Apple continues to iterate on its AirPods Pro line with the release of the AirPods Pro 3, an ambitious update that adds heart rate tracking, live translation, and improved ANC. But how much better are they than the well-received AirPods Pro 2, which many still consider a gold standard for iPhone-compatible earbuds?
What's it like to use the AirPods Pro 3 compared to the AirPods Pro 2?
The AirPods Pro 3 look nearly identical to the AirPods Pro 2, but the subtle refinements make a difference. Apple shrunk the bulb slightly, which allowed the Pro 3 to sit deeper in the ear canal for a more stable fit. The new foam-infused ear tips also mold better to ear shape, though they can still slip out once sweat builds up.
Meanwhile, the Pro 2 sticks with classic silicone tips in four sizes, which don't provide quite the same seal consistency. Both charging cases share the same glossy white plastic that scratches easily, but the Pro 3 swaps the pairing button for a touch-sensitive panel.
Durability improvements
Durability gets a real bump with the Pro 3's IP57 rating, making them far better suited for workouts or rainy commutes than the Pro 2's IP54 protection. Both use stem-squeeze and swipe gestures for playback and volume control, but Apple introduced one neat addition with the Pro 3: a double-stem hold that triggers Live Translation.
What are the new features of the AirPods Pro 3?
The new headline features in the AirPods Pro 3 are:
- Heart-rate sensor - Reliable for walking and light jogging but inconsistent during intense workouts
- Live Translation - Exciting but not seamless, with lag and struggles in noisy spaces
- Improved ANC performance
- Better battery life
Besides these features, the AirPods Pro 2 still have a very comprehensive set of abilities. You can still use the older model as a hearing aid, and access standard AirPods features such as personalized spatial audio, adaptive audio, and more.
How do the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 connect?
Both the AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2 use Bluetooth 5.3 with support for SBC and AAC codecs. The AAC stream on iOS is stable and high quality, though Android performance remains hit-or-miss due to how Android handles AAC. Neither supports high-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX.
The Pro 3 rely on the same H2 chip that powers the Pro 2, which handles audio processing and Adaptive EQ. However, the Pro 3 case adds Apple's newer U2 chip, giving them more precise case tracking in the Find My app.
Is battery life better on the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2?
Battery life is a clear win for the Pro 3. In standardized testing, they lasted:
- AirPods Pro 3: 8 hours and 42 minutes with ANC enabled
- AirPods Pro 2: 5 hours and 43 minutes with ANC enabled
This improvement makes the Pro 3 a stronger choice for frequent travelers or long workdays. Both cases offer plenty of extra charges, bringing total listening time comfortably past 24 hours.
Charging options
Charging options are equally versatile across both generations:
- USB-C
- MagSafe
- Qi wireless charging
- Apple Watch puck
Fast charging is identical: 5 minutes in the case nets about an hour of listening time.
Do the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2 block noise better?
The AirPods Pro 3 offer the best ANC performance ever tested in earbuds. Lab results show they reduced external noise by 90%, a step above the Pro 2's already strong 83% reduction. In real-world use, the Pro 3 made subway commutes feel far more tolerable, while the Pro 2 occasionally let in midrange chatter.
Transparency mode also improves on the Pro 3, letting voices come through more naturally than the slightly processed-sounding mode on the Pro 2. Both feature Adaptive Transparency that automatically lowers the volume of sudden loud sounds like sirens.
Do the AirPods Pro 3 sound better than the AirPods Pro 2?
Apple reworked the acoustic chamber on the Pro 3 for improved bass response and stereo performance. The spatial audio modes sound really good on the AirPods Pro 3 with a good illusion of 3D space. That said, the AirPods Pro 2 are still great performers, and the sound quality differences are not extremely stark.
Key sound differences
- The AirPods Pro 2 have slightly more bass
- The AirPods Pro 3 have more treble extension
- Older listeners will likely prefer the added boost around 10-14kHz on the Pro 3
Both models lack a native custom equalizer, instead using an Adaptive EQ systemthat adjusts sound depending on fit.
Do the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2 have a better microphone?
Microphone quality is improved with the AirPods Pro 3, making them better for taking calls and meetings. In testing, 81% of listeners preferred the AirPods Pro 3 microphone quality compared to 19% for the Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Price and availability
Both the AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2 launched at \$249, though with the Pro 3 now out, you can often find the Pro 2 discounted. If you're looking to save money, the Pro 2 are a better value right now, especially since they still hold up well against most competitors.
Should you get the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2?
If you're already invested in Apple's ecosystem and want the absolute best earbuds the company makes, the AirPods Pro 3 are the easy pick. They improve ANC, extend battery life, and add ambitious features that future-proof them for years. Fitness enthusiasts and frequent travelers will especially appreciate them.
That said, the AirPods Pro 2 remain a fantastic buy. They're more affordable, sound great, and still offer ANC and Spatial Audio that rival much of the competition.
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