The AirPods Pro 3 trim down the earbud profile for a less intrusive hang, drawing from feedback on prior fits that sometimes pinched during extended wear. They include five silicone tip sizes—now with an extra-small extra (XXS) option—to nail that seal for varied ear shapes. This expansion addresses a common gripe from the second gen’s four-tip setup, where some users struggled to lock in optimal noise blocking without discomfort.
Both generations boast stem-style designs with in-ear seals, but the Pro 3’s refinements extend to durability. Rated IP57 for dust, sweat, and water resistance on the buds and case, they outpace the second gen’s IP54 (buds and case for USB-C version) or IPX4 (original Lightning). That means better resilience against gym sweat or beach sand, without skimping on the lightweight feel—each bud weighs about 5.3 grams, a hair lighter than before.
The charging case keeps its squat, pocket-friendly form but swaps the mechanical pairing button for a capacitive one, blending flush for a cleaner look. A lanyard loop stays for easy clipping, and the matte finish resists fingerprints better than glossy rivals.
Sound and Spatial Tricks: Familiar Ground with a Polish
Audio performance carries over much of the second gen’s charm, powered by the H2 chip that handles spatial audio with head tracking for that cinema-like immersion. Both models support lossless audio when wired to Vision Pro or via Apple Music’s hi-res streams, with Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring stable links over 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Expect crisp highs and balanced mids, tuned for podcasts, tracks, or calls alike.
Where the Pro 3 edges ahead is in refinement: adaptive EQ now fine-tunes based on fit in real time, pulling from the extra tip size for more consistent bass response. Volume swipe gestures on the stems remain intuitive, though some testers note the Pro 3’s touch surface feels more responsive, cutting down on accidental skips.
No major codec jumps here—AAC and SBC rule the day—but the third gen’s acoustic tweaks promise warmer lows without muddling vocals, a nod to users who found the second gen’s sound profile a touch clinical on certain genres.
Noise Blocking and Awareness: The Big Leap in Isolation
Active noise cancellation stands as the headline upgrade, with the Pro 3 claiming 4x the suppression of the original 2019 model—double the second gen’s already impressive 2x boost. In practice, this translates to deeper cuts on low rumbles like engine hums or office AC drones, tested effectively in bustling cafes or subway rides. Apple credits enhanced microphones and computational audio for the gain, processing sound 48,000 times per second to adapt on the fly.
Transparency mode holds steady across both, piping in ambient noise for conversations or safety cues, with adaptive variants that dial down sudden loud blasts like sirens. Call quality benefits too: a fresh firmware drop (build 8A356) rolled out September 15, 2025, sharpening voice clarity on iOS 26 and beyond, using beamforming mics to focus on the speaker amid wind or crowds.
For the Pro 3, this pairs with heart-rate sensing via optical tech in the stems— a first for AirPods—tracking pulse during workouts and feeding data to the Health app. It’s not medical-grade, but it adds a wellness layer without bulk.
Endurance and Case Smarts: Power Plays and Precision
Battery metrics tilt toward the Pro 3 for solo sessions: up to 8 hours of playback with ANC on, versus 6 hours on the second gen. Pop them back in the case, though, and totals flip—24 hours combined for the new model against 30 hours prior. Apple attributes the case dip to added features like the upgraded U2 chip, which sharpens Precision Finding for locating misplaced buds up to 1.5x farther via the Find My network.
Charging stays USB-C across the board, with wireless Qi support and compatibility for Apple Watch chargers. The Pro 3 case adds a speaker for audible pings during searches, plus built-in diagnostics to flag issues like low battery or fit problems right in settings.
Fast charging nets 1 hour of use from 5 minutes plugged in, and both generations hold IP ratings that shrug off splashes. For travelers, the Pro 3’s dust-proofing edges out in rugged scenarios, like dusty trails or construction zones.
Price and Availability: Deals on the Horizon
At launch, the AirPods Pro 3 command $249, matching the second gen’s original tag. With the older model discontinued from Apple’s direct sales, third-party spots like Amazon or Best Buy slash prices to around $189— a solid entry if you skip the heart-rate perk or extra ANC punch.
Trade-in values hover at $50-70 for well-kept second gens, softening the upgrade sting. Both work across iOS 18 and up, with no compatibility snags for Android via basic Bluetooth, though Siri and spatial perks stay Apple-exclusive.
Firmware updates keep things current; the recent 8A356 build hints at ongoing tweaks, potentially bringing hearing aid modes or further audio honing down the line.
Worth the Switch? Weighing Value in a Crowded Field
Current second-gen owners might hold off unless craving that heart-rate hook or ironclad noise blocking for noisy gigs. The fit improvements alone sway active users, but at full price, it’s evolutionary, not revolutionary—much like the USB-C refresh felt last year.
For fresh buyers, the Pro 3 pulls ahead with its forward-looking kit, especially alongside iPhone 17’s audio synergies. In a market stacked with Sony’s WF-1000XM5 or Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, Apple’s buds win on ecosystem ease and polish, turning everyday listens into effortless escapes.
As the dust settles post-launch, expect real-user tests to clarify if the ANC jump lives up to hype or if battery trade-offs bite. Either way, Apple’s earbud throne looks secure, blending smarts with sound in a package that’s hard to beat.
