AirPods Pro 2 vs JBL Tour Pro 3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

AirPods Pro 2 & JBL Tour Pro 3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the AirPods Pro 2 rather than the JBL Tour Pro 3. 

Why Do I Recommend The AirPods Pro 2

  • The AirPods Pro 2 has Apple’s custom H2 chip for superior ANC, personalized Spatial Audio, and better power efficiency, compared to the JBL Tour Pro 3’s standard chipset.
  • AirPods Pro 2 features Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for delivering an immersive, 3D-like sound experience, while JBL Tour Pro 3 has only basic spatial sound without head tracking.
  • It supports seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem for enabling instant pairing, automatic switching between devices, and Audio Sharing, which JBL Tour Pro 3 cannot match.
  • The AirPods Pro 2 has Adaptive Transparency Mode that reduces loud ambient sounds in real time for enhancing awareness, compared to the JBL Tour Pro 3’s static Ambient Aware mode.
  • It features Precision Finding with the U1 chip to locate case with pinpoint accuracy via the Find My app, while JBL Tour Pro 3 lacks built-in location tracking for the case.
  • The AirPods Pro 2 includes MagSafe compatibility alongside Qi and Lightning (USB-C on newer models) charging for versatile charging options, whereas the JBL Tour Pro 3 only supports standard Qi wireless charging.
  • AirPods Pro 2 features swipe volume control directly on the stem for intuitive and fine-tuned control without needing a phone or app, compared to JBL Tour Pro 3’s full touch surface on earbuds.
  • It has dual beamforming microphones and advanced voice enhancement for clearer calls in noisy environments, while JBL Tour Pro 3 microphones are decent but less consistent in challenging audio conditions.
  • The AirPods Pro 2 supports hands-free “Hey Siri” voice assistant activation to control functions entirely by voice, while JBL Tour Pro 3 requires manual activation through the app for Google Assistant or Alexa.

Maybe the JBL Tour Pro 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2. 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

FeatureAirPods Pro 2JBL Tour Pro 3
BrandAppleJBL
Ecosystem IntegrationDeep Apple ecosystem supportWorks cross-platform, optimized for Android
ChipsetApple H2 chipJBL custom processor
Supported CodecsAACSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Touch ControlsForce sensor + swipe volume on stemFull touch surface on earbuds
Charging Case DisplayLED indicator onlyTouchscreen smart display
ANC TechnologyAdaptive ANC with H2 chipAdaptive ANC with app controls
Transparency ModeAdaptive TransparencyAmbient Aware + TalkThru
Spatial AudioPersonalized Spatial Audio with head trackingJBL Spatial Sound
Voice Assistant SupportSiriGoogle Assistant / Alexa
Microphone SystemDual beamforming mics with voice enhancement6 mics with voice clarity algorithms
Fit DesignCompact stem with silicone tipsBulkier rounded earbuds with silicone tips
Case SizeCompact MagSafe-compatible caseLarger case with touchscreen
Wireless ChargingMagSafe, Apple Watch, Qi-compatibleQi-compatible only
Water Resistance (Case)IP54No rating
“Find My” TrackingYesNo
Audio SharingYesNo
Adaptive EQYesManual EQ via app
Headphone Fit TestYesNo
Audio HandoffYesNo
Conversation AwarenessNoYes
PriceCheck AirPods Pro 2 PriceCheck JBL Tour Pro 3 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both earbuds feature ANC technology, allowing users to minimize ambient sounds for an immersive listening experience.
  • Transparency Mode: Each model offers a transparency mode, enabling users to hear their surroundings without removing the earbuds.
  • Spatial Audio: Both support spatial audio, providing a 3D listening experience that enhances depth and directionality of sound.
  • Bluetooth 5.3: Both earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable connections, lower latency, and improved energy efficiency.
  • Water Resistance: Each pair is water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. AirPods Pro 2 are rated IP54, while JBL Tour Pro 3 are rated IPX5.
  • Touch Controls: Both models offer touch controls, allowing users to play/pause music, adjust settings, and manage calls with simple gestures.
  • In-Ear Detection: Each model includes in-ear detection, automatically pausing audio when removed and resuming playback when placed back in the ear.
  • Wireless Charging: Both earbuds support wireless charging via Qi-compatible chargers for added convenience.
  • Voice Assistant Support: Both support voice assistants—AirPods Pro 2 integrate with Siri, while JBL Tour Pro 3 work with Google Assistant and Alexa via app.
  • Multiple Device Pairing: Both can connect to more than one device, enabling seamless switching between, for example, a smartphone and a laptop.
  • Battery Indicator Access: Both provide access to real-time battery levels via either the mobile OS (AirPods) or companion app and case display (JBL).
  • Firmware Updates: Each model supports firmware updates to add new features and improve performance over time.
  • Customizable Controls: Both allow users to customize touch controls—AirPods through iOS settings and JBL through the JBL Headphones App.

