AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Who Should Upgrade?

Explore the key differences between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 to see if the latest features make an upgrade worth your while.

When Apple dropped the AirPods Pro 3, they didn’t just tweak the design—they packed in upgrades that caught the attention of audiophiles and fitness fans alike. From enhanced noise cancellation to a built-in heart rate sensor, these earbuds offer more than just a fresh look.

But if you’re sporting the AirPods Pro 2, which might be a couple of years old depending on your charging port, the million-dollar question is: is it really worth shelling out $249 for the latest model? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and see where these two premium earbuds truly differ.

Feature Face-Off

Both AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2 share several powerhouse features: live translation, hearing protection, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, spatial audio, and the Apple H2 audio chip powering crisp sound. Yet, the magic lies in the subtle hardware upgrades that make a tangible difference when you’re actually using them. Let’s break down the specs:

Why You Should Choose AirPods Pro 3

1. You Crave Comprehensive Health Features

Apple didn’t just stop at great sound for the Pro 3—they loaded them with a full suite of hearing health tools. This includes a hearing aid mode that effectively transforms your earbuds into a non-prescription hearing aid. Whether it’s hearing protection, compatibility with home hearing tests, or automatic conversation boosting, these features are shared by both generations.

But here’s the kicker: AirPods Pro 3 pack in a heart rate sensor that actively monitors your pulse, calories burned, and workout duration when paired with Apple’s Fitness app during exercise. If you like your tech to double as a fitness buddy, this is a serious upgrade.

2. You Need Better Water and Dust Resistance

The Pro 3 shoes a solid IP57 rating, meaning they’re dust-tight and can survive immersion in water up to a meter for 30 minutes. That’s a step up from the Pro 2’s IP54 rating on USB-C models and IPX4 on Lightning versions. So whether you’re caught in a sudden downpour or sweating through an intense workout, Pro 3 earbuds and their charging case are better shielded from moisture and dust damage.

And let’s be honest: not many premium earbuds from other brands offer this kind of protection in their cases, so this is a notable edge for Apple’s latest.

3. You Want Overall Enhanced Performance

Beyond the headline heart rate sensor, the AirPods Pro 3 bring several juicy improvements. They sport a refined shape for better fit, bigger 10.7mm drivers for deeper bass, updated acoustic architecture, new ear tips, and improved noise cancellation and transparency modes.

Plus, they’re fitted with an upgraded Apple U2 ultra-wideband chip for precision finding. Pair this with an iPhone 15 or newer, and you can locate your AirPods with more accuracy and from farther away—perfect for those who occasionally misplace their buds.

Why AirPods Pro 2 Still Rock

1. You’re Looking for a More Affordable Option

Here’s the scoop: cheaper doesn’t mean worse. The AirPods Pro 2 still offer a premium experience and seamless integration with your Apple devices. You get nearly all the software perks—except that heart rate tracking.

During sales, these buds can go for as low as $179. Although Apple has stopped selling them directly, you’ll find them through select retailers at a discount. If your wallet’s watching, the Pro 2 delivers strong value.

2. You Don’t Need the Extra Features

Honestly, for most users, the Pro 2 features are more than enough. Whether you’re jamming to your playlists, taking calls on speaker mode, or drowning out noise on the commute, they hold their own beautifully.

Both models run on the Apple H2 chip, ensuring excellent sound quality and effective noise cancellation. The Pro 2 offers a solid package that covers the essentials without the bells and whistles of the heart rate sensor or enhanced water resistance.

Apple has equipped AirPods Pro 3 with a full set of hearing health functions, including a hearing aid mode that turns your AirPods into over-the-counter hearing aids.

— Tech Insider

Final Thoughts: To Upgrade or Not To Upgrade?

If you’re an active fitness enthusiast who would love tracking heart rate through your earbuds, or if you need that extra layer of durability against water and dust, AirPods Pro 3 make a compelling case. The improved audio performance and Precision Finding features sweeten the deal.

On the other hand, if your current AirPods Pro 2 are still in great shape and you don’t crave the latest bells and whistles, sticking with them—or jumping on a sale—makes perfect sense. After all, the core Apple audio experience remains stellar across both generations.

FAQ

• What major new health feature does AirPods Pro 3 have?
  AirPods Pro 3 introduce a built-in heart rate sensor for tracking your pulse and workout stats via the Fitness app.
• How does the water resistance compare between the two models?
  AirPods Pro 3 have an IP57 rating, allowing immersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes, whereas AirPods Pro 2 have IP54 (USB-C) or IPX4 (Lightning), offering less protection.
• Do both models support the same audio modes?
  Yes, both support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, Adaptive mode, and Conversation Recognition.
• Can I still buy AirPods Pro 2 from Apple directly?
  No, Apple has discontinued direct sales of AirPods Pro 2, but they are available through authorized retailers.
• Is battery life better on AirPods Pro 3?
  Yes, AirPods Pro 3 offer up to 8 hours of listening per charge (24 hours with case), compared to 6 hours per charge (30 hours with case) on Pro 2.

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