88
0
→
88
Quiet+88
0
→
88
Sound-88
88
→
0
Comfort-88
88
→
0
Value-10
86
→
76
Higher is better. Category-specific 0-100 scale. Lighter bar = Apple AirPods Pro 2, highlighted bar = Apple AirPods Pro 3.
What Changed
Added in the New Generation
- +Premium active noise cancellation
- +Adaptive Audio with Conversation Awareness
- +Silicone-tip secure fit
Removed from Previous Generation
- −Apple H2 chip
- −Active Noise Cancellation (2x stronger than AirPods Pro 1)
- −Adaptive Transparency mode
- −Personalized Spatial Audio
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Apple AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Form Factor | In-ear true wireless | — |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours buds / 30 hours with case | 6 hours (ANC on), 30 hours with case |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Best For | iPhone owners who want the safest premium pick | Apple ecosystem users and ANC-first buyers |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Chip | — | Apple H2 |
| ANC | — | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency | — | Adaptive Transparency |