You were right that Apple released something newer. The AirPods Pro 3 came out in September 2025, three years after the Pro 2, and this is a meaningful upgrade rather than a cosmetic refresh. The ANC improvement alone justifies the generational change. But the Pro 2 is still on sale, still excellent, and the price gap makes the decision less obvious than Apple would like.
This review covers what actually changed, what did not, and a straight answer on which one to buy depending on your situation.
Key specs: AirPods Pro 3
Who should buy the AirPods Pro 3
Probably skip if…
You already own AirPods Pro 2 that are working well. The ANC improvement is real but not dramatic enough to justify replacing a functioning pair at full price. Wait for the Pro 4. Also skip if you use Android as your main phone — the ecosystem features do not work and you are paying for things you cannot access.
The ANC upgrade: how much better is it actually?
Apple says 2x better than Pro 2. In practice this lands somewhere between “noticeably better” and “dramatically better” depending on the noise type. On a plane, the improvement is clear. Background engine hum drops further and stays suppressed more consistently. In a coffee shop, the difference is smaller because conversational noise is harder for any ANC system to handle.
The foam-infused eartips contribute more than you might expect. A better physical seal means more passive isolation before the active noise cancellation even needs to work. The two systems together make the Pro 3 the best in-ear ANC available right now, which is a real statement given what Sony and Bose offer at the same price.
The ANC on the Pro 3 is genuinely the best I have used in an earbud. The Pro 2 was already excellent. The Pro 3 is better in a way that you notice immediately in loud environments, not just in a side-by-side comparison test. If you commute regularly or travel for work, this upgrade alone is worth serious consideration.
Heart rate tracking: useful or gimmick?
The heart rate sensor works through your ear canal using infrared light. It integrates directly with the iPhone Fitness app and tracks across 50+ workout types. During a run, it updates continuously and the readings match what a chest strap or Apple Watch would show within a reasonable margin.
Whether this is useful depends entirely on whether you already own an Apple Watch. If you do, the heart rate data from your AirPods Pro 3 is redundant. If you do not own a Watch and want basic fitness tracking without buying one, this makes the Pro 3 a more complete product. It is not a replacement for an Apple Watch but it is a meaningful addition for people who run or work out without one.
Sound quality
The multiport acoustic architecture Apple built into the Pro 3 delivers a wider soundstage than the Pro 2. Bass is more controlled, instrument separation is cleaner, and vocals are clearer at higher volumes. These are real differences that show up in back-to-back testing, though they are incremental rather than transformational.
The lack of a manual EQ remains frustrating. Adaptive EQ adjusts automatically to your ear and environment, which works well for most listening, but you cannot override it. If you listen to music that benefits from a specific EQ curve, you will have to use a third-party app to apply it before the audio reaches the AirPods. Sony and Technics both offer EQ control at this price. Apple does not.
AirPods Pro 3: Our Scores
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Comparison Table
Pro 2 vs Pro 3: The Honest Take
If you can find the Pro 2 for $50 to $80 less than the Pro 3, the decision comes down to one question: do you care about the ANC upgrade and heart rate tracking? If the answer is no, the Pro 2 is still an excellent product and the savings are real. If you travel frequently or work out without an Apple Watch, pay the full price for the Pro 3. The ANC alone justifies it in those specific situations.
AirPods Pro 3: Pros And Cons
Pricing may vary by retailer. Check current prices on Amazon before buying. AirPods Pro 2 is often available at a meaningful discount from the Pro 3 list price.