A new generation of AirPods were recently introduced at a mid-range price and they borrow several features from the AirPods Pro, but they are still no match for Apple's top-of-the-line model. While sound quality is very important in wireless earbuds, as is battery life, comfort is most critical when wearing for more than a few minutes at a time.
Apple has released five AirPods over the last six years, beginning with its first true-wireless earbuds in 2016. In 2019, AirPods Pro were added along with the second-generation AirPods. In 2020, Apple broke into the headphone market with its high-end AirPods Max. This created three distinct price tiers along with three sound quality and comfort levels. With the third-generation AirPods, Apple now has four wireless audio options for consumers to choose from.
The most recent addition to the AirPods lineup is AirPods 3, a significant upgrade over AirPods 2. With Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio, Apple has brought its 2021 earbuds much closer in sound quality to that of the AirPods Pro. The AirPods 3 even surpass the AirPods Pro in battery life, adding 1.5 hours to reach a maximum of 6 hours of listening time. Where the third-generation AirPods are lacking is in long-term comfort. AirPods Pro have a pressure equalization vent system that makes it feel almost as if there is nothing in the ear and the value really can't be overstated. Silicone ear tips are flexible and provide more comfort than the hard plastic of AirPods 3. Put simply, AirPods Pro are physically more comfortable.
AirPods 3 Match Many AirPods Pro Features
When compared to the previous generation, AirPods 3 are absolutely worth $50 more. Adding Adaptive EQ that uses an inward-facing microphone to optimize audio for what the wearer is actually hearing, the fidelity will be much improved. A high-excursion driver that enhances bass and spatial audio with head tracking are also new, matching the AirPods Pro in all of these sound quality features. The third-generation AirPods also include a new MagSafe Charging Case that's compatible with the MagSafe charger for the iPhone 12 and 13. New orders of AirPods Pro will receive the same case, but it wasn't available previously.
AirPods Pro offer even more audio refinements including Adaptive Active noise Cancellation which silences background sounds so only the music can be heard. Transparency mode allows natural ambient sound and conversation even when wearing AirPods Pro. Conversation Boost enhances speech by reducing background noise when in a crowded environment. While the third-generation AirPods are a big step up from AirPods 2, they can't match these advanced noise control features and don't match the extreme comfort of wearing AirPods Pro, Apple's very best earbuds.
Source: Apple