AirPods Pro vs. the Rest: Which Apple Earbuds Are Best?
▼ Summary
– The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s new premium earbuds priced at $249, featuring a built-in heart rate sensor and over 50 workout types via the Fitness app.
– They include a real-time live translation feature, improved sound, and twice the active noise cancellation of the previous model.
– The redesigned ear tips now come in five sizes including a new XXS option and offer upgraded IP57 sweat and water resistance.
– While the AirPods Pro 3 offer advanced features, more affordable options remain in the AirPods lineup, including the fourth-gen models and discounted previous generations.
– The AirPods Max continues as Apple’s only over-ear headphone model, positioned separately from the earbud offerings.
Choosing the right Apple earbuds can feel overwhelming with so many options available. The latest AirPods Pro 3 have arrived, bringing significant upgrades aimed at fitness enthusiasts and those seeking premium audio performance. Priced at $249, these earbuds now include a built-in heart rate sensor, enabling users to track calories and over 50 workout types directly through the iPhone’s Fitness app. A new feature called Workout Buddy offers personalized insights based on your exercise history, making these earbuds a compelling choice for active lifestyles.
Beyond fitness, the AirPods Pro 3 introduce real-time live translation capabilities and boast improved sound quality along with twice the active noise cancellation compared to the previous generation. This enhancement is partly due to new foam-infused ear tips designed to block external noise more effectively. The ear tips themselves have been redesigned for a better fit, now including an extra-small XXS size for those with smaller ears. With an upgraded IP57 sweat and water resistance rating, these earbuds are more durable during intense workouts or unexpected weather.
While the AirPods Pro 3 represent Apple’s top-tier offering, other models in the lineup remain excellent choices depending on your needs and budget. The fourth-generation AirPods start at $129 for the standard version and $179 for the model with Active Noise Cancellation, providing a more affordable entry into the Apple audio ecosystem. Although the second-generation AirPods Pro have been discontinued by Apple, they can still be found at third-party retailers like Amazon, often at a discounted price.
For those who prefer over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max continue to be Apple’s sole offering in that category, priced at $549. They deliver up to 20 hours of battery life and feature high-quality ANC, though they lack the portability and fitness-focused additions of the newer earbuds.
Battery life is another key differentiator. The AirPods Pro 3 offer up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge, extendable to 10 hours in Transparency Mode when using the Hearing Aid feature. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of power. In comparison, the standard AirPods 4 deliver up to 5 hours of playback, while the ANC version offers 4 hours, with case batteries providing 30 and 20 hours respectively.
Connectivity across all models relies on Bluetooth 5.3, except for the AirPods Max which use Bluetooth 5.0. All current earbuds support lossless audio when used with Apple Vision Pro or a wired connection to a compatible Apple device. Wireless charging is available for the AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3, but not for the standard AirPods 4 or AirPods Max.
Additional features like Find My support with a speaker in the charging case, swappable ear tips, and compatibility with upcoming iOS 16 features such as camera remote functionality and studio-quality recording further distinguish the models. The AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 also function as hearing aids, a capability not available on other models.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most. If cutting-edge fitness tracking, superior noise cancellation, and the latest technology are priorities, the AirPods Pro 3 are worth the investment. For those content with solid performance at a lower price, the AirPods 4 or previous-generation Pro models may be the smarter pick. And if over-ear comfort and extended battery life are non-negotiable, the AirPods Max remain a strong contender.
(Source: The Verge)