True wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today, we're comparing two flagship options: the Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249) and the JBL Tour Pro 3 ($249.99), breaking down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
When Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro in late 2022, they brought significant improvements in noise cancellation and sound quality. The recent 2023 USB-C update kept the same excellent features while adding lossless audio support for the upcoming Vision Pro headset.
JBL's Tour Pro 3, released in early 2024, represents their latest innovation in premium audio. The standout feature is their smart charging case with a touchscreen display – something we haven't seen before in this category.
The AirPods Pro 2 takes a consumer-friendly approach to sound, with a balanced profile that works well across all music genres. Apple's custom driver delivers punchy bass without overwhelming the mids, while the adaptive EQ (which automatically adjusts sound based on how the earbuds fit in your ears) ensures consistent quality.
JBL's Tour Pro 3 uses a more sophisticated dual-driver system – essentially two speakers in each earbud. One handles bass and mids, while the other focuses on high frequencies. The result is more detailed sound with better separation between instruments, though some might find it less "fun" than the AirPods' tuning.
For home theater use, both support spatial audio (surround sound for headphones), but Apple's implementation is more polished. The AirPods Pro 2 create a convincing theater-like experience when watching movies on Apple TV+ or Disney+, with sounds that seem to come from all around you.
Having tested both on subway commutes and flights, the AirPods Pro 2's noise cancellation is notably better. It handles both constant noise (like plane engines) and sudden sounds (like subway announcements) more effectively. The "Adaptive Audio" feature, added in a recent update, automatically adjusts between noise cancellation and transparency mode based on your environment.
The Tour Pro 3's noise cancellation is good but not quite at the same level. However, it offers more customization options through the JBL app, letting you fine-tune how much outside noise you want to let in.
This is where your choice might become clear based on what devices you use. The AirPods Pro 2 are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. They instantly pair with all your Apple devices, switch between them automatically, and support features like audio sharing with other AirPods users. The Find My integration is fantastic – you can locate individual earbuds down to the foot.
The Tour Pro 3 takes a different approach, focusing on platform-agnostic features. The smart case's touchscreen lets you control playback, adjust settings, and even see notifications without touching your phone. The Auracast feature lets you share audio with any compatible device, not just other JBL products.
JBL takes the lead here with 11 hours of playback per charge (44 hours total with the case) compared to the AirPods' 6 hours (30 hours total). Both support wireless charging and fast charging, but JBL's longer battery life might be crucial if you frequently take long flights or forget to charge regularly.
Despite similar retail prices, the AirPods Pro 2 are frequently on sale for around $190, making them a better value when discounted. They're also more compact and comfortable for long-term wear.
The Tour Pro 3's smart case is genuinely useful, not just a gimmick. Being able to control settings without pulling out your phone is more convenient than you might expect. However, it makes the case bulkier than the AirPods'.
Choose the AirPods Pro 2 if:
Choose the Tour Pro 3 if:
Both products represent the cutting edge of wireless earbud technology, but they serve different users. The AirPods Pro 2 excel at being the perfect Apple companion with class-leading noise cancellation, while the Tour Pro 3 offers more flexibility and longer battery life with innovative features.
For home theater use, the AirPods Pro 2 have a slight edge when paired with Apple TV, but both provide excellent movie-watching experiences. The choice ultimately comes down to your ecosystem preference and specific needs rather than raw performance differences.
Remember that both options regularly go on sale, so it's worth watching for deals before making your final decision. Whatever you choose, you'll be getting one of the best wireless earbud experiences available in 2024.
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|
| Price - What you'll actually pay | |
| $249 (often on sale for $190) | $249.99 (rarely discounted) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and detail | |
| Single custom driver | Dual driver (10mm dynamic + balanced armature) |
| Battery Life - Critical for long listening sessions | |
| 6 hours (buds), 30 hours total with case | 11 hours (buds), 44 hours total with case |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and travel | |
| Industry-leading ANC with Adaptive Audio | Good ANC but not class-leading |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects ease of use | |
| Seamless Apple integration, limited Android support | Platform agnostic, works equally well on all devices |
| Special Features - Additional value propositions | |
| Spatial Audio, Find My tracking, Adaptive EQ | Smart case with touchscreen, Auracast sharing, LDAC support |
| Water/Sweat Resistance - Durability factor | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX5 (water jet resistant) |
| Case Size - Affects portability | |
| Compact (40.9 x 21.8 x 24.0mm) | Larger due to display screen |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| Superior voice isolation and clarity | Good but can struggle in windy conditions |
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer better spatial audio implementation for movies, especially when paired with Apple TV. While both support surround sound, Apple's head tracking makes movie audio more immersive. The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers good movie performance but lacks the same level of spatial audio refinement.
Yes, especially when on sale. The AirPods Pro 2 frequently drop to around $190, offering excellent value with industry-leading noise cancellation and seamless Apple integration. They remain one of the best options for iPhone users.
Yes, the JBL Tour Pro 3 can connect to multiple devices and switch between them easily. Unlike AirPods which work best within Apple's ecosystem, the Tour Pro 3 works equally well with any device platform.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 has significantly better battery life with 11 hours per charge compared to the AirPods Pro 2 at 6 hours. For movie watching marathons, the JBL offers nearly double the playback time.
The AirPods Pro 2 offer superior noise cancellation, particularly effective at blocking out constant sounds like airplane engines or TV noise from other rooms. The JBL Tour Pro 3 has good but not quite equivalent noise cancellation.
Both can connect to Bluetooth-enabled TVs and receivers. The AirPods Pro 2 work especially well with Apple TV, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers lower latency with LDAC support for compatible devices.
The AirPods Pro 2 are slightly lighter and more comfortable for extended wear. The JBL Tour Pro 3 are also comfortable but slightly heavier.
Yes, both the AirPods Pro 2 and JBL Tour Pro 3 support wireless charging. The AirPods also work with MagSafe chargers for easier alignment.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers more detailed sound with its dual-driver system, while the AirPods Pro 2 provide a more balanced, consumer-friendly sound signature.
Both can share audio, but differently. AirPods Pro 2 can share with other AirPods through iOS devices, while JBL Tour Pro 3 offers more universal sharing through Auracast technology.
The AirPods Pro 2 excel at voice calls with better microphone quality and voice isolation. They're the better choice for frequent video conferencing or phone calls.
Both are priced similarly at launch (AirPods Pro 2 at $249 and JBL Tour Pro 3 at $249.99), but AirPods frequently go on sale for around $190, making them the better value when discounted.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: recordingnow.com - apple.com - apple.com - cnet.com - hearingreview.com - target.com - support.apple.com - costco.com - cnet.com - quill.com - techradar.com - sweetwater.com - news.jbl.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - jbl.com - krazykileys.ca - jbl.com - shop.menshealth.com - sweetwater.com
