AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Three reasons to upgrade

Apple's third-generation AirPods Pro arrived last year with notable changes. 9to5Mac's reviewer used them daily for a year and compared them head-to-head with the AirPods Pro 2. Here are the three biggest reasons to upgrade, plus a few caveats.

Better Active Noise Cancellation

Apple claims the AirPods Pro 3 offer ANC that is up to two times more effective than the Pro 2. While that number is hard to verify in everyday use, 9to5Mac's review called out a "definitive improvement" in real-world noise blocking. The earbuds do a better job of silencing your surroundings during commutes or focus sessions.

Heart rate monitoring during workouts

The AirPods Pro 3 add a heart rate sensor in each earbud. It shines invisible infrared light 256 times per second to track your pulse. You can start over 50 workout types in the Fitness app on your iPhone, and a Live Activity helps you follow along. The feature got a boost in iOS 27, which brought GymKit support to the iPhone for the first time. That means you get an Apple Watch-style workout experience without actually wearing a watch. If you do use an Apple Watch, the AirPods step in if the watch shifts during exercises like weightlifting.

Longer battery life per charge, but a trade-off

On a single charge, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver up to eight hours of music playback with ANC turned on, versus six hours on the Pro 2. However, 9to5Mac notes that total battery life when you factor in the charging case is actually shorter than the AirPods Pro 2. So you get more use from the buds themselves, but you will need to recharge the case more often.

Comfort and buying advice

The shape of the earbuds changed. 9to5Mac's reviewer found the new design more comfortable, but some users have reported they fit less securely. The recommendation: try the AirPods Pro 3 before you buy, or purchase from a retailer with an easy return policy.

On sale now

If you have been waiting to upgrade, the AirPods Pro 3 are currently discounted on Amazon. That alone might be reason enough to pull the trigger, provided the fit works for you.

• active noise cancellation
• AirPods Pro 2
• AirPods Pro 3
• Apple
• headphones
• heart rate monitor