AIRPODS PRO VS AIRPODS 3

In October last year, Apple made a hotly anticipated announcement that the new AirPods 3 which replaced the 2 and 1 are finally here. Pre-launch leaks got very close and were mostly on-point about what we could expect. Both the Pro and 3 have Adaptive EQ, spatial audio, and wireless charging, they look similar, battery life on the 3 is six hours of listening time as compared to 4 on the Pro (with ANC/Transparency on), with identical controls on the stem.

So, it bottles down to 3 things - Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode and Silicone ear tips. These are 3 things that can be a deal breaker or maker.

All these 3 components and features work in harmony and flawlessly to deliver an experience that is elevating. The silicone tips really help block out the outside world racket even without Active Noise Cancellation.

Apple’s ANC is not the best at blocking sudden voices and noises but bars consistent sounds from entering your ear canal exceptionally well for something so small. Transparency mode also lets you stream music while you are in a conversation you would rather not be in. It also does away with removing the AirPods when you have to hear an announcement quickly. I use AirPods Pro very much and they are exceptional.

The AirPods 3 though, I am not so impressed with. Some people prefer non-silicone tips but you really need to try them out first before you splurge 18,500 Rs. Silicone tips can fit all ears but not AirPods 3, you have to be really sure about the fit. Especially for people who buy AirPods for gym purposes. I have heard countless stories of people not liking the 2's for their bad fit. Going for the AirPods 3 will also mean no ANC, which in turn means turning up the volume to precariously high levels to rule out other noises which can be fatal for your ears in the long term.

Now the big, white elephant in the room, the PRICE $$$$$$. It would be imprudent to say that these are cheap devices. The AirPods Pro retail for 25,000 Rs. That is 35% more than AirPods 3. But they are totally worth it. I resent my old AirPods 2 for the same reasons as AirPods 3. Moreover, if your stars are aligned, you may get a steal on online portals as I did. During the peak of online discount sales, I got mine for 14,000 Rs which is excellent value to say the least. Both of these also have indiscernible sound in ideal environments. I love ANC and spatial audio the most about AirPods Pro but wish that the support of spatial audio is extended to Spotify too.

I would advise you though, to try to get AirPods Pro for less than 22K. At the same time, I wouldn't recommend going for AirPods 2 in any scenario because the price drop isn't significant, they sound average and miss out on several features.

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