Compare the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3: determining the superior wireless earbuds.
Apple has recently unveiled the latest additions to its popular AirPods family, the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4. Both models offer improved features and designs, catering to different preferences and needs.
Design and Comfort
The AirPods 4 sport an open-fit design, similar to earlier AirPods, with ear tips resting just outside the ear canal. This design provides a less intrusive feel but a less complete seal. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 3 are rumoured to feature a sleeker in-ear design with silicone tips, offering a tighter seal inside the ear canal for improved comfort and noise isolation. The Pro 3 are also expected to have shorter stems and a smaller in-ear footprint.
Features
The AirPods 4 include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and improved design over previous non-Pro AirPods. However, they lack advanced health sensors. The AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, are expected to add new health sensors such as a heart-rate sensor and ear temperature sensor, along with an upgraded chip (H3) for better processing, improved ANC, and enhanced audio fidelity with potentially lower latency Bluetooth 5.4 support. The Pro 3 is also expected to have a new touch-sensitive case without an external pairing button.
Sound Quality
The AirPods Pro line, including the expected Pro 3, offers stronger bass, richer dynamics, and a more balanced and immersive sound experience. This is thanks to custom amplifiers and advanced drivers, making them the premium option in Apple's lineup. The AirPods 4 deliver solid sound quality for their price range and surprisingly good ANC for open-fit earbuds, but they cannot block out loud distractions as effectively as the Pro models due to their less complete ear seal.
Battery Life
Both models offer similar battery life: up to six hours on a single charge and increasing to 30 hours with the charging case. The AirPods Pro 2, however, boast an extended battery life, with a total of 30 hours (6 hours for the buds and 24 hours for the case), compared to the AirPods 4.
Summary
In summary, the AirPods Pro 3 are positioned as the more premium, feature-rich option, especially for users prioritizing advanced health sensors, superior sound quality, and best-in-class noise cancellation with an in-ear fit. The AirPods 4 offer a more affordable choice with a comfortable open fit, decent ANC, and solid audio but without the premium features or tight seal of the Pro models.
Here's a quick comparison table for a better understanding:
| Aspect | AirPods 4 | AirPods Pro 3 (Rumored) | |------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Fit | Open-fit, no in-ear seal | In-ear with silicone tips, smaller footprint | | Noise Cancelling | Active Noise Cancellation included | Enhanced ANC, stronger noise cancelling | | Audio Quality | Good, solid for price, open and detailed | Superior bass, richer dynamics, immersive audio | | Health Sensors| None | Heart-rate and ear temperature sensors added | | Chip | Previous generation chip | New H3 chip for better fidelity and lower latency | | Case Design | Standard with pairing button | Slimmer case, hidden touch pairing | | Battery Life | Around 5 hours (4 hours with ANC) + case | Slightly longer (similar to AirPods Pro 2 ~6 hours) |
The AirPods 3, it's worth noting, do not have ear tips to help with fit, and they lack noise-cancelling. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, have a clear, detailed, and powerful sound. The new AirPods Pro 3, with their advanced features and improved design, are expected to surpass the AirPods Pro 2 in many aspects, although detailed specifications and pricing are yet to be announced.
- For users seeking a premium audio experience with advanced health sensors, the AirPods Pro 3 might be the ideal choice, offering superior sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, and new health sensors.
- The AirPods 4 cater to a different segment of the market, providing a more affordable option with a comfortable open-fit design, decent Active Noise Cancellation, and solid audio quality.
- In terms of battery life, both models offer similar capabilities, providing up to six hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
- The AirPods Pro 3 is expected to feature a new touch-sensitive case without an external pairing button, offering a sleeker design.
- Technology enthusiasts and audiophiles may find the latest news about the AirPods Pro 3 interesting, particularly the rumors of shorter stems, a smaller in-ear footprint, and upgraded chip for better processing.
- When it comes time to make a purchase, considering these factors - fit, noise cancellation, audio quality, health sensors, chip, case design, and battery life - will help in deciding which AirPods model best suits individual needs and preferences.
