AirPods vs. AirPods Pro: Which is right for your ears?
Macworld|December 2021
Don't know whether to buy the AirPods (2nd gen), AirPods (3rd gen), or AirPods Pro? Here's how they stack up.
JASON CROSS
AirPods vs. AirPods Pro: Which is right for your ears?

Over the last two years, Apple has gone from selling one AirPods model to selling four.

You can currently buy three different earbuds—the 2nd-gen AirPods (fave.co/3nTOFUV), 3rd-gen AirPods (fave.co/3BIDtOm), and AirPods Pro (fave.co/3BGniRe)-or the AirPods Max overthe-ear headphones (fave.co/3pfOAUR).

Let's set that last option aside for a moment. If you're willing to spend $500 or more on a pair of cans, you're making a whole different buying decision than if you want true wireless earbuds.

But that still leaves three relatively similar-seeming earbuds to choose from. So which is right for you?

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

Maybe the best way to make a buying decision is to see how the three current AirPods stack up side by side (see above).

DESIGN

The most obvious difference between the three models is their design. The 2nd-generation AirPods has the design you've known since 2016, with long white stems and earbuds resembling the earpods that used to come with iPhones, but without a wire.

The new 3rd-generation AirPods have shorter stems and a more bulbous, rounded earpiece. Despite the shorter stems, they're very similar in weight to the older AirPods (just slightly heavier). The charging case looks identical to that of the AirPods Pro-shorter and wider. The AirPods Pro take the short-stem design and add rubberized eartips to the earbuds, to create more of a seal that blocks out noise and increases bass response.

No matter which AirPods you choose, you can only get them in white.

NOISE CANCELING

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MACWORLDView all
GAMESIR X2S TYPE C: TURN YOUR iPHONE INTO A SMALL STEAM DECK
Macworld

GAMESIR X2S TYPE C: TURN YOUR iPHONE INTO A SMALL STEAM DECK

If you're serious about getting a better handle on your iPhone gaming, consider a gamepad, an external device that provides physical controls-actual buttons, joysticks, direction pads, and more.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLES NEW IPAD PRO M4
Macworld

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLES NEW IPAD PRO M4

HERE'S ALL THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE iPAD PRO REFRESH.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2024 M2 iPAD AIR
Macworld

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2024 M2 iPAD AIR

HERE'S THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE NEW IPAD AIR, INCLUDING PRICING. SPECS. AND NEW FEATURES.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
Are we in Apple's post-iPad era?
Macworld

Are we in Apple's post-iPad era?

The new Pro and Air raise more questions about where the tablet fits in Apple’s lineup.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
ANKER 675 USB-C 12-IN-1: STYLISH DOCKING STATION AND STAND COMBO
Macworld

ANKER 675 USB-C 12-IN-1: STYLISH DOCKING STATION AND STAND COMBO

The Anker 675 USB-C 12-in-1 Docking Station and Monitor Stand solves several of your laptop's limitations in one user-friendly, stylish, friendly and functional product.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
TIMBUK2 CLASSIC MESSENGER BAG: STYLISH UPDATE TO AN URBAN ICON
Macworld

TIMBUK2 CLASSIC MESSENGER BAG: STYLISH UPDATE TO AN URBAN ICON

There was a time when a trip downtown was filled with the hustle and bustle of people. And a lot of those people sported Timbuk2's Classic Messenger Bag-not just bicycle messengers, but also commuters going to work, tourists sightseeing, and anyone else trying to get where they need to go.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Apple needs to become a software company again
Macworld

Apple needs to become a software company again

The Al features baked into iOS 18 and macOS 15 need to be compelling enough to convince people to upgrade.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
Don't expect the Mac Studio and Mac Pro to be updated at WWDC-or in 2024
Macworld

Don't expect the Mac Studio and Mac Pro to be updated at WWDC-or in 2024

Updates to the high-end desktop Macs won’t happen until 2025.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
Apple's M3 chip lineup is a victim of the times
Macworld

Apple's M3 chip lineup is a victim of the times

The chip that was supposed to be the next generation of Apple silicon has suddenly become a footnote in Apple history.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
The iPad Pro's M4 chip breaks the rules and changes everything about Apple silicon
Macworld

The iPad Pro's M4 chip breaks the rules and changes everything about Apple silicon

Now that the M4 iPad Pro is here, what will this mean for the chips coming to the iPhone and Mac?

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024