Comparison · Earbuds · Desk research
AirPods (3rd generation) vs AirPods Pro 2
Quick Answer
AirPods (3rd generation, Support 111863, year introduced 2021) are H1 open stems: Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, force sensor, IPX4 on buds and case, Lightning Charging Case or MagSafe Charging Case (both still use Lightning as the wired connector), up to 6 hours listening (up to 5 hours with Personalized Spatial Audio), up to 30 hours with the case, 4.28g each, 37.91g case, Bluetooth 5.0. There is no Active Noise Cancellation row. AirPods Pro 2 is.
The verdict
AirPods (3rd generation) or AirPods Pro 2 — quote the two manufacturer sheets.
Why: Old-vs-old / leftover open-ear versus sealed. AirPods 3 Support 111863 (year 2021): H1, Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, IPX4 buds and case, Lightning or MagSafe case (Lightning wired), up to 6 hours (5 with Spatial), 30 hours with case, 4.28g, Bluetooth 5.0. No ANC row. Pro 2 is H2 with tips and the Hearing rows. Parallel to AirPods 4 vs Pro 2 and AirPods 5 vs Pro 3 — keep generations named.
Buy AirPods (3rd generation) if
You want the 2021 open-ear AirPods with Spatial Audio and you do not need ANC or silicone tips.
Buy AirPods Pro 2 if
You want sealed Pro 2 (Lightning or USB-C) for ANC and Hearing Test / Hearing Aid / Hearing Protection as listed on Pro 2 Support.
Spec comparison
AirPods 3 from Support 111863. Pro 2 from 111851 / 111834.
| Spec | AirPods 3 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Year introduced | 2021 | 2022 Lightning / 2023 USB-C |
| Chip | H1 | H2; U1 in MagSafe case |
| Fit | Open stem | Sealed tips |
| ANC | Not listed | Listed |
| Battery — buds | Up to 6h (5h with Personalized Spatial Audio) | Up to 6h (5.5h Spatial + head tracking) |
| Battery — with case | Up to 30h | Up to 30h |
| IP | IPX4 buds and case | IPX4 Lightning page; IP54 USB-C page |
| Case | Lightning or MagSafe (Lightning wired) | Lightning MagSafe or USB-C MagSafe |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Bud weight | 4.28g | As printed on the Pro 2 page you cite |
Frequently asked questions
Do AirPods 3 have ANC?
No. Support 111863 does not list Active Noise Cancellation.
Is the AirPods 3 case USB-C?
No. Support 111863 lists a Lightning Charging Case or a MagSafe Charging Case that still uses Lightning as the wired connector, plus a Lightning to USB-C cable in the box.