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
Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
Brand | Apple | JBL |
Ecosystem Integration | Deep Apple ecosystem support | Works cross-platform, optimized for Android |
Chipset | Apple H2 chip | JBL custom processor |
Supported Codecs | AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
Touch Controls | Force sensor + swipe volume on stem | Full touch surface on earbuds |
Charging Case Display | LED indicator only | Touchscreen smart display |
ANC Technology | Adaptive ANC with H2 chip | Adaptive ANC with app controls |
Transparency Mode | Adaptive Transparency | Ambient Aware + TalkThru |
Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking | JBL Spatial Sound |
Voice Assistant Support | Siri | Google Assistant / Alexa |
Microphone System | Dual beamforming mics with voice enhancement | 6 mics with voice clarity algorithms |
Fit Design | Compact stem with silicone tips | Bulkier rounded earbuds with silicone tips |
Case Size | Compact MagSafe-compatible case | Larger case with touchscreen |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe, Apple Watch, Qi-compatible | Qi-compatible only |
Water Resistance (Case) | IP54 | No rating |
“Find My” Tracking | Yes | No |
Audio Sharing | Yes | No |
Adaptive EQ | Yes | Manual EQ via app |
Headphone Fit Test | Yes | No |
Audio Handoff | Yes | No |
Conversation Awareness | No | Yes |
Price | Check AirPods Pro 2 Price | Check 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
Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
Form Factor | True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds | True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds |
Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
Spatial Audio Support | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Water Resistance (Earbuds) | IP-rated water resistance | IP-rated water resistance |
Customizable Controls | Yes | Yes |
Noise-Canceling Mics | Multiple mics for ANC and voice isolation | Multiple mics for ANC and voice isolation |
In-Ear Detection | Yes | Yes |
Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
Wireless Charging Case | Yes | Yes |
Fast Pairing Support | Yes | Yes |
Battery Indicator Access | Yes | Yes |
Voice Assistant Support | Yes | Yes |
Multiple Device Pairing | Yes | Yes |
Charging Method | USB-C and wireless charging | USB-C and wireless charging |
Firmware Update Support | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check AirPods Pro 2 Price | Check JBL Tour Pro 3 Price |
FAQ
Which earbuds offer better integration with Apple devices? Can both earbuds connect to multiple devices at the same time? Do both support wireless charging? Is there a difference in water resistance? Which earbuds have longer battery life? Do both support Active Noise Cancellation? Can you customize the sound on both earbuds? Do they both offer transparency mode? Which earbuds support spatial audio? Can I use voice assistants on both models? Do both earbuds offer in-ear detection? Is there a difference in codec support? How do the charging cases differ? Are firmware updates supported on both earbuds? Which is better for Android users? |