Apple's AirPods Pro 3 are officially here and ready to buy. Here's how the specs compare to the second generation version so you can decide if you need to upgrade or not.
The third-generation AirPods Pro package is an improvement over its predecessor in every meaningful way, which might make an upgrade a no-brainer. But not all improvements are created equally, and some should be given more weight than others.
In pure sound quality terms, AirPods Pro 3 have some upgrades that should make for improved audio and active noise cancellation performance. Those two things alone could be enough to warrant buying the newer earbuds.
But the switch from second to third-generation AirPods Pro brings with it more than that. Apple has revamped the design and fit to make for a more comfortable wearing experience, for example.
AirPods Pro 3
Then, there are the new health sensors that can monitor the wearer's heart rate — a boon for those who don't wear an Apple Watch.
All in all, there's a lot to like here. Let's dive in.
AirPods Pro 3 versus AirPods Pro 2 - Specifications
| Specifications | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.00 Buy on Amazon | $199.00 Check prices | |
| Dimensions (inches) | 1.22 x 0.76 x 1.06 | 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 | |
| Weight (ounces) | 0.20 | 0.19 | |
| Case Dimensions (inches) | 1.86 x 2.45 x 0.86 | 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 | |
| Case Weight (ounces) | 1.61 | 1.79 | |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | 8 hours with ANC | 6 hours with ANC | |
| Battery Life (with case) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 | |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone | Dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone | |
| Sensors | Dual optical sensors, motion-detecting accelerometer, speech-detecting accelerometer, force sensor,, heart rate sensor | Dual optical sensors, motion-detecting accelerometer, speech-detecting accelerometer, force sensor touch control | |
| Sweat and Water Resistance | IP57 | IP54 | |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes | |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
AirPods Pro 3 versus AirPods Pro 2 - Design and Dimensions
This AirPods Pro refresh brings with it a change in design that more closely matches the excellent AirPods 4. That means a smaller shape as a whole, which should make for a more comfortable wear.
The size difference comes in the form of a slimmer width but a deeper depth when compared to their AirPods Pro 2 counterparts.
AirPods Pro 3 - Image Credit: Apple
Interestingly, the smaller design hasn't made the earbuds lighter, though. AirPods Pro 3 come in at 0.20 ounces compared to the 0.19 ounces of AirPods Pro 2. It's debatable whether anyone will notice the difference, though.
In terms of raw numbers, the AirPods Pro 3 have a height of 1.22 inches, a width of 0.76 inches, and a depth of 1.06 inches. The AirPods Pro 2 have the same height but are wider at 0.86 inches and less deep at 0.94 inches,
The charging case has also changed slightly, growing to 1.86 inches tall, 2.45 inches wide, and 0.86 inches deep. The AirPods Pro 2 case measures 1.78 inches tall, 2.39 inches wide, and 0.85 inches deep.
AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 3 charging case is lighter at 1.55 ounces compared to the AirPods Pro 2's case, which is 1.79 ounces.
Apple also now puts five different sizes of ear tips in the box, and each tip is now foam-infused. That should help with fit and isolation, even without ANC enabled.
AirPods Pro 3 versus AirPods Pro 2 - Features
A good pair of wireless earbuds needs to sound great, and the AirPods Pro 2 definitely managed that. But the AirPods Pro 3 take things to a new level.
Apple says that the active noise cancellation technology can remove 2x more noise than the previous generation — and that increases to 4x more than the original AirPods Pro.
The audio has also been improved thanks to tweaked Transparency mode and Adaptive EQ features. Apple says that the next-gen Adaptive EQ means for improved bass and a wider soundstage.
Transparency mode now sounds better than ever thanks to more natural-sounding voices, including that of the wearer.
AirPods Pro 3 also include new health sensors, built into each earbud. The custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor uses infrared light to measure blood flow, putting an Apple Watch-like heart rate sensor into each ear.
Coupled with other sensor data, this means AirPods Pro 3 can be used to track heart rate data across up to 50 different workout types.
Apple also added support for Live Translation, allowing the earbuds to translate speech on the fly. However, this feature is also available for AirPods Pro 2 via a software update.
AirPods Pro 3 - Image Credit: Apple
The same can be said for the Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection features, too.
Finally, Apple has also improved the dust and sweat resistance to IP57, up from AirPods Pro 2's IP54 rating. This means the new earbuds will withstand rain, sweat, and more without issue.
AirPods Pro 3 versus AirPods Pro 2 - Battery life
Battery life has always been a relatively strong suit for Apple's AirPods, and the new AirPods Pro 3 are no different.
Each charge will provide up to eight hours of listening time with ANC enabled. That falls to 7.5 hours when Spatial Audio and Head Tracking are also enabled. For comparison, those figures are six hours and 5.5 hours, respectively, when using Apple's AirPods Pro 2.
Other stats include up to 10 hours of listening time when using Transparency mode.
The MagSafe Charging Case included with AirPods Pro 3 can offer up to 24 hours of listening time with ANC turned on. A single five-minute charge adds another hour of listening time, should the need arise. That's the same as the previous generation, although listening time was quoted at 30 hours for that model.
AirPods Pro 3 versus AirPods Pro 2 - Connectivity
Both AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2 use Bluetooth 5.3 technology and have Apple's H2 chip for instant device switching and pairing. The U1 location-finding chip in the AirPods Pro 2's charging case has been upgraded to the U2 in the AirPods Pro 3 version, however.
Both models' cases have a built-in speaker for the built-in Find My support, and there's space for a lanyard as well. USB-C and MagSafe charging are also included across both models.
AirPods Pro 3 versus AirPods Pro 2 - Pricing
The new AirPods Pro 3 retail for $249, which is the same price as the previous generation, and they can be ordered today at Amazon and B&H Photo.
AirPods Pro 2, meanwhile, are on sale for $199 at press time, as Amazon clears out remaining inventory.
You can also compare AirPods prices across retailers and peruse our top picks for the best AirPods deals.
