106 MACWORLD DECEMBER 2021
PLAYLIST AIRPODS VS. AIRPODS PROearpods 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 is where the AirPods Pro distinguish
themselves, and is the single feature most
likely to get you to choose them over the
3rd-gen AirPods. Not only do the
rubberized tips help block out more outside
noise, the active noise canceling gives you
a sense of a more private listening space.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
AirPods
(2nd gen)AirPods
(3rd gen)AirPods ProPrice $129 $179 $249
Weight (earbuds) (4.0 grams)0.14 oz^ (4.3 grams)0.15 oz^ (5.4 grams)0.19 oz^Weight (case) (38.0 grams)1.35 oz^ (38.0 grams)1.34 oz^ (46.0 grams)1.61 oz^Battery life 24 from case5 hours plus^ 30 from case6 hours plus^ 4.5 hours plus 24 from case^Wireless charging No Yes (MagSafe) Yes (MagSafe)
Noise cancellation No No Ye s
Spatial audio Apple Music only Music and Video Music and VideoControls Tap on earbuds Force sensor on stem Force sensor on stemWater/sweat resistant No Ye s Ye sAIRPODS SPECS COMPARED
Here’s how the AirPods compare.