Comparison · Earbuds · Desk research
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro (1st generation)
Quick Answer
AirPods Pro 3 is the current sealed Pro: H2, second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the MagSafe Charging Case, Hearing Test / Hearing Aid / Hearing Protection, Live Translation, IP57 on buds and case, up to 8 hours ANC / 24 hours with case ANC, five tip sizes (XXS–L). AirPods Pro (1st generation) Support 111861 (Wireless Charging Case) and 111859 (MagSafe Charging Case) list the H1 headphone chip, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Adaptive EQ, IPX4 buds, three silicone tip sizes, 5.4.
The verdict
AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro (1st generation) — quote the two manufacturer sheets.
Why: Skip-gen sealed Pro. Distinct from Pro 3 vs Pro 2 and Pro 2 vs first Pro. First-gen Pro (Support 111861 / 111859) is H1, ANC + Transparency + Adaptive EQ, IPX4 buds, three tip sizes, Lightning Wireless or MagSafe case, up to 4.5h ANC / 5h off, more than 24h with case. Pro 3 is H2, IP57 buds and case, Hearing Test / Hearing Aid / Hearing Protection, Live Translation, 8h ANC / 24h case ANC, five tip sizes, USB-C MagSafe with 2nd-gen UWB.
Buy AirPods Pro 3 if
You want Apple’s current sealed Pro: IP57, hearing rows, USB-C MagSafe, and the 8-hour ANC claim.
Buy AirPods Pro (1st generation) if
You are shopping used first-gen Pros specifically for a seal and named ANC, and Lightning plus IPX4 buds are enough.
Spec comparison
Pro 3 from apple.com/airpods-pro/specs/. First-gen Pro from Support 111861 / 111859.
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro (1st generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H2; 2nd-gen UWB in MagSafe case | H1 |
| ANC | ANC; Adaptive Audio; Transparency; Conversation Awareness | ANC; Transparency; Adaptive EQ |
| Hours | Up to 8h ANC / 24h with case ANC | Up to 4.5h ANC / 5h off; more than 24h with case |
| IP | IP57 buds and case | IPX4 buds; case not sweat/water resistant (Apple footnote) |
| Tips | Five sizes (XXS–L) | Three sizes |
| Weight | Confirm live sheet | 5.4 g each |
| Connector | USB-C MagSafe | Lightning Wireless or MagSafe |
| Hearing rows | Hearing Test / Hearing Aid / Hearing Protection | Not on the cited Support pages |
| Bluetooth | Confirm live sheet | 5.0 |
Frequently asked questions
Is first-gen Pro USB-C?
No. Support 111861 / 111859 are Lightning cases (Wireless Charging or MagSafe). USB-C arrives on later Pro 2 (111834) and on Pro 3.
Does first-gen Pro list Hearing Aid?
Not on the Support pages we cite. Hearing Test / Hearing Aid / Hearing Protection are listed on the Pro 3 spec sheet.