Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs AirPods (3rd generation): Which Headphones Are Better?

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) have different strengths, so you may prefer either depending on what you're looking for. The 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life and button-like controls that are easier to use than the 2nd generation's touch-sensitive surfaces. With iOS devices, they support Spatial Audio and head tracking for virtual surround sound, and their 'Adaptive EQ' adjusts the sound profile depending on how they fit you. Their bulkier design may put pressure on the inside of your ears, but both versions have a one-size-fits-all design, meaning you may prefer either, depending on the shape of your ears. On the other hand, the 2nd generation have a better overall mic performance.

Variants

AirPods (2nd generation) (With charging case)
AirPods (2nd generation) (With wireless charging case)

AirPods (3rd generation) (Lightning Charging Case - White)
AirPods (3rd generation) (White)

Review

See Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Review

See Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Review

Check Price

With charging case

AirPods (2nd generation)

SEE PRICE

Amazon.com

Lightning Charging Case - White

AirPods (3rd generation)

SEE PRICE

Amazon.com

With wireless charging case

AirPods (2nd generation)

SEE PRICE

Amazon.com

White

AirPods (3rd generation)

SEE PRICE

Amazon.com

Notice: Two or more of the products being compared have been tested with different test methodologies. Some of the results aren't directly comparable. Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our headphones test methodology.

Threshold

0.10

Neutral Sound

0.0

N/A

JOIN NOW to see main differences

Full Comparison

Neutral Sound

0.0

N/A

Phone Calls

0.0

N/A

Sports And Fitness

0.0

Travel

0.0

Office Work

0.0

Wireless Gaming (In Development)

0.0

Wired Gaming (In Development)

0.0

Audio Reproduction Accuracy

N/A

0.0

Noise Isolation

N/A

0.0

Microphone (In Development)

N/A

0.0

Frequency Response Consistency

N/A

0.0

Sound

Sound Profile

SAMPLE

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs AirPods (3rd generation)

Which Headphones Are Better?

Products

Our Verdict

Variants

Review

Check Price

Main Differences for Neutral Sound

Threshold

Neutral Sound

Full Comparison

Neutral Sound

Phone Calls

Sports And Fitness

Travel

Office Work

Wireless Gaming (In Development)

Wired Gaming (In Development)

Audio Reproduction Accuracy

Noise Isolation

Microphone (In Development)

Frequency Response Consistency

Sound Profile

Sound Profile

Normalization Frequency

Bass Amount

Bass Amount

Treble Amount

Treble Amount

Sound Signature

Frequency Response Consistency

Consistency L

Consistency R

Std. Deviation

Raw Frequency Response

Raw FR L

Raw FR R

Bass Profile: Target Compliance

Bass Profile: Target Compliance

RMS Deviation From Target

Low-Frequency Extension

Low Bass

Mid Bass

High Bass

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance

RMS Deviation From Target

Low Mid

Mid-Mid

High Mid

Treble Profile: Target Compliance

Treble Profile: Target Compliance

RMS Deviation From Target

Low Treble

Mid Treble

High Treble

Peaks/Dips

Peaks/Dips Graph

Peaks

Dips

Stereo Mismatch

Frequency Response Mismatch

Phase Response Mismatch

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch

Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch

Weighted Phase Mismatch

Cumulative Spectral Decay

CSD

PRTF

PRTF

PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation)

PRTF Size (Avg.)

PRTF Distance

Openness

Acoustic Space Excitation

Harmonic Distortion

Harmonics Levels

THD Ratio

WHD @ 94 dB SPL

WHD @ 104 dB SPL

Main Differences for

Neutral Sound