What's the difference between AirPods 2 and 3?
, by Mike van der Horst, 6 min reading time
The differences between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 are clearly noticeable in several areas. Apple has made significant improvements with the AirPods 3 compared to their predecessor. Think of a redesigned look, better sound quality, longer battery life, and increased comfort. Additionally, the charging options have been greatly expanded, with MagSafe and wireless charging now standard on the AirPods 3. In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at everything — from technical specifications to fit and sound quality — so you’ll know exactly which AirPods suit your needs best. Below, we dive into all the key differences between these popular generations.
Release date and technical foundation
When comparing Apple AirPods, it’s important to know when they were released and what technology they include. The Apple AirPods 2 launched in March 2019 and were a solid upgrade over the original AirPods. With the H1 chip, this generation offered faster connections and “Hey Siri” functionality. Despite their age, they’re still available today and popular due to their great price-performance ratio.
Apple’s AirPods 3, released in October 2021, are a much more modern product. They also include the H1 chip, but Apple has added a number of advanced features aimed at delivering a richer audio experience — such as Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio, and a new driver for improved sound. The design and fit were also adjusted, making the AirPods 3 a worthy successor.
- AirPods 2: March 2019
- AirPods 3: October 2021
- Both: Apple H1 chip
Design & Fit
The design of the AirPods has evolved significantly over the years. The AirPods 2 feature the classic, slightly longer stem and the signature white design Apple made famous. They have a universal fit without silicone ear tips, ideal for those who don’t like in-ear earbuds. They rest loosely in the ear, which can be comfortable for some, but may fall out more easily during activity or exercise.
The AirPods 3 feature a more compact design with shorter stems and a more rounded shape. Apple took inspiration from the AirPods Pro but without the silicone tips. This means they sit slightly deeper in the ear, offering a more secure and comfortable fit for many users. At the same time, some users say this model doesn’t stay in place as well during long listening sessions or workouts — so fit is still a matter of personal preference.
Apple AirPods 2:
- Longer stem
- Classic design
- Universal fit
Apple AirPods 3:
- Shorter stem
- More rounded, compact design
- Better ergonomics for a snug fit
Battery life
When it comes to battery life, the AirPods 3 are the clear winner. Apple listened to users asking for longer listening times both on a single charge and overall with the case.
The AirPods 2 offer up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge, and up to 24 hours total with the charging case — perfectly fine for the average user. The AirPods 3 take it a step further with up to 6 hours of listening per charge, and up to 30 hours in total with the case. This means fewer charges and more uninterrupted listening — perfect for commuting, traveling, or long workdays.
AirPods 2:
- Up to 5 hours of listening per charge
- Up to 24 hours total with case
AirPods 3:
- Up to 6 hours of listening per charge
- Up to 30 hours total with case
Charging case differences
One of the most practical differences between the AirPods 2 and 3 lies in the charging case. The AirPods 2 come standard with a regular Lightning charging case, while the AirPods 3 include a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging case by default. This innovation makes wireless charging more convenient and more stable — especially if you already use other MagSafe accessories.
For AirPods 2, wireless charging was only available if you paid extra for the wireless case. That model supports Qi charging, but without the magnetic alignment of MagSafe. The AirPods 3 include this by default and support both wireless and wired charging via Lightning. That makes them more versatile and user-friendly.
AirPods 2:
- Standard Lightning charging case
- Wireless case available at extra cost
AirPods 3:
- Standard MagSafe wireless charging case
- Supports both Lightning and wireless charging
Sound quality & features
In terms of sound performance, the leap from AirPods 2 to 3 is significant. The AirPods 2 still provide decent audio for daily use: music, podcasts, and calls sound clear. They feature dual beamforming microphones to reduce ambient noise during calls. But things get really interesting with the AirPods 3.
The AirPods 3 introduce new technologies like Adaptive EQ, which adjusts sound in real-time based on how the AirPods fit in your ears. There's also Spatial Audio, which delivers a surround-sound experience — especially impressive when watching movies or listening to Apple Music with Dolby Atmos. The drivers and amplifiers are upgraded as well, delivering deeper bass, richer mids, and clearer highs. In short, it’s an upgrade you’ll definitely hear.
AirPods 2:
- Good sound quality for everyday use
- Dual beamforming microphones
- No Adaptive EQ or Spatial Audio
AirPods 3:
- Adaptive EQ: adjusts sound based on fit and environment
- Spatial Audio: creates a surround sound effect — ideal for films or Apple Music
- New driver and amplifier for richer, deeper sound
Water and sweat resistance
An often overlooked but important feature for many users is water and sweat resistance. Especially if you exercise or spend time outdoors, you want earbuds that can handle moisture. The AirPods 2 have no official protection: no IP certification, so it’s best to keep them away from rain and sweat.
The AirPods 3 make a big difference here. They’re IPX4 certified, which means they’re resistant to sweat and splashes. That makes them much more suitable for the gym, a rainy bike ride, or a hot summer day. Note: they’re not fully waterproof, so you shouldn’t wear them in the shower or heavy rain — but for daily use, they’re significantly more durable than their predecessor.
AirPods 2:
- No official IP rating
- Not recommended for sports or wet conditions
AirPods 3:
- IPX4 certified
- Resistant to sweat and splashes
Want to compare or buy AirPods? Check out our separate listings for AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 — including earbuds and charging cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between AirPods 2 and AirPods 3?
The main differences are in design, battery life, sound quality, charging case, and water resistance.
Are AirPods 3 better than AirPods 2?
Yes, technically they are. They offer more features, better sound, and longer battery life. But AirPods 2 are more affordable and still perfectly fine for basic use.
Do AirPods 2 support wireless charging?
Yes, but only if you buy the wireless charging case separately or choose the more expensive version.
Do AirPods 3 have noise cancelling?
No, only the AirPods Pro have active noise cancellation.
Are AirPods 3 good for sports?
Yes, thanks to their IPX4 rating, they’re suitable for sweat and light rain.
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