Technologies
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: The Biggest Differences
Active noise cancellation is the biggest benefit you’ll get from buying the AirPods Pro 2 over the AirPods 3.
If you’re trying to decide between Apple’s AirPods 3 and its AirPods Pro 2, the biggest questions are whether you want active noise cancellation in a noise-isolating design or open earbuds that don’t require you to jam silicone ear tips into your ears. Yes, there’s a price difference — the AirPods Pro 2 sell for about $200 online while the AirPods 3 cost about $150. But with only about $50 separating the two AirPods models, it’s probably more important to focus on those key differences rather than dwelling too much on their price.
Apple has bridged the gap between its Pro and regular AirPods by upgrading the AirPods 3’s design — it now looks more like the Pro’s design minus the silicone ear tips — and giving it the same IPX4 splash-proof water resistance rating. Additionally, the AirPods 3, like the AirPods Pro and Pro 2, also have Apple’s spatial audio with head-tracking feature.
Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds for 2023
But there are still certain benefits you can only get on the $249 AirPods Pro 2, the biggest being active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Multiple ear tip sizes, the ability to swipe up and down to control music volume and ultra wideband support are also exclusive to the Pro 2. But noise cancellation will likely make the biggest impact in everyday use, and it’s the most important factor to consider.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3
| AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $249 | $169 (Lightning case) |
| Price (UK) | £249 | £179 (Lightning case) |
| Price (AU) | AU$399 | AU$279 (Lightning case) |
| Weight (earbuds) | 0.19 ounce | 0.15 ounce |
| Audio features | Active noise cancellation, Adaptive transparency, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking | Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Audio technology | Adaptive EQ, custom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier, vent system for pressure equalization | Adaptive EQ, custom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier |
| Durability | IPX4 sweat and water resistant | IPX4 sweat and water resistant |
| Charging | MagSafe or Lightning | MagSafe or Lightning (extra $10 for MagSafe case) |
| Multiple ear tips | Yes | No |
| Chip | H2 chip, U1 chip in charging case | H1 chip |
| Battery life (earbuds) | 6 hours of listening time | 6 hours of listening time |
| Battery life (case) | 30 hours of listening time | 30 hours of listening time |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming microphones; inward-facing microphone | Dual beamforming microphones; inward-facing microphone |
| Sensors | Skin detect sensor, motion detecting accelerometer, speech detecting accelerometer, touch control | Skin detect sensor, motion detecting accelerometer, speech detecting accelerometer, Force sensor |
| Controls | Hey Siri, touch controls | Hey Siri, Force sensor |
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: Design and case

The AirPods Pro 2.
The biggest difference in terms of design is that the $169 AirPods don’t have interchangeable silicone tips like the AirPods Pro 2, which include four sizes to choose from. The AirPods 3 are also lighter than the AirPods Pro 2 at 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams) versus 0.19 ounce (5.3 grams).
The AirPods 3 and new AirPods Pro share some similarities when it comes to design, although it’s very easy to tell them apart. The AirPods Pro 2’s stems, for example, are noticeably shorter than those on the AirPods 3. But both models are sweat and water resistant, which could make them more appealing than the $129 regular AirPods for those who want to wear them during exercise.

The third-generation AirPods.
The case for the AirPods 3 sort of looks like a cross between the case for the standard AirPods and that of the AirPods Pro. It’s much shorter and wider than the entry-level AirPods case, but it’s not as wide as the holster for the AirPods Pro. You can also charge the case for the AirPods 3 or the AirPods Pro via Apple’s wireless MagSafe charger, or by plugging it in with a Lightning cable. But you’ll have to pay an extra $10 to get the MagSafe wireless charging case bundled with the AirPods 3. The MagSafe-compatible case for the AirPods Pro 2 also has a lanyard loop, unlike the AirPods 3’s case.
The second-generation AirPods Pro’s case also has another capability: ultra wideband support. That essentially means the case has a built-in AirTag for easier location tracking.

