AirPods 2 Vs 3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
Airpods 2 & Airpods 3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as sound quality, performance, features, design, & connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Airpods 3 rather than Airpods 2.
Why Do I Recommend Apple Airpods 3?
- The AirPods 3 introduces Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating an immersive listening experience that simulates surround sound, while the AirPods 2 does not have this feature.
- It also includes an Adaptive EQ that automatically adjusts the sound based on how the AirPods fit in your ears. The 2nd Gen AirPods lack these advanced Adaptive EQ features.
- The AirPods 3 features a force sensor on the stem, allowing for more precise control of playback and other functions. The 2nd Gen uses less precise tap controls.
- AirPods 3 provides up to 6 hours of listening time, compared to 5 hours for the AirPods 2, which is ideal for extended travel or long listening sessions.
- Additionally, the charging case provides up to 30 hours of total listening time, compared to 24 hours with the 2nd Gen’s charging case. So you can enjoy your music and calls for longer without recharge.
- It has an IPX4 rating, making it resistant to water and sweat for workouts and outdoor activities, compared to the 2nd Gen AirPods, which do not have any water resistance rating.
- The AirPods 3’s charging case supports MagSafe and wireless charging as standard, offering more flexibility. In contrast, the 2nd Gen’s charging case supports wired charging.
- It has a more compact and ergonomic design with a shorter stem than the 2nd Gen, which retains the original longer stem design. The new design is intended to fit a more comprehensive range of ears better.
Maybe the AirPods 2 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AirPods 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | AirPods 3 | AirPods 2 |
Design | Shorter, contoured stems | Longer stems |
Audio Quality | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | Standard audio |
Driver Technology | Custom high-excursion Apple driver | Custom Apple driver |
Microphone | Inward-facing microphone; beamforming microphones | Dual beamforming microphones |
Water and Sweat Resistance | Yes (IPX4 rating) for earbuds and charging case | No water or sweat resistance |
Battery Life – Earbuds | Up to 6 hours of listening time (5 hours with Spatial Audio) | Up to 5 hours of listening time |
Battery Life – Talk Time | Up to 4 hours of talk time | Up to 3 hours of talk time |
Battery Life – Total with Case | Up to 30 hours of listening time, 20 hours talk time | Up to 24 hours of listening time, 18 hours talk time |
Charging Case | MagSafe, Lightning port | Lightning port; |
Charging Speed | 5 minutes in case provides around 1 hour | 15 minutes in case provides up to 3 hours |
Controls | Force sensor on stem for playback, calls, and Siri | Double-tap controls for playback and Siri |
Ear Fit | Contoured design for better fit and comfort | Classic universal fit |
Chipset | H1 Chip with improved battery management and Bluetooth 5.0 | H1 Chip with Bluetooth 5.0 |
Find My Integration | Improved with proximity view and separation alerts | Basic Find My support without advanced tracking |
Compatibility | Compatible with all devices running iOS 15 or later | Compatible with devices running iOS 12.2 or later |
Price | Check Airpods 3 Price | Check Airpods 2 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Bluetooth Technology: Both the 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen AirPods use Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which provides a stable and efficient wireless connection. Bluetooth 5.0 offers improved range, speed, and data transfer efficiency over previous versions, ensuring a reliable connection with minimal latency.
- Chipset (H1 Chip): Both models are equipped with the H1 chip, which is designed specifically for headphones. The H1 chip provides faster and more stable wireless connectivity, supports hands-free “Hey Siri” activation, and improves battery efficiency. This chip also reduces latency for gaming and enhances overall performance.
- Siri Integration: Both the 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen AirPods support hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality. This feature allows users to activate Siri using their voice without needing to touch the AirPods, providing a convenient way to control music, make calls, and get information.
- Auto-Pairing with Apple Devices: Both generations offer seamless pairing with Apple devices. When you open the AirPods case near an Apple device, a pop-up automatically appears on the screen to connect. This feature simplifies the initial setup and pairing process, enhancing user convenience.
- Automatic Device Switching: Both AirPods models support automatic device switching, allowing them to seamlessly switch between devices signed in with the same Apple ID. For example, if you’re listening to music on your iPhone and then start playing a video on your iPad, the AirPods will automatically switch to the iPad.
- Color: Both the 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen AirPods are available only in white, maintaining Apple’s classic color choice for AirPods. This uniformity helps maintain the brand’s aesthetic consistency across different product generations.
- Case Design: Both models come with a compact, pocket-friendly charging case that makes them easy to carry around. The small and lightweight design of the case ensures that it can be conveniently stored in a pocket or bag, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
- Call Quality: Both AirPods generations provide clear call quality with dual beamforming microphones. These microphones help focus on the user’s voice while filtering out background noise, ensuring clear communication during calls and when using voice commands.
- Charging Port: Both models use a Lightning port for wired charging, making them compatible with the standard Apple charging cables used for iPhones and other Apple devices. This consistency allows users to charge their AirPods and other Apple devices using the same cable.
- Compatibility: Both the 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen AirPods are compatible with a wide range of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. This broad compatibility ensures that users can enjoy a seamless experience across their Apple ecosystem.
- Battery Indicator: Both charging cases have an LED indicator that shows the charging status of the AirPods and the case itself. The indicator is located on the front of the case for the 3rd Gen and inside the case for the 2nd Gen. This feature allows users to quickly check the battery status at a glance.
Common Features
Feature | AirPods 3 | AirPods 2 |
Bluetooth Technology | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Chipset | H1 Chip | H1 Chip |
Siri Integration | “Hey Siri” voice-activated | “Hey Siri” voice-activated |
Auto-Pairing | Seamless pairing with Apple devices | Seamless pairing with Apple devices |
Device Switching | Automatic device switching | Automatic device switching |
Color | Available in White | Available in White |
Case Design | Compact design, pocket-friendly size | Compact design, pocket-friendly size |
Call Quality | Clear call quality with dual beamforming microphones | Clear call quality with dual beamforming microphones |
Charging Port | Lightning port for wired charging | Lightning port for wired charging |
Compatibility | Compatible with a range of Apple devices | Compatible with a range of Apple devices |
Battery Indicator | LED indicator on the charging case | LED indicator on the charging case |
Price | Check Airpods 3 Price | Check Airpods 2 Price |
FAQ
Q: What are the main design differences between the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen)? Q: Do both the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen) support Bluetooth 5.0? Q: Are both generations of AirPods compatible with the same Apple devices? Q: Can both AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen) be charged using the same cable? Q: Do the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen) have the same battery life? Q: What chip do the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen) use, and what does it do? Q: Do both models support hands-free “Hey Siri” activation? Q: Is the call quality the same on both AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen)? Q: Are the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen) water-resistant? Q: How do the controls differ between the AirPods (3rd Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen)? |