AirPods Pro 3 add workout heart-rate sensing, a redesigned fit with five ear-tip sizes, IP57 resistance, and longer Apple-rated listening time per charge than AirPods Pro 2. Both models use Apple’s H2 headphone chip, while Pro 2 have the higher listed listening estimate when the charging case is included: up to 30 hours versus Pro 3’s up to 24 hours.
Consider Pro 3 if you specifically want its new fit, heart-rate tracking, or stronger noise cancellation as claimed by Apple. Pro 2 may remain a good choice if their fit and features suit you; check current prices and compatibility before deciding.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: specification comparison
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Earbud chip | H2 | H2 |
| Charging-case chip | Second-generation Ultra Wideband | U1 in the listed MagSafe case |
| Ear-tip sizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L | XS, S, M, L |
| Resistance rating | IP57 | IPX4 |
| Listening time per charge with ANC | Up to 8 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Listening time per charge with ANC and Spatial Audio with head tracking | Up to 7.5 hours | Up to 5.5 hours |
| Listening time with case and ANC | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Workout heart-rate sensing | Yes | No |
| Hearing features listed by Apple | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection |
| Case charging | MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified, USB-C | MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Qi, Lightning for the configuration described on Apple’s support page |
Specifications and battery estimates are from Apple’s current technical specifications and support documentation. Actual battery life varies with settings, environment, and use. The listed Pro 2 charging details refer to the case configuration described on Apple’s support page; verify the connector on the specific model.
What is new in AirPods Pro 3?
Redesigned fit and five tip sizes
AirPods Pro 3 come with five ear-tip sizes, including XXS; AirPods Pro 2 come with four: XS, S, M, and L. Apple describes the Pro 3 tips as foam-infused. The new fit may matter if you need a smaller tip or want to try a different shape, but comfort is individual. Do not assume that ear tips interchange between generations; the consulted sources do not confirm cross-generation compatibility.
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Stronger ANC, according to Apple
Apple says AirPods Pro 3 offer up to twice as effective noise cancellation as AirPods Pro 2. This is Apple’s manufacturer claim, not an independent side-by-side test result in the research used for this comparison. Treat it as a potential advantage rather than a guarantee: results can depend on the fit, sound source, and listening conditions.
Workout heart-rate sensing
AirPods Pro 3 add an in-ear heart-rate sensor for workout tracking with Apple’s Fitness app. Apple lists this feature for Pro 3, not Pro 2. If heart-rate tracking through earbuds is important to you, Pro 3 are the relevant model. The feature is for workout tracking, not a reason to treat the earbuds as a general-purpose medical monitor.
IP57 resistance
Pro 3 are rated IP57 for dust, sweat, and water resistance; Pro 2 are rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance. These ratings are not a guarantee that either model is waterproof or suitable for swimming. Apple’s specifications identify the ratings; follow Apple’s care guidance for the particular model.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Battery life: longer per charge, not with the case
Apple rates Pro 3 for up to eight hours of ANC listening on a charge, compared with up to six hours for Pro 2. With the charging case included, Apple lists up to 24 hours for Pro 3 and up to 30 hours for Pro 2. These are separate measures: Pro 3 have the higher per-charge estimate, while Pro 2 have the higher case-inclusive estimate.
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Apple also lists up to 7.5 hours for Pro 3 and up to 5.5 hours for Pro 2 with Spatial Audio and head tracking. The “up to” figures are estimates under Apple’s test conditions, not guaranteed results in everyday use.
What remains the same?
Both generations use the H2 headphone chip. Apple lists Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection for both models, so these should not be treated as Pro 3-exclusive features. Feature availability and requirements can vary by region and software.
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Pro 3’s case uses a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Pro 2’s listed MagSafe case uses U1. The case designs and connector configurations differ, so verify the exact generation and case before buying replacement parts. Do not assume Pro 2 and Pro 3 cases are interchangeable: the research sources do not establish cross-generation compatibility.
Hearing protection ratings: what the numbers mean
Apple’s data sheets list passive Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) of 12 dB for Pro 3 and 10 dB for Pro 2. Apple cautions that these passive ratings apply when the earbuds are unpowered or in Off mode, not when using ANC, Transparency, or Adaptive Audio. Apple also cautions against treating the ratings as a measure of protection from impulsive noise. The Pro 3 document is marked draft, so read its figure with that qualification.
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Which AirPods Pro should you choose?
Consider AirPods Pro 3 if
- You want workout heart-rate sensing through earbuds.
- You want to try the redesigned fit or need the XXS ear-tip option.
- You value Apple’s claim of up to twice as effective ANC compared with Pro 2.
- You want the higher Apple-rated per-charge ANC listening estimate.
- You value an IP57 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance.
Consider AirPods Pro 2 if
- You are satisfied with their fit and features.
- You do not need earbud-based workout heart-rate sensing.
- You value the higher listed case-inclusive ANC listening estimate.
- The current price makes them a better fit for your budget.
If you already own Pro 2, consider upgrading only if a specific Pro 3 change addresses a need, such as fit, workout heart-rate tracking, resistance rating, or per-charge listening time. Both models share the H2 chip, and Apple lists the same hearing features for each.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
FAQ
What is the biggest difference between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2?
Pro 3 add workout heart-rate sensing, a new fit with an XXS tip, IP57 resistance, and higher Apple-rated ANC listening time per charge. Both use the H2 headphone chip.
Do AirPods Pro 3 last longer than AirPods Pro 2?
Per charge, Apple lists up to eight hours of ANC listening for Pro 3 and up to six hours for Pro 2. With the case, Apple lists up to 24 hours for Pro 3 and up to 30 hours for Pro 2.
Are AirPods Pro 3 waterproof?
No. Apple rates them IP57 for dust, sweat, and water resistance, but that rating is not a guarantee of waterproofing or suitability for swimming.
Best Value
- For iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac
- Dolby Atmos Support for Immersive Audio
- IPX4 Sweat & Water Resistance
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking
- Adaptive EQ Adjust Music in Real-Time
Is noise cancellation twice as good on AirPods Pro 3?
Apple says Pro 3 offer up to twice as effective ANC as Pro 2. That is a manufacturer claim, not an independent test result in the research used here, and actual results can vary.
Do both models have Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection?
Apple lists these features for both Pro 2 and Pro 3. Availability and requirements can depend on region and software.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