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AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: Audio

The AirPods Pro 2 have active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
You’ll still have to splurge on Apple’s top-of-the-line earbuds to get active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Since the second-generation AirPods Pro have Apple’s new H2 chip, they can cancel up to twice as much noise as the previous AirPods Pro, according to Apple’s claims. Transparency Mode has also gotten an upgrade on the second-generation model. The new chip can reduce loud noises from your surroundings when in Transparency Mode, which should make sounds like a passing vehicle seem less jarring.
That new H2 chip also brings improved audio to the AirPods Pro 2, further distinguishing them from the AirPods 3. As my colleague David Carnoy wrote in his review, the H2’s computational power helps the AirPods Pro process a broader range of frequencies.
You’ll also get swipe controls for managing volume levels on the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 3 just have Apple’s force sensors, which you can press to skip ahead, pause music or answer calls.
But both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 have dynamic spatial audio and adaptive EQ. The former is essentially virtual surround sound, while the latter adjusts the sound to your ears.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: Battery life

The AirPods 3 (pictured) and AirPods Pro 2 offer similar battery life.
Battery life is similar for both models, although there are some slight differences. Both earbuds should provide up to 6 hours of listening time, according to Apple’s claims. But you’ll get 5.5 hours of battery life when using spatial audio and head tracking on the AirPods Pro 2, while the AirPods 3 offer slightly shorter 5-hour battery life with that surround sound feature enabled. Apple also claims the AirPods Pro 2 provides 4.5 hours of talk time, while the AirPods 3 offer up to 4 hours.
The case for both earbuds should provide up to 30 hours of listening time, says Apple. But when it comes to talk time, you can expect to get 24 hours from the AirPods Pro 2’s case and 20 hours from the AirPods 3’s case. Five minutes in each case is expected to replenish around one hour of listening time or roughly 1 hour of talk time.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: How to choose
The AirPods Pro 2 are for those who want active noise cancellation, better audio and a more customizable fit. You’ll also get some other perks, like the ability to track them down more easily should they get lost, thanks to the U1 chip. The AirPods 3 are a more suitable choice if you don’t care about noise cancellation and prefer earbuds with an open design (and yes, they cost about $50 less, so they do offer some appeal to those on tighter budgets). At the same time, the AirPods 3 still have more to offer than the AirPods 2, which lack features like water resistance, adaptive EQ and spatial audio with head-tracking.
The new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved — Apple says the new AirPods have «double» the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.
Note that while Apple has discontinued the , they’ll remain on sale until supplies are exhausted. However, most people should get this newer model if they can afford it. The AirPods Pro 2 continue to see small discounts, dipping to as low as $223 during Amazon’ Early Access Prime event in October.
Take one look at the new design of the third-gen AirPods, and the first thing you’ll probably think is: «Those look like the AirPods Pro without ear tips.» You wouldn’t be wrong. While they’re more fraternal than identical twins, the AirPods 3 are shaped like the AirPods Pro, with the same shorter stems and same pinch controls as those of the Pro. Aside from the design change, which should fit most ears better than the AirPods 2nd Generation (though not very small ears), the biggest change is to the sound quality: It’s much improved. Also, battery life is better, and the AirPods 3 are officially water-resistant.
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Technologies
Fubo Loses NBCUniversal Channels, Putting Your NBA Games in Jeopardy
Sound the carriage dispute Klaxon: Some network programming has disappeared from the streaming service after content negotiations fell through.
If you’ve noticed your favorite show has recently gone missing from Fubo, it’s probably because an entire block of programming just disappeared from the site’s channel lineup.
The live TV streaming service is engaged in a carriage dispute with NBCUniversal, a media company whose subsidiaries include NBC News, Universal Studios, Peacock, Telemundo and Illumination, among other brands.
On Nov. 21, NBCUniversal pulled all of its networks from Fubo. This is an especially big deal for sports watchers on the streaming service, since the Fubo Sports subscription — which began earlier this year — depends on the licensing agreement with NBCUniversal. However, viewers can still access sports content on networks like ESPN, CBS and ABC.
Fubo released a statement on Tuesday, alleging the media giant is engaging in «discriminatory tactics» that are harming the streamer’s subscribers.
«NBCU is discriminating against Fubo and our subscribers,» the statement says. «They allowed YouTube TV and Amazon Prime to integrate Peacock directly into their channel store, but refused to give Fubo the same rights.»
