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

FeatureAirPods Pro 2OnePlus Buds 3
Primary Design TypeShort stem with force sensor controlsShort stem with touch controls
Earbud Weight (per earbud)5.3 g4.8 g
Case Weight50.8 g47.2 g
Color OptionsWhiteBlack, Blue
Driver SizeCustom high-excursion Apple driverDual dynamic drivers
ANC TypeAdaptive ANCHybrid ANC
Transparency ModeAdaptive TransparencyStandard Transparency
Spatial Audio TechnologyPersonalized Spatial Audio with head trackingDolby Atmos support
Head TrackingYesNo
ChipsetApple H2 chipOnePlus proprietary audio processor
Latency OptimizationApple ecosystem low-latency mode94 ms low-latency mode with OnePlus devices
Water Resistance (Case)IPX4Not rated
Voice Assistant AccessSiri integrationGoogle Assistant or voice wake via paired device
Companion AppiOS integrated settingsHeyMelody app
Custom EQYes, via iOSYes, via HeyMelody
Controls TypeForce sensor + swipe volumeTouch controls with customization
Battery Life (Total with Case, ANC On)Up to 30 hoursUp to 28 hours
Wireless ChargingYesNo
Find My SupportPrecision Finding + location for case/earbudsBasic location via HeyMelody
Device SwitchingAutomatic across Apple devicesManual or quick switch via paired list
Adaptive EQYesNo
Audio SharingYesNo
Case SizeSmallerSlightly larger
Case ShapeRounded rectangular with MagSafe alignmentRounded rectangular without wireless charging coil
Eco-system FeaturesiCloud pairing, Handoff, Announce NotificationsFast Pair, Dolby Atmos tuning with OnePlus devices
PriceCheck AirPods Pro 2 PriceCheck 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

FeatureAirPods Pro 2OnePlus Buds 3
Earbud StyleIn-ear with silicone ear tipsIn-ear with silicone ear tips
Form FactorTrue wireless earbudsTrue wireless earbuds
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
ANC SupportYesYes
Transparency ModeYesYes
Water Resistance (Earbuds)IP54IP55
Microphone CountTriple-microphone setupTriple-microphone setup
Customizable EQYesYes
Ear Tip Fit TestYesYes
Touch/Press ControlsYesYes
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
USB-C Charging PortYesYes
Companion App SupportYesYes
Voice Assistant AccessYesYes
Automatic Ear DetectionYesYes
Price Check AirPods Pro 2 Price Check OnePlus Buds 3 Price

FAQ

Are the AirPods Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3 both compatible with iOS and Android?
Yes, both can connect to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth, though AirPods Pro 2 have deeper integration and exclusive features on iOS, while OnePlus Buds 3 work best with OnePlus and Oppo devices through additional software enhancements.

Do both AirPods Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3 have Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes, both feature ANC, but AirPods Pro 2 use adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to changing noise levels, while OnePlus Buds 3 use fixed-level hybrid ANC with up to 49 dB reduction.

Which earbuds have better battery life between charges?
The OnePlus Buds 3 have longer battery life without ANC, lasting up to 10 hours compared to AirPods Pro 2’s 6.5 hours, while AirPods Pro 2 have slightly better total runtime with ANC enabled when including the case.

Do both models support Transparency Mode?
Yes, both include a transparency mode, but AirPods Pro 2’s adaptive version can lower sudden loud noises, whereas OnePlus Buds 3’s mode is standard without adaptive sound control.

Can I use Spatial Audio on both AirPods Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3?
AirPods Pro 2 support Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, available mainly on Apple devices, while OnePlus Buds 3 support Dolby Atmos for spatial-like audio but without personalized head tracking.

Do both earbuds have water resistance?
Yes, both are water-resistant, with AirPods Pro 2 rated IP54 and OnePlus Buds 3 rated IP55 for the earbuds, though AirPods Pro 2’s charging case is IPX4 rated while the OnePlus Buds 3’s case has no official rating.

Do both earbuds come with a fit test feature?
Yes, both have an ear tip fit test to help users determine the best ear tip size for comfort and audio performance.

Do the AirPods Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3 support wireless charging?
AirPods Pro 2 support MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, while OnePlus Buds 3 do not have wireless charging capability.

Do both earbuds have customizable EQ settings?
Yes, both allow EQ customization—AirPods Pro 2 through iOS settings and OnePlus Buds 3 via the HeyMelody app.

Do the AirPods Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3 support fast charging?
Yes, both support fast charging, with AirPods Pro 2 giving about 1 hour of playback from 5 minutes of charging and OnePlus Buds 3 giving about 7 hours from 10 minutes of charging without ANC.

Do both models support voice assistants?
Yes, AirPods Pro 2 integrate with Siri, while OnePlus Buds 3 can use Google Assistant or other device-based voice assistants.

Can both connect to multiple devices?
Both can be paired with multiple devices, but AirPods Pro 2 feature seamless automatic switching within the Apple ecosystem, while OnePlus Buds 3 require manual switching or quick-select options in the paired device list.

Do both earbuds have automatic ear detection?
Yes, both pause playback when removed from the ear and resume when placed back in.

Do the AirPods Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3 have high-resolution audio support?
AirPods Pro 2 use AAC for optimized sound on Apple devices, while OnePlus Buds 3 support LHDC 5.0 for high-resolution audio on compatible devices.

Which model has better integration with its brand’s ecosystem?
AirPods Pro 2 integrate deeply with Apple’s ecosystem for features like Find My, Audio Sharing, and Handoff, while OnePlus Buds 3 integrate best with OnePlus and Oppo devices for low latency, Dolby Atmos tuning, and quick pairing.

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