AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Stronger Noise Cancellation, Heart Rate Sensing and a Battery Trade-Off

The report, written after a year of use, states that Apple's claim of doubled noise cancellation is difficult to quantify, but that the reviewer described the improvement in ANC as "definitive" in real-world use. The original AirPods Pro 2 already block surrounding sound for an immersive listening experience, the report notes.

Heart rate monitoring is the other headline addition. AirPods Pro 3 carry a heart rate sensor in each earbud that shines invisible infrared light pulsed 256 times per second. During a workout, the earbuds track heart rate and show additional metrics in the Fitness app on iPhone, where more than 50 workout types can be started and a Live Activity appears to help track the session. The feature expanded in iOS 27, which brought GymKit to the iPhone for the first time, allowing an Apple Watch-style workout experience without wearing a watch. The earbuds also work alongside an Apple Watch for more accurate data, stepping in when the watch shifts position on the wrist during lifts such as weight training.

Battery life improves on a single charge but not in total. With ANC enabled, AirPods Pro 3 play up to eight hours of music, against six hours for AirPods Pro 2. Combined with the charging case, however, AirPods Pro 2 deliver 30 hours total, made up of 24 hours from the case and six from the buds, while AirPods Pro 3 deliver 24 hours total, 16 from the case and eight from the buds. Users therefore get more playback from the buds themselves but must recharge the case more often.

The report also warns that the shape of the earbuds has changed. The reviewer finds the new design more comfortable than AirPods Pro 2, but some users have found it less comfortable, so the report recommends trying AirPods Pro 3 before buying or purchasing from a seller with an easy return process.

AirPods Pro 3 are currently on sale at Amazon for $179, down from a regular price of $249, which the report identifies as perhaps the biggest immediate reason to upgrade for users who have held out.

Editor's Summary

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 add heart rate monitoring, deliver up to twice the noise cancellation of the previous model on Apple's measure and extend per-charge playback to eight hours, while total battery life with the charging case falls from 30 hours to 24. A 9to5Mac report concludes the upgrade is worthwhile for AirPods Pro 2 owners, with the caveat that the redesigned earbuds fit some users less comfortably. The earbuds are discounted to $179 from $249 at Amazon.