Apple’s third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro share a lot of the same features. But choosing which one’s right for you comes down to more than just price. Lexy compares these earbuds on fit, comfort, sound quality, microphones, noise canceling and battery life.
You can check out the AirPods here 👇
Airpods Pro:
Airpods 3:
Comply foam tips:
*CNET may get a commission from these offers
00:00 – Airpods 3 vs. Airpods Pro
00:41 – Fit & Comfort
02:52 – Headbang test
03:35 – Difference in the stems
04:26 – Sound quality
06:58 – Microphone Test
08:29 – Other features
11:14 – Battery life & Durability
12:26 – Lexy’s Pick
Follow Lexy:
Subscribe to CNET:
Like us on Facebook:
Follow us on Twitter:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on TikTok:
Lexy Savvides
November 3, 2021 at 3:06 pm
Alright, let’s settle this. Are you team AirPods or team… AirPods? 😂
joehoffrage
November 3, 2021 at 5:28 pm
What 3rd party foam inserts are you using? There is no link as u mentioned
Lexy Savvides
November 3, 2021 at 6:41 pm
@joehoffrage they are from Comply! Let me add that link for you 🙌
super hero
November 4, 2021 at 1:33 am
What is the real-world battery test of the AirPods 3?
Kayode Sule
November 4, 2021 at 7:12 am
Team AirPods pro max and AirPods 2 here . But really want to get the AirPods 3 instead as I have noice cancellation on the max already and ear needs a breather !!
Mait Rebane
November 4, 2021 at 9:26 pm
I’m in Bose team, i have Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 🙂
Melker Zettergren
November 6, 2021 at 7:19 pm
AirPods!
Silvia
November 6, 2021 at 7:41 pm
Beats fit pro 😂
dak85016
November 7, 2021 at 5:15 am
Pro
TheYes
November 7, 2021 at 7:40 am
Team… Airpods?
Rain Blub
November 7, 2021 at 8:54 am
AirPods Pro
Julius Halm
November 7, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Pro
Carl Rogers
November 3, 2021 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for the video! Was helpful in differentiating the audio quality between the microphones.
eb18bulls
November 3, 2021 at 3:21 pm
AirPods Pro are consistently on sale at Costco for under $200. one time it was $169.
Sr H
November 3, 2021 at 3:30 pm
I think Apple will increase AirPods Pro 2 price. Maybe 299. Which will make EU prices absolutely ridiculous.
Britne
November 3, 2021 at 3:31 pm
I have the Pros, but even with the tips they would still fall out of my ears. So I had to buy some 3rd party tips off of Amazon to make it so they no longer fall out. I can only imagine the Airpods 3rd generation would do the exact same thing but only worse.
iam Damian
November 3, 2021 at 3:31 pm
Why they compare it with the pro s I think they must compare with the AirPods 2 🤷♂️
D Wall
November 3, 2021 at 3:38 pm
Noise canceling is great but if you’re like me and you always have them on transparency then you wouldn’t mind the pros not having it
Well one big thing I noticed between the two if you use large ear tips on the pros the new airpod will be lose
Silent Rocco
November 3, 2021 at 3:49 pm
I‘ve been using AirPods Pro daily since their release. Sadly ANC simply isn‘t working anymore (and transparency only on my left bud). That‘s why I just ordered some AirPods 3rd gen, since that‘s how I‘ve been using my Pros for a few months now.
jwillz1994
November 3, 2021 at 5:14 pm
starting to have issues with mine too. Bought them in Nov of 2019. Got the beats studio pros for the ANC.
bruh what
November 3, 2021 at 4:02 pm
got my AirPods Pro today love them so much and the ANC it’s just so gooood and the fit is great def pros >>>3s
Fred Foxton
November 3, 2021 at 4:09 pm
Witch is best apple bud to buy
GeneAnkleHurtHisFrankel
November 3, 2021 at 4:16 pm
She’s beautiful, with fantastic hair.
Ararix
November 3, 2021 at 7:35 pm
Bruv…..
