Hey, Let‘s Compare AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3!

So you‘re trying to decide between Apple‘s top two wireless earbuds – the AirPods Pro and the new AirPods 3. Both pack great features into Apple‘s iconic design. But with a $70 price gap between them, you probably want to know – what am I really getting for my money?

Well friend, you‘ve come to the right place! I‘ve tested both models extensively. And today I‘m going to break down exactly how they compare on fit, noise cancellation, battery life, sound quality and overall value. Read on to demystify the differences once and for all!

AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: An Overview

First things first – let‘s level set on what each product is designed to deliver:

AirPods Pro – launched in 2019. Apple‘s high-end earbuds with premium sound and best-in-class noise canceling ability.

AirPods 3 – launched in 2021. The latest evolution of Apple‘s base model AirPods. More advanced features than past models with great sound at an attractive price point.

The AirPods Pro sit at the top of Apple‘s earbud lineup at $249. The AirPods 3 cost $179 – about $70 less.

For that extra $70 with the Pro model, highlights of what you gain include:

• Active noise cancelling – uses microphones and audio processing to shut out ambient sound
• Transparency mode – lets external noise in when you need it
• Adaptive EQ – tailors sound output to your ear shape
• Silicon tips – create a tighter, more comfortable seal

The already capable AirPods 3 catch up in certain areas as well:

• Spatial audio for surround-like sound
• Longer battery life per charge
• Improved water resistance even on the charging case
• Redesigned contoured shape for a more secure fit

Now let‘s take a much closer, side-by-side look at each model across the specs and features that matter most:

Sound Isolation and Noise Cancellation Ability

One of the starkest differences you‘ll encounter is how the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 handle ambient sound around you. Let‘s examine why:

Noise Cancellation Technologies Compared:

The AirPods Pro is equipped with dual beamforming microphones on the outside that can detect external noise. It then generates opposite sound waves internally to cancel that noise before you hear it.

This active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively filters out ambient sounds like traffic, chatter and HVAC systems.

Tests show AirPods Pro scoring around 24 decibels of noise reduction – blocking nearly 4x more sound than your average noise isolating earbud!

Alternatively, you can switch on Transparency Mode which uses the external mics to let in audio around you. That way you don‘t need to remove the AirPods Pro when someone stops to chat.

Pretty clever right? These two modes give you serious flexibility to tune out or let in your environment at will.

Now the AirPods 3 rely solely on passive noise isolation. This means they use their snug fit to physically block sound waves attempting to enter your ear canal.

But without microphones and processing power actively cancelling noise like the AirPods Pro, they score 50% lower at noise reduction – around 14 decibels in technical testing.

So while the AirPods 3 do dampen external noise noticeably, it‘s moderate compared to the superior active system in the AirPods Pro.

If you plan on using your earbuds to commute, work in noisy environments or take lots of calls – I strongly recommend investing in the Pro model. Your ears and callers on the other end will thank you!

Fit and Comfort

Beyond sound blocking, comfort is critical when you wear earbuds for hours on end. It can literally make or break your listening experience.

And the silicone eartips included with AirPods Pro may provide their single biggest comfort advantage over other AirPods models.

These soft tapered tips gently expand to mold to the unique shape of your ear canal. This creates a super tight yet comfy seal that makes the world around you disappear!

Even better, the AirPods Pro comes with small, medium and large sized eartips included right in the box. Pop them on and off to find your perfect match.

Many users, including myself, find the silicon tips drastically more secure and pleasant to wear over long stretches. They make the AirPods Pro one of Wirecutter‘s highest rated options for comfort & fit too.

(One warning – if you have really small or oddly shaped ears, the tips may still not work. But for most buyers the customization does the job)

Now the AirPods 3 instead sticks with Apple‘s standard hard plastic bud design. While nicely contoured, they aren‘t quite as adaptable without the silicone tips.

So I would still say the AirPods 3 are comfortable for casual use. Their new shape creates a fairly tight seal passively.

