AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Should You Upgrade?

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 mark the first real redesign of its high-end earbuds, introducing fitness features and tougher durability. At the same time, the AirPods Pro 2, discontinued but widely discounted, remain a tempting alternative. Choosing between them depends on what matters most to you.

Price & Value

The AirPods Pro 2 are still on the market through resellers at significantly lower prices than the Pro 3. They deliver most of Apple’s premium audio features, including Adaptive Transparency and strong ANC, at a discount that makes them appealing if cost is your main factor. The Pro 3 command full price but package in fitness tracking and better noise control, which could justify the premium for buyers who want the latest and longest-lasting model.

Design & Comfort

Apple refined the shape of the AirPods Pro 3, giving them five ear tip sizes which includes a new XXS, for the best fit yet. They also introduce foam tips alongside silicone, improving seal and comfort for a wider range of ears. The pairing button has shifted to a capacitive design, and subtle tweaks make the earbuds feel less slippery in use. The Pro 2, while comfortable, stick with the older design and fewer tip options, which may not work as well for users with smaller ears.

Sound & Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation is where the Pro 3 stand out most. Apple claims ANC is now four times stronger than on the Pro 2, making them much better for flights, commutes, or gyms. Both models support Adaptive Transparency and spatial audio, but the Pro 3 edge ahead with dual-band wireless for more stable audio streaming and reduced latency. The Pro 2 still sound excellent, but heavy listeners will appreciate the refinements in the newer model.

Durability & Everyday Use

The AirPods Pro 3 push Apple further into the fitness category with an IP57 rating. That means protection not just from sweat and rain, but also from dust and immersion—great for running, cycling, or even rugged outdoor use. The Pro 2 top out at IP54, offering good dust and water resistance but not quite to the same level.

Battery performance also shifts: the Pro 3 last up to eight hours per charge with ANC on (better than the Pro 2’s six), but their case only holds 24 total hours versus 30 for the Pro 2.

Health & Smart Features

This is where the Pro 3 feel the most new. They introduce heart-rate sensing during workouts, letting users track exercise intensity directly from their earbuds without relying solely on an Apple Watch. Both generations share features like Hearing Aid functionality, Conversation Boost, and even Live Translation, but the fitness integration puts the Pro 3 in a different category. For health-conscious users, this could be the deciding factor.

Our Final Thoughts

The AirPods Pro 3 are the most advanced earbuds Apple has made, with stronger noise cancellation, better fit, tougher durability, and health monitoring. They’re a clear upgrade for anyone on the first-generation Pro, or for buyers who want earbuds that double as fitness tools.

But the AirPods Pro 2 still make a strong case in 2025. With nearly identical audio processing, the same H2 chip, and longer total battery life from their case, they’re excellent value when found at a discount. If you already own them and don’t care about heart-rate monitoring or tougher dust resistance, you can confidently hold onto them for now.

The choice ultimately comes down to priorities: fitness and future-proofing with the Pro 3, or smart savings with the Pro 2.