Apple has grown from only selling one AirPods model in the last two-years to offering a range of models. Four. You can currently buy three earbuds—the 2nd-gen AirPods, 3rd-gen AirPods?, and 2nd-gen AirPods Pro—or the AirPods Max over-the-ear headphones.
Let’s set that last aside for a moment. If you’re willing to spend $500 or more on a pair of cans, you’re making a whole different buying decision than if you want true wireless earbuds.
However, there are three very similar-looking earbuds you can choose from. Which one is best for you?
A glance at the features
Perhaps the best way for you to make a purchase decision is to compare the three AirPods currently in use.
| AirPods 2nd generation | AirPods (3rd gen) | AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prices | $129/£139 | $179/£189 | $249/£249 |
| Weight (earbuds). | 0.14 oz (4 grams) | 0.15 oz (4.3 grams) | 0.19 oz (5.3 grams) |
| Weight (case). | 1.35 oz (38 grams) | 1.34 oz (38 grams) | 1.79 oz (50.8 grams) |
| Battery Life | 5 hrs + 19 from each case | 6 hours + 24 from the case | 6 hrs + 24 from your case |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes (MagSafe). | Yes (MagSafe). |
| Noise-cancellation | No | No | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Apple Music only; no head tracking | Head tracking for music and video | Head tracking for music and video |
| Controls | Click on the earbuds | Force sensor for stem | Stem force sensor, swipe on stem |
| Water/sweat-resistant | No | Yes (IPX4) | Yes (IPX4) |
Design
Their design is the most noticeable difference between the models. The 2nd-gen AirPods retain the design you’ve known since 2016, with long white stems and earbuds that resemble the wired earpods that used to come with iPhones, just without the wire.
The 3rd generation AirPods are shorter and have a bulbous, rounder earpiece. Despite the shorter stems, they’ve very similar in weight to the older AirPods. The charging case looks very similar to that of the AirPods Pro–shorter and wider. AirPods Pro use the same short-stem design but add rubberized eartips. This seals out more noise and improves sound quality.
You can only buy glossy white AirPods, no matter what AirPods you pick.
Noise cancelling
The AirPods Pro are distinguished by this feature and it is the most likely reason to choose them over third-generation AirPods. Rubberized tips block more outside noise and active noise cancellation gives you the feeling of a more private listening area.
While we’re at it, we should mention that only the AirPods Pro support the Conversation boosterAccessibility feature
Spatial Audio and sound quality
All AirPods support Dolby Atmos spatial audio in Apple Music. You can even force it on! AnyPair of headphones The 2nd-generation AirPods do not support spatial audio. For this to happen, you need the AirPods Pro 3rd-generation and the AirPods Pro Pro 4th-generation.
In many other aspects, the third-generation AirPods are better than the second-gen. Apple’s new low-distortion driver has been redesigned and claims it delivers better sound quality. They also support adaptive EQ, like the AirPods Pro. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) sound better than regular AirPods. This is even with active noise cancelling. The 2nd-generation AirPods Pro, which was released in September 2022 offered a huge improvement in sound quality compared to the original AirPods Pro.
Controls and features
Controlling the 2nd-gen AirPods is as simple as tapping them. The 3rd-gen AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro have a small cutout on their stems that are sensitive to pressure. Squeeze the stem (there’s a faux “click” sensation) to play/pause, skip forward, back, or summon Siri. The AirPods Pro can also detect a swipe up or down along the stem to change volume (that’s new in the 2nd-gen model). All AirPods models support hands-free “Hey Siri” control.
Both AirPods Pro and 3rd-gen AirPods are water- and sweat-resistant, and probably better suited to working out, though you wouldn’t want to dunk any of them in the pool. The 2nd-gen AirPods don’t have any water resistance.
AirPods 3rd generation support increased Find My support to track down lost earbuds or set separation alerts. AirPods Pro are now available with a speaker in the charging case. This allows Find My to play a louder tone and can be used to guide you directly to your AirPods Pro. Announce Notifications are now available on the 3rd-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro. This allows Siri to dictate important messages or alerts as they arrive.
Battery life
AirPods 2nd generation last for five hours and can be charged approximately four times with the case, giving you a total of 24 hour listening time.
AirPods Pro and the 3rd-gen AirPods extend this listening time by one hour, giving you six hours of listening. With four additional charges, you have a total of thirty hours. AirPods Pro can be turned off to increase your listening time by approximately an hour.
Wireless charging
Apple sells the 2nd generation AirPods with a wired cover, but you can also buy a wireless case. Wireless charging case starting at $79 separately. The AirPods Pro 3rd-gen as well as the AirPods Pro Pro 3rd generation come with a wireless case that can charge via Lightning or any Qi wireless charger. Your Apple Watch charger can be used to charge the AirPods Pro.
Conclusion
The three AirPods models Apple offers vary in their design. If you don’t care about wireless charging, the 2nd-gen AirPods for $129 is a decent buy. They won’t sound quite as good or last quite as long as the 3rd-gen AirPods, but they’re a good affordable option. The 3rd-generation AirPods are recommended if wireless charging is important. However, the charging case for the 2nd-gen AirPods will cost $20 more than that of the 3rd. AirPods Pro have been updated to a second generation model in September 2022. While they are more expensive, they provide better sound quality, unique features, such as active noise cancelling, adaptive transparent and conversation boost.
The 3rd-gen AirPods we think are the best purchase for most. They’re technically cheaper than the 2nd-gen AirPods with a wireless charging case and come with a slew of new features. They have longer battery life and better sound quality. Since the release of the second-generation AirPods Pro, they are clearly the superior choice in every way, but you’ll pay more than 40% more for them, typically. If noise cancelling matters to you, it’s worth the extra expense.
