(Credit: Eric Zeman/PCMag)
If there is a single pair of wireless earbuds that do it all, it’s the AirPods Pro 2. I've found their active noise-cancelling performance to be impressive, while the sound and low-end bass response are full and lively. They go above and beyond with adaptive audio, conversational awareness, and can even function as hearing aids. But it's been three years since a major upgrade; here are four reasons I'm leaving the Pro 2 behind and upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3.
1. A Better Workout Buddy
(Credit: Apple)A key part of being a do-it-all audio device is offering robust fitness features. I use my AirPods Pro 2 for running sometimes, but they're not ideal. The Pro 3 should improve on that with a refined fit, better sweat resistance, and a new sensor. Each time Apple has refined the fit of its earbuds, they’ve been a little more comfortable to wear and have fallen out of my ears less often. I hope that will be the case with these new buds, too.
A subtle, but important, update for fitness comes with the AirPods Pro 3 being IP57 rated for better water resistance. The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 are both IP54 rated. The difference in lab tests is that the other models could handle splashes of water, while the Pro 3 should be able to survive immersion in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. They still aren’t swimming earbuds, but nearly any type of exercise should be covered now.
The AirPods Pro 3 also adds a heart rate sensor, like the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, to capture workout data on your iPhone, a major upgrade for anyone without an Apple Watch. I like the idea of having a backup way to capture fitness data if I’m somewhere without my watch or it dies.
2. 'World's Best' Noise Cancellation?
(Credit: Eric Zeman/PCMag)Apple claims the AirPods Pro 3 will have two times better ANC performance than the AirPods Pro 2, or four times better performance than the original AirPods Pro. The company even says they have the “world’s best in-ear active noise cancellation.” That’s a bold claim, and I'll be interested to see how they fare against the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2. Still, any improvement in blocking noise is welcome. An early test in a loud demo room at Apple HQ was promising.
I would love to be able to bring only one pair of small earbuds on a trip. If they can block plane noise and function as my running earbuds, that frees up a lot of space in my carry-on.
3. New Eartips
The new AirPods Pro 3 have foam-injected silicone eartips with five size options in the box instead of four. This might be partially responsible for the improved noise cancellation, but it could also help with comfort. Either way, I’m looking forward to trying them out.
4. A Bigger But Better Case
(Credit: Eric Zeman/PCMag)I was hoping that the AirPods Pro 3 case would be significantly smaller than the Pro 2 one, but it's actually slightly bigger. Still, the case has Apple’s new U2 chip, which can use Precision Finding with FindMy from a further distance, making it easier to locate.
5. New Eartips
More importantly, the AirPods Pro 3 will have increased listening time. Apple says they should get up to eight hours of use with ANC enabled, around two hours longer than the previous Pro model. Even with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking turned on, Apple advertises 7.5 hours of use—still two hours better than the Pro 2.
Should You Upgrade to the AirPods Pro 3?
(Credit: Apple)I’m an audio and tech enthusiast who’s had every pair of AirPods since they came out in 2016. The choice for me to upgrade is an easy one. The good news for first-time AirPods Pro buyers is that the newest model is the only choice; Apple already pulled the Pro 2 from its website.
If you’re an AirPods Pro 2 owner on the fence about buying a new pair, I would recommend considering your needs. Your current earbuds will get the live language translation feature, and they already act as hearing protection. So, if you aren’t craving better ANC or water resistance, then I wouldn’t worry about upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3 quite yet. If you are interested in those things, however, the $249 AirPods Pro 3 are available for preorder now and arrive on Sept. 19.