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Fubo says NBCUniversal is trying to force a multiyear deal for certain channel packages under the media giant’s new spin-off media company, Versant, and that it’s trying to upcharge on the Fubo Sports subscription by adding «expensive, non-sports channels» into the agreement, increasing the cost.
According to NBCUniversal’s website, the Versant brands include CNBC, E!, MS Now, SyFy and USA, among other channels.
NBCUniversal did not respond to a request for comment.
Fubo says that it’s willing to move forward without NBCUniversal content if an agreement cannot be reached.
«Fubo is committed to bringing its subscribers a premium, competitively-priced live TV streaming experience with the content they love,» its statement concludes. «That includes multiple content options, including a sports-focused service, that can be accessed directly from the Fubo app.»
Fubo recently became an affiliate of The Walt Disney Company, following its merger with Hulu’s live TV platform in October. It’s unclear whether this merger affected content agreement negotiations with NBCUniversal. Fubo did not respond to a request for comment on this.
Technologies
Spotify Will Reportedly Get More Expensive in the US Next Year. Here’s What to Expect
The music streaming service will reportedly raise prices again after subscription rate hikes in other regions.
After announcing it is raising prices in regions including Europe, South Asia and Latin America, Spotify is reportedly about to increase prices again in the US.
The US is included in the latest Spotify price hike on its Premium services starting in early 2026, according to the Financial Times, which cited three sources familiar with the streaming music company’s dealings. For now, the least expensive Premium plans in the US start at $12, but the price hike would likely put it in line with the other regions where the Premium plan costs about $14 a month.
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Spotify also offers a Premium Family plan that covers six people in the same household for $20 and plans for students ($6 a month bundled with Hulu) and couples ($17 a month). Spotify also offers a Basic plan that does not include access to audiobooks for $11 a month. A representative for Spotify did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A steady increase
If the report is accurate, this would be the third price increase on Premium plans in the US since 2023. Before those hikes, Premium plans were $10, but Spotify raised its minimum price by $1 in 2023 then again in 2024.
Just this week, Spotify added the ability to seamlessly import playlists from other music services including Apple Music and Tidal.
Spotify has faced some controversy this year, including some music acts abandoning the platform and some customers canceling subscriptions over advertising for Homeland Security’s ICE program. CNET has a guide for canceling your Spotify subscription.
The company is the market leader among music streaming apps with about 32 percent market share as of the end of 2024.
Technologies
Some Rad Power Bike E-Bike Batteries Can Catch Fire, Consumer Protection Agency Warns
The company declined to offer full replacements or refunds, citing financial constraints.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning that some lithium‑ion batteries used in certain e‑bikes made by Rad Power Bikes pose a serious fire hazard that could lead to injury or even death. The agency says the batteries, identified by model numbers RP‑1304 and HL‑RP‑S1304, can unexpectedly ignite or explode, especially if the battery or its harness has been exposed to water or debris.
The recall has been marked as a «public health and safety finding» because Rad Power Bikes has declined to offer full replacements or refunds for all consumers, citing financial constraints.
CPSC reports 31 incidents of fire involving these batteries, including 12 cases where property damage totaled approximately $734,500. Some of these fires occurred even when the battery was not in use or charging, but was in storage.
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The batteries were sold as either original or replacement units for several Rad Power Bikes e-bike models and were available through RadPowerBikes.com, Best Buy and independent bike shops nationwide.
«Rad informed the agency that its demand to replace all batteries, regardless of condition, would immediately put Rad out of business, which would be of no benefit to our riders,» the company said in a statement issued with the CPSC warning. «Rad is disappointed that it could not reach a resolution that best serves our riders and the industry at large. Rad reminds its customers to inspect batteries before use or charging and immediately stop using batteries that show signs of damage, water ingress, or corrosion, and to contact Rad so we can support our riders.»
The CPSC’s statement does not apply to all Rad batteries, and does not apply to its Safe Shield or semi-integrated batteries.
Consumers who have one of the affected batteries are urged to stop using it immediately and dispose of it properly via a household hazardous‑waste collection center. Do not place the batteries in standard curb-side recycling or trash bins, and refrain from reselling them.
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