Jordantfo
November 3, 2021 at 4:29 pm
She got good musical taste! Always love Lexy’s reviews
Em Wintle
November 3, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Best comparison I’ve seen! Thanks so much for the information and the wonderful presentation of it.
depatie99
November 3, 2021 at 5:03 pm
How do you change the batteries in the AirPods your are rating? I have a pair of Gen 1 AirPods, they don’t hold a charge for more than 30 minutes….from what I understand the cost of having them serviced means you might as well throw them out and buy new.
Steven Brown
November 3, 2021 at 5:12 pm
Good review. Funny that during the outside phone call test the friend is holding a phone case with no phone in it 🤔🤔
Lexy Savvides
November 3, 2021 at 6:42 pm
👀 😂
blitzkreig000
November 3, 2021 at 5:27 pm
I wonder if she’s standing or sitting 🤔
Sorry dave2D made me question everyone 😅
Lexy Savvides
November 3, 2021 at 6:43 pm
Sitting! With a standing desk 👀
blitzkreig000
November 3, 2021 at 7:44 pm
@Lexy Savvides Totally thought you were standing haha! Thanks for making my day. It’s the little things 🙂
Oluwafemi Adeleye
November 3, 2021 at 6:18 pm
fela kuti!! you know the Vibe 😜😜
UTTUZSASE
November 3, 2021 at 7:17 pm
Fan of matte black,,😎😎😎😎😎😎
Chunmann
November 3, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Nice review
Benjie Bautista
November 3, 2021 at 7:58 pm
We’re you texting on your iPhone case? 😂
Benjie Bautista
November 3, 2021 at 7:58 pm
Were you texting on your iPhone case? 😂
Elijah Brown
November 3, 2021 at 8:27 pm
Pretty sure Bowser isn’t playable in the new Mario Party 🤔.
Lexy Savvides
November 3, 2021 at 9:50 pm
Uh oh somebody better tell Laxy
KillerTacos
November 3, 2021 at 9:04 pm
“To tip or not to tip?” That is indeed the question haha. I’ve always preferred the tip’d earphones personally
justaman
November 3, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Love her reviews.
georgio Armania2
November 3, 2021 at 11:48 pm
Best AirPods review by far. The best reviewer on CNET and the whole universe! Congrats!
The Supreme Leader
November 4, 2021 at 12:41 am
Thanks Lexy!
Kevin Wilkerson
November 4, 2021 at 2:24 am
Team AirPods! 😂
Rattan Singh
November 4, 2021 at 4:35 am
2:30 Just like you I have the same issue with my airpods 3, left ear isn’t a good fit as the right one, have to adjust every now and then
Alex A
November 4, 2021 at 5:02 am
I don’t even like heavy metal, but that song is awesome. Anyone know what that song is called during the headbang test?
Arte Floe
November 4, 2021 at 5:07 am
This reviewer is really good, her reviews are informative and entertaining at the same time.
Mr. E Bills
November 4, 2021 at 5:49 am
No one moves their head like that while listening to music 🙄
shazza
November 4, 2021 at 8:23 am
you talking about the fall test?
TOOSTRONG
November 4, 2021 at 5:56 am
8:17 – Where can I buy that phone case? it seems that your phone goes invisible when you put your phone into it. 😂
UMβRΔ
November 4, 2021 at 11:10 pm
I guess you’ll never know
Lexy Savvides
November 5, 2021 at 2:30 am
It’s from Cyrill by Spigen 👍
Andres Suarez
November 4, 2021 at 11:39 am
Best review ever, i got the 3 but now I’m sending them back because I’m getting the pro they are too big for my ears I love the battery though.
Emine Aslan
November 4, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Me too unfortunately they fall immediately if I smile or move a little
Hiatt Baladez
November 4, 2021 at 2:02 pm
Wonder how her neck is feeling after those head bangers
Lexy Savvides
November 5, 2021 at 2:29 am
Sore 😂
Moe Sallehi
November 4, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Already got the Pros with memory foam tips. Waiting for new AirPods Pro, probably next year, hopefully with a better fit
xoji xoji672
November 4, 2021 at 3:30 pm
Airpods pro 👍👍👍
MR.
