AirPods Pro 2 & OnePlus Buds 3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the AirPods Pro 2 rather than the OnePlus Buds 3.
Why Do I Recommend The AirPods Pro 2?
- The AirPods Pro 2 has adaptive Active Noise Cancellation that automatically adjusts in real time for consistent noise reduction in changing environments, whereas the OnePlus Buds 3 uses fixed-level hybrid ANC up to 49 dB.
- AirPods Pro 2 features Adaptive Transparency Mode to reduce sudden loud sounds while keeping ambient awareness clear, while the OnePlus Buds 3 includes a standard transparency mode without dynamic volume adjustment.
- It supports Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking for precise sound positioning in movies and games, whereas the OnePlus Buds 3 supports Dolby Atmos without head tracking personalization.
- The AirPods Pro 2 comes with the Apple H2 chip for ultra-low latency, improved noise cancellation, and deeper Apple ecosystem integration, while the OnePlus Buds 3 uses a proprietary audio processor.
- AirPods Pro 2 includes MagSafe and Qi wireless charging for convenient cable-free recharging, whereas the OnePlus Buds 3 only supports USB-C wired charging.
- It supports Precision Finding via Apple’s Find My for locating the case and earbuds with exact distance and direction, while the OnePlus Buds 3 provides only a basic location function through the HeyMelody app.
- The AirPods Pro 2 includes Audio Sharing to let two sets of compatible Apple or Beats headphones play the same audio simultaneously, whereas the OnePlus Buds 3 does not support shared audio playback.
- AirPods Pro 2 has an IPX4 water-resistant charging case for added protection against splashes, whereas the OnePlus Buds 3 case has no official water resistance rating.
Maybe the OnePlus Buds 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | OnePlus Buds 3 |
| Primary Design Type | Short stem with force sensor controls | Short stem with touch controls |
| Earbud Weight (per earbud) | 5.3 g | 4.8 g |
| Case Weight | 50.8 g | 47.2 g |
| Color Options | White | Black, Blue |
| Driver Size | Custom high-excursion Apple driver | Dual dynamic drivers |
| ANC Type | Adaptive ANC | Hybrid ANC |
| Transparency Mode | Adaptive Transparency | Standard Transparency |
| Spatial Audio Technology | Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking | Dolby Atmos support |
| Head Tracking | Yes | No |
| Chipset | Apple H2 chip | OnePlus proprietary audio processor |
| Latency Optimization | Apple ecosystem low-latency mode | 94 ms low-latency mode with OnePlus devices |
| Water Resistance (Case) | IPX4 | Not rated |
| Voice Assistant Access | Siri integration | Google Assistant or voice wake via paired device |
| Companion App | iOS integrated settings | HeyMelody app |
| Custom EQ | Yes, via iOS | Yes, via HeyMelody |
| Controls Type | Force sensor + swipe volume | Touch controls with customization |
| Battery Life (Total with Case, ANC On) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 28 hours |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Find My Support | Precision Finding + location for case/earbuds | Basic location via HeyMelody |
| Device Switching | Automatic across Apple devices | Manual or quick switch via paired list |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | No |
| Audio Sharing | Yes | No |
| Case Size | Smaller | Slightly larger |
| Case Shape | Rounded rectangular with MagSafe alignment | Rounded rectangular without wireless charging coil |
| Eco-system Features | iCloud pairing, Handoff, Announce Notifications | Fast Pair, Dolby Atmos tuning with OnePlus devices |
| Price | Check AirPods Pro 2 Price | Check OnePlus Buds 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Earbud Style: Both models use an in-ear design with silicone ear tips, which helps create a secure seal for better noise isolation and comfort during extended listening sessions.
- Form Factor: Each is a true wireless earbud, meaning there are no wires between the earbuds or to the device, providing full freedom of movement.
- Bluetooth Version: Both support Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable wireless connection, improved energy efficiency, and compatibility with modern devices.
- ANC Support: Each model includes active noise cancellation technology, reducing background sounds for a more immersive audio experience in noisy environments.
- Transparency Mode: Both have a transparency feature that allows external sounds to be heard clearly without removing the earbuds, useful for conversations or situational awareness.
- Water Resistance (Earbuds): Each has a water resistance rating (IP54 for AirPods Pro 2 and IP55 for OnePlus Buds 3), protecting them from sweat and light splashes during workouts or outdoor use.
- Microphone Count: Both use a triple-microphone setup per earbud to capture clear voice input and improve noise reduction during calls.
- Customizable EQ: Both allow users to adjust sound profiles through software—AirPods Pro 2 via iOS settings and OnePlus Buds 3 via the HeyMelody app—providing personalized audio tuning.
- Ear Tip Fit Test: Each includes a fit test function to help users choose the best ear tip size for optimal comfort and sound quality.
- Touch/Press Controls: Both support on-earbud controls for playback, calls, and mode switching, allowing quick adjustments without using the phone.
- Fast Charging Support: Both can deliver hours of playback from just a short charging time, making them convenient for quick top-ups before use.
- USB-C Charging Port: Each comes with a USB-C port for wired charging, ensuring fast and universal cable compatibility.
- Companion App Support: Both have companion app functionality—AirPods Pro 2 integrates with iOS system settings, while OnePlus Buds 3 uses the HeyMelody app for customization and updates.
- Voice Assistant Access: Both support voice assistant activation—Siri on AirPods Pro 2, and Google Assistant (or device assistant) on OnePlus Buds 3 – enabling hands-free commands.
- Automatic Ear Detection: Both feature wear detection that pauses audio when the earbuds are removed and resumes playback when they’re placed back in the ears.
Common Features
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | OnePlus Buds 3 |
| Earbud Style | In-ear with silicone ear tips | In-ear with silicone ear tips |
| Form Factor | True wireless earbuds | True wireless earbuds |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| ANC Support | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance (Earbuds) | IP54 | IP55 |
| Microphone Count | Triple-microphone setup | Triple-microphone setup |
| Customizable EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Tip Fit Test | Yes | Yes |
| Touch/Press Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging Support | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Companion App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Access | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Ear Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check AirPods Pro 2 Price | Check OnePlus Buds 3 Price |
