Shop All-Time Low Prices on AirPods Pro 2 With USB-C and AirPods 3 in Amazon's Sale (2024)

FAQs

Why is AirPods Pro 2 more expensive than AirPods 3? ›

But there are still certain benefits you can only get on the pricier AirPods Pro 2, the biggest being active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Multiple ear tip sizes, the ability to swipe up and down to control music volume and ultra wideband support are also exclusive to the Pro 2.

The new-for-2023 AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) are very similar to last year's Lightning model and cost the same ($249, £249, AU$399 list, with a street price closer to $200), but they're not identical. First, the new buds and charging case add increased dust-resistance (IP54 rating instead of IPX4).

The AirPods 3 borrow some of the Pros' key features — including their sleek looks and immersive Spatial Audio — but pack them into a simpler and more affordable design that sacrifices things like ANC and a secure silicon fit.

Check serial number

Every original AirPods box comes with a serial number, so make sure you head over to the Apple serial number checker page and type in the serial number of your wireless earbuds to see if they are genuine or not.

AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 3: the verdict

If you don't care much about active noise-cancelling, the AirPods 3 are a solid option, especially if you prefer the original AirPods fit over the AirPods Pro. Plus, AirPods 3 are cheaper, making them the value pick.

They're pleasingly tonally neutral and low-level dynamic shifts are handled admirably, even if we prefer a number of AirPods alternatives for their better performance. Apple hasn't stood still in the sound department: the AirPods 3 deliver a sonic step up from the AirPods 2.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review in short

The soundstage is surprisingly wide, but lacks depth. The active noise cancelling is very good, but not quite as powerful as over-ear headphones. They are an excellent value and overall package, especially at half the price of the AirPods Max.

With a universal charging port, improved durability and slightly enhanced sound design, the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C are a notable upgrade over the Lightning model.

USB-C is just faster and more reliable too. It transmits more data and power across a broader range of devices than Lightning. Lightning could only transmit 480 Mbps, while USB-C can go to 40 Gbps — almost 85 times faster data transfer. Lightning could only carry a maximum of 20W, while USB-C can handle 240W.

Best traditional AirPods

The AirPods (3rd Generation) offer nearly all of the same high-end audio features as the AirPods Pro 2 -- except for noise cancellation and transparency mode -- but at a lower price of $169, or $179 with the wireless case, which is well worth it.

Which is better, AirPods 3 or Pro? ›

Perhaps the most critical difference is that AirPods 3 do not have active noise cancellation. This feature is only found on the AirPods Pro, meaning that with just one click, you can shut out outside noise, perfect for when you want to block out the rest of the world and concentrate.

A buildup of gunk in your AirPods can make them sound muffled. To get them clean, wipe them down with a dry, lint-free cloth.

You can also look for other tells, like the logo. On the box of any AirPods, you should be able to locate an Apple logo. The bite mark is a perfect semicircle, so there should be no rounding on the points where it meets the outer bounds of the Apple logo. Additionally, if it's a sticker or inset, also fake.

There's a chance of a battery explosion due to excess heat or a short circuit. And you can't blame the company because these are fake AirPods. That's why it's almost always best to get a genuine accessory, especially if it's a product that stays on your body.

Our Verdict. The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are better for most purposes than the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless. The Pro have a much more neutral sound profile and a great ANC feature. They come with differently-sized ear tips and are much more comfortable and stable once you find a good fit.

Why is it more expensive? Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 are superior to the AirPods 3 in virtually every way including sound quality and noise cancellation. The AirPods 3 are cheaper and more comfortable, since they don't go into the ear canal like the Pro 2.

We go into an in-depth comparative breakdown below, but it comes down to this: For original AirPods Pro users, the AirPods Pro 2 are a worthy upgrade, thanks to the improved noise canceling performance, transparency mode, and improvements to the charging case.

The AirPods Pro price also reflects the new Transparency Mode, which allows certain sounds to break through noise cancellation when required. Plus, intelligent, active sound monitoring is achieved through an internal and external microphone adjusting your noise cancellation 200 times per minute.