Common Features

FeatureAirPods Pro 2JBL Tour Pro 3
Form FactorTrue Wireless In-Ear EarbudsTrue Wireless In-Ear Earbuds
Active Noise CancellationYesYes
Transparency ModeYesYes
Spatial Audio SupportYesYes
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
Water Resistance (Earbuds)IP-rated water resistanceIP-rated water resistance
Customizable ControlsYesYes
Noise-Canceling MicsMultiple mics for ANC and voice isolationMultiple mics for ANC and voice isolation
In-Ear DetectionYesYes
Touch ControlsYesYes
Wireless Charging CaseYesYes
Fast Pairing SupportYesYes
Battery Indicator AccessYesYes
Voice Assistant SupportYesYes
Multiple Device PairingYesYes
Charging MethodUSB-C and wireless chargingUSB-C and wireless charging
Firmware Update SupportYesYes
Price Check AirPods Pro 2 Price Check JBL Tour Pro 3 Price

FAQ

Which earbuds offer better integration with Apple devices?
The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offer much better integration with Apple devices, including features like Audio Sharing, Find My tracking, automatic switching between devices, and seamless Siri access, making them ideal for iPhone users.

Can both earbuds connect to multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, both support multi-device connectivity. The AirPods Pro 2 switch automatically between Apple devices, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 uses true multipoint Bluetooth to stay connected to two devices simultaneously.

Do both support wireless charging?
Yes, both the AirPods Pro 2 and JBL Tour Pro 3 support wireless charging via Qi-compatible chargers. Additionally, AirPods Pro 2 are also compatible with MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers.

Is there a difference in water resistance?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 have an IP54 rating for both the earbuds and the case, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds have an IPX5 rating, and the case does not have a listed water resistance rating.

Which earbuds have longer battery life?
The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers longer battery life, providing up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC on, and up to 40 hours total with the case. In comparison, the AirPods Pro 2 offer up to 6 hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the case.

Do both support Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes, both earbuds feature adaptive active noise cancellation. However, the AirPods Pro 2 generally offer superior ANC performance due to Apple’s H2 chip and more advanced real-time sound adjustment.

Can you customize the sound on both earbuds?
Customization is limited on the AirPods Pro 2, with automatic Adaptive EQ but no manual controls. The JBL Tour Pro 3 provides EQ customization and ANC control via the JBL Headphones App.

Do they both offer transparency mode?
Yes, both offer transparency mode. The AirPods Pro 2 use Adaptive Transparency that adjusts based on the environment, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 has Ambient Aware and TalkThru features for situational awareness.

Which earbuds support spatial audio?
Both support spatial audio. AirPods Pro 2 offer personalized spatial audio with head tracking for a more immersive experience, while JBL Tour Pro 3 features JBL Spatial Sound for a similar 3D audio effect.

Can I use voice assistants on both models?
Yes, voice assistants are supported on both. AirPods Pro 2 work with Siri via hands-free “Hey Siri” activation, while JBL Tour Pro 3 can be configured to use Google Assistant or Alexa through the JBL app.

Do both earbuds offer in-ear detection?
Yes, both have in-ear detection. This feature pauses playback when the earbuds are removed and resumes it when they’re placed back in your ears.

Is there a difference in codec support?
Yes, AirPods Pro 2 support only the AAC codec, which works best with Apple devices. JBL Tour Pro 3 supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive, which allows for higher-quality audio on compatible Android devices.

How do the charging cases differ?
The AirPods Pro 2 case is compact and simple with an LED indicator, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 has a larger case that includes a unique touchscreen display showing battery levels, call status, and ANC mode.

Are firmware updates supported on both earbuds?
Yes, firmware updates are supported. AirPods Pro 2 are updated automatically via iOS, while JBL Tour Pro 3 updates are delivered through the JBL Headphones App.

Which is better for Android users?
JBL Tour Pro 3 is generally better suited for Android users due to its broader codec support, customizable app controls, Google Fast Pair, and compatibility with Google Assistant or Alexa.

 

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