However if all-day wear, workout usage or sleeping in your earbuds are priorities – the tips make AirPods Pro the more comfortable, stay-in-place option. At least for average ear shapes.

Battery Life

One tradeoff with advanced features like active noise cancellation is increased battery drain. Let‘s examine the runtime you can expect between charges:

Battery Life Comparison:

As displayed above, the AirPods 3 maintain about 1.5 extra hours of listening time per charge compared to the AirPods Pro. That‘s over 30% longer runtime before needing to pop them back in the case!

I found real world usage to reflect the specs pretty closely too. I typically hit around 4 hours of listening tops with my AirPods Pro before the low battery warning kicks in.

Whereas I can regularly jam out to my music for a full 5+ hours on a single AirPods 3 charge without issue.

Why the gap? Those workload intensive noise cancellation and transparency mode features in the AirPods Pro sap more battery over time. Constantly monitoring soundwaves using multiple microphones and processing that audio taxes the chip more heavily.

Now I‘ll say both models still offer excellent 24+ hours total playtime when you factor in the portable charging cases. So even AirPods Pro give you nearly a full day‘s use before you need an outlet.

But for the longest continuous listening or talk time before charging, AirPods 3 is the battery champ. If you take marathon conference calls or binge hours of audio content in a single seating – that extra endurance could make a big difference!

Audio Performance

With both models powered by Apple‘s latest generation H1 chip for high quality wireless transmission, you might expect very comparable sound too.

And it‘s true – reviewers praise both the musicality and clarity you‘ll enjoy whether you choose AirPods Pro or AirPods 3.

But under closer scrutiny by audio engineers and products testers, a few subtle differences emerge:

Sound Quality Comparison

You can glimpse the contrasts visually in these frequency response graphs published at SoundGuys. While the sound curves of both products demonstrate quality reproduction, AirPods Pro reaches both deeper down into bass and higher up into treble notes.

What does that translate to for non-audiophiles?

• AirPods Pro tend to produce comparatively richer, more spacious sound – especially in bass impact you can really feel. Positioning them as the best sounding wireless earbuds Wirecutter has tested to date. No caveats needed.

• AirPods 3 deliver extremely impressive sound too, with slightly flatter or less sculpted quality. Bass doesn‘t thump quite as hard and highs aren‘t quite as crystalline. But fidelity and balance still beat out the majority of competitors.

Now average listeners probably won‘t detect huge differences without a side-by-side test. Both products deliver clean, dynamic audio miles beyond the tiny drivers inside would suggest.

But for discerning professionals, serious music junkies and podcast producers – that extra hint of sonic magic in the AirPods Pro could nudge them to the win column.

So audio quality doesn‘t provide a cut and dry verdict. Unless you really analyze, AirPods 3 sound darn impressive too. Especially for under $200.

But yes – if I had to crown a sound champion between the two…advantage AirPods Pro!

Pricing and Value Comparison

Let‘s tie a bow on this battle with a final verdict on value for money at their respective price points:

To recap, with AirPods Pro as the premium model at $249 MSRP – you‘re paying mainly for unequaled active noise cancelling tech and richer, studio-like sound.

These make Pro the right pick if you:

• Use earbuds heavily in noisy environments
• Produce audio content professionally

For just $179, the AirPods 3 deliver way more bang for buck if don‘t need top-shelf ANC. You still get amazing sound paired with longer battery life.

So AirPods 3 earn their merit for:

• Budget-focused buyers
• Those who listen casually in quieter settings

Now between sales and discounts from retailers like Amazon, you can often grab both models for less than Apple‘s MSRP. Just know the differences in core capabilities outlined above remain consistent if you snag a deal!

So let budget guide you, but chose the model based on your needs and priorities for an awesome wireless audio experience.

Hopefully this detailed feature comparison equips you to decide whether stepping up to AirPods Pro is worthwhile or if AirPods 3 already tick all the boxes you want checked! Let me know if any other questions pop up.