AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: the clear-headed buyer’s guide
Noise cancelling, sound, comfort and case features—distilled for everyday listeners and frequent commuters. Start with the quick table, then explore deeper detail and UK buying links.
At-a-glance recommendation
Best overall AirPods Pro 3 — cleaner ANC in traffic, better wind handling, improved case features.
Best value AirPods Pro 2 — if found at a strong discount, you lose little on sound but keep excellent transparency and comfort.
Spec & feature comparison
| Category | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | More open midrange, tidier bass control; adaptive EQ & Spatial Audio personalisation | Balanced profile with lively bass; Spatial Audio support |
| ANC & Transparency | Stronger low-frequency ANC, improved wind suppression; natural Transparency | Excellent ANC for the class; superb Transparency already |
| Controls | Force-sensor stems + refined volume swipe; faster Siri | Force-sensor stems + volume swipe |
| Case | USB-C, MagSafe/Watch charging, precise Find My, lanyard loop | USB-C (newer revision), MagSafe/Watch charging, Find My |
| Battery (rated) | ~6 hrs with ANC on; 24+ hrs with case | ~6 hrs with ANC on; 24+ hrs with case |
| Fit & comfort | Four tip sizes with improved seal test; subtle ergonomic tweak | Three tip sizes; light, pressure-relief vents |
| Ecosystem extras | Seamless device switching, head-tracked Spatial, audio handoff, Conversation Awareness | As above, minus the latest tweaks |
| Who should buy | Daily commuters, frequent travellers, anyone who values the newest Apple features | Bargain hunters who still want premium ANC and deep Apple integration |
Build, mics & connectivity details
| Category | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Mic quality (calls) | Clearer voices with better wind rejection; cleaner sibilants outdoors. | Very good indoors; more wind artefacts outside than Pro 3. |
| Weight (per bud / case) | ~5.3g / ~50g (approx.) — feather-light in ear. | ~5.4g / ~50g (approx.) — similarly light and pocketable. |
| Ingress protection | IPX4 buds & case — splash/sweat resistant. | IPX4 buds & case — splash/sweat resistant. |
| Codecs | AAC over Bluetooth; ultra-low latency path within Apple ecosystem. | AAC over Bluetooth; same ecosystem optimisations. |
| Bluetooth | Latest Apple wireless stack with stable multi-device switching. | Apple wireless stack with seamless switching across devices. |
| Latency (video/games) | Very low on iPhone/iPad/Mac; improved game mode support. | Low on Apple devices; game mode in recent updates. |
| Charging | USB-C + MagSafe/Apple Watch chargers; wireless charging. | USB-C (latest revision) + MagSafe/Apple Watch chargers; wireless charging. |
| Find My & case extras | Precision Find My, speaker in case, lanyard loop, U1-class directionality. | Find My support; newer revision adds case speaker and USB-C. |
| Sustainability | Recycled materials in magnets/metals; reduced-plastic packaging. | Similar approach; fewer incremental changes than Pro 3 gen. |
| Warranty & support | Standard Apple warranty; AppleCare+ optional for loss/damage cover. | Same coverage options as Pro 3. |
Figures are typical published values; minor regional/revision differences may apply.
Sound quality: subtle polish vs familiar balance
Both pairs share Apple’s “easy to listen to” tuning: full but not boomy bass, present vocals and controlled treble. Pro 3 sound a touch cleaner when tracks get busy—kick drums keep better shape and vocals sit forward with less haze. Spatial Audio is fun for concerts and shines for films on iPad or Apple TV.
Noise cancelling & Transparency: small wins where it counts
Pro 2 set a high bar; Pro 3 nudge it higher. Underground rumbles, bus engines and aircraft cabin noise are damped more evenly, and wind artefacts are less intrusive on brisk walks. Transparency mode on both is among the most natural you’ll hear, which is why many leave it on all day at the office.
Comfort, fit & controls
The Pro design remains one of the least fussy in-ears: lightweight buds, pressure-relief vents and stems that make controls easy. Pro 3 add a more sensitive volume swipe and an improved fit test that helps pick the right tips. If silicone tips never agree with the ears, memory-foam options work well with either model.
Battery & charging
Real-world stamina is much the same: around six hours with ANC on, and over a day total with the case. Both cases charge via USB-C and support MagSafe/Apple Watch chargers—handy for one-cable travel.
Apple ecosystem features
Regardless of model, you get effortless pairing, one-tap switching between iPhone, iPad and Mac, and voice-driven Siri control. Pro 3 lean into Apple’s latest audio tricks—Conversation Awareness and smarter adaptive modes—while Pro 2 keep the fundamentals rock solid.
Verdict: which should you buy?
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if commuting, wind noise and seamless Apple extras are priorities. They’re the “no-regrets” pick.
Choose AirPods Pro 2 if you see a significant discount. You’ll keep great sound, comfort and most flagship features for less money.
Where to buy in the UK
Three – Audio
O2 – AirPods
EE – AirPods Pro 3
ASDA Mobile – Accessories
Currys – AirPods
Apple – AirPods
Prices vary by retailer and promotions. DealsToUK may earn a small affiliate commission if you purchase via links, at no extra cost to you.
FAQs
Do Pro 3 sound dramatically better than Pro 2?
No dramatic leap—more a tidy refinement. If you listen in noisy places, the cleaner ANC on Pro 3 makes the difference more noticeable.
Will Pro 2 get the same features via updates?
Some software features arrive for both, but hardware-driven improvements (ANC tuning, microphones, case extras) remain Pro 3 advantages.
Are they good for calls?
Yes. Both handle office calls and video meetings well. Pro 3 do a better job rejecting wind outdoors.
Can they connect to Android?
They’ll pair like any Bluetooth earbuds, but you miss Apple-specific perks: instant pairing, seamless device switching, Spatial head tracking and Find My.
Which tips should be used?
Start with the medium silicone tips and run the fit test. If bass sounds weak or the buds slip, try small or large. For gym use, memory-foam tips can improve grip.
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