Apple’s AirPods (3rd Generation), AirPods Pro, AirPods (2nd Generation) and old AirPods comparison. Should you upgrade and which should you buy?
Why you can trust Pocket-lint (Pocket-lint) — Apple announced the third generation of AirPods in October 2021. These succeed the older — though still available — second generation of AirPods from early 2019, and they sit below the AirPods Pro, which launched in October 2019. The original AirPods are now completely discontinued. But how do the AirPods (3rd Gen), AirPods Pro and AirPods (2nd Gen) compare? Should you upgrade if you have the old AirPods and which should you buy if you’re in the market for a pair of Apple’s true wireless earphones? squirrel_widget_6163001 What’s the same between Apple’s AirPod models? All the AirPod models connect to your iPhone or Apple Watch with just one tap, offering super simple setup. Once connected, you’ll just need to select AirPods from the device you’re using and you’ll be ready to go. They all offer automatic switching between Apple devices too. There are sensors to automatically control the audio experience, playing sound as soon as the AirPods are in your ears and engaging the microphones for phone calls. You can also choose to wear one AirPod or both at any time. All AirPods models come in white only and they all have on-device controls, though the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods Pro have more advanced controls compared to the standard AirPods and AirPods 2. squirrel_widget_168834 What’s different between Apple’s AirPods models? As you would expect, there are a number of differences between the AirPods (3rd Generation), AirPods Pro and AirPods (2nd Generation). Design AirPods (3rd Gen) / AirPods Pro: IPX4 water and sweat resistant AirPods 2: No IP rating The AirPods (3rd Gen), AirPods Pro and AirPods 2 all have different designs, though the AirPods 2 look identical to the original AirPods. Both the AirPods (3rd Gen) and the AirPods Pro are IPX4 water and sweat resistant and have short stems, while the other AirPods models are not sweat or water resistant and have longer stems. The Pro model come with silicone ear tips in three sizes for a better fit — which is the main differentiating factor between them and the AirPods (3rd Generation). The AirPods Pro also have a vent system in their design for pressure equalisation, as well as a force sensor on the stem, allowing for more controls. The AirPods (3rd Gen) also have this force sensor, but they don’t have the vent system. Additionally, the AirPods Pro feature two microphones for active noise cancellation. Apple AirPods vs Beats Powerbeats Pro Controls AirPods (3rd Gen) / AirPods Pro: Advanced on-device controls AirPods 2: Basic on-device controls The AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods Pro have more advanced on-device controls than the AirPods 2 and old AirPods. On both the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods Pro, one tap on the stem will allow users to play, pause or answer a phone call.