November 4, 2021 at 9:55 pm
Lexy … I came for the review … But the I enjoyed the Lexy on Lexy 😺 fight … And your makeup 💄 was on point ☝️ … Keep up the good job 😗
TheNitroGamer
November 4, 2021 at 11:00 pm
Pros
Jaztine Jimenez
November 5, 2021 at 12:43 am
lol. I felt her headache
Jaztine Jimenez
November 5, 2021 at 12:45 am
music volume is at 8. same here
Jesse Spencer
November 5, 2021 at 1:55 am
Can you hear yourself talk through these new generations? Hate making calls on my Gen 1’s
Luis Perez
November 5, 2021 at 2:15 am
Your still making videos! Your all grown up lol 😃
Young T
November 5, 2021 at 2:54 am
She was pretending like she was giving that gawk gawk 3000. I see you girl.
Clinton Gabriels
November 5, 2021 at 5:50 am
Water no get enemy is a song she knows !!! WHAT!!
pafalzon
November 5, 2021 at 8:59 am
I just picked up the AP3. Already have a pair of bose QC35II for ANC
Mark Mata
November 5, 2021 at 9:06 am
I upgraded from the original AirPods to the pros for almost a year now, and I still love them. The 3’s are still solid though. It’s really personal preference.
You Me and Everyone
November 5, 2021 at 2:42 pm
Don’t eat your buds while eating something else and your buds falling on your food and incase you eat em, don’t digest, visit doctor.
Lionel Ong
November 5, 2021 at 4:02 pm
I like the feeling of no silicon tips for everyday use. I also am happy to not have noise cancellation on everyday earphones. For everyday use comfort is the most important plus able to hear outside.
If you are an audiophile, you won’t be looking at blue tooth or wireless. You be better of using IEMs, and I have those as well for music appreciation.
OcarinaHero93
November 5, 2021 at 4:05 pm
I just returned the AirPods 3 yesterday. The $179.99 price point just didn’t sit well with me, especially considering i already have the airpod 2. Sure the new ones sound better but I would only recommend these if you have the money to spare and don’t already have airpods or are looking to replace broken ones. Imo, skip this.
Salvxdorr
November 6, 2021 at 6:02 am
i have the fist gen and since they are old I do need to replace them. Should I just go with the 2nd gen airpods?
OcarinaHero93
November 6, 2021 at 6:07 am
@Salvxdorr if your upgrading from 1st gen, definitely go for the 3rd gen ones then. That makes more sense whereas for me I went from 2nd gen to 3rd. Not a huge upgrade for me but for you it will be.
Salvxdorr
November 6, 2021 at 6:10 am
@OcarinaHero93 yeah. But i heard that the 3rd gens dont have noise cancellation but the pros do. So I’m debating to go with the 3rd gen or the pros which one do you recommend?
OcarinaHero93
November 6, 2021 at 7:35 am
@Salvxdorr well true, the 3rd gen are more of a lesser version of the pros. I mean if you want to go all out, the pros are the best.
Medsuit
November 5, 2021 at 4:28 pm
Meme pods.
Edward Valley
November 5, 2021 at 10:31 pm
Airpods pro all the way
Vanessa Benitez
November 6, 2021 at 1:36 am
honestly, if you have semi small ears, i wouldn’t recommend the 3s. they fit like they aren’t even secured in your ears. airpods pro are honestly a better investment.
andy cohn
November 6, 2021 at 2:22 am
Lexi is so pretty
likethepear
November 6, 2021 at 2:31 am
Am I the only one who can’t get spatial audio to work in the Music app on MacBook? I just got AirPods Pro and spatial audio works for everything else except that.
Fatih Gunes
November 6, 2021 at 7:48 pm
Which one is waterproof and good for sweating
Rain Blub
November 7, 2021 at 9:01 am
Both
James Juarez
November 7, 2021 at 5:34 am
Who else is watching this while using their AirPods 3? 😁
Chase
November 7, 2021 at 4:31 pm
So are the AirPods 3 basically the same fit as the AirPods Pro but just without the tips? I found the Airpods Pros to be too big and bulbous. I used them for a day and didn’t like the tips or the way they fit without the tips either.
Jashan sandhu
November 7, 2021 at 5:18 pm
oh! your running is cute
R C
November 7, 2021 at 5:34 pm
The wireless earphone reviewer …
Sweetheart is back !!!
Love you Miss Lexy !!!
😘