{"id":2686,"date":"2025-09-10T15:34:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T15:34:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/airpods-pro-3-compare\/"},"modified":"2025-09-10T15:34:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T15:34:15","slug":"airpods-pro-3-compare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/airpods-pro-3-compare\/","title":{"rendered":"How the new AirPods Pro compare to the rest of Apple\u2019s AirPods lineup"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<h2>Lead<\/h2>\n<p>Apple unveiled the third-generation AirPods Pro at its September 9, 2024 &#8220;Wonderlust&#8221; event, with the earbuds arriving in stores on September 19 and available for preorder now. Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro 3 position Apple\u2019s earbuds further into fitness and translation use cases by adding a built\u2011in heart\u2011rate sensor, Workout Buddy features and a real\u2011time translation capability. Apple also says the new model delivers improved audio and up to twice the active noise cancellation (ANC) of the prior Pro model thanks to foam\u2011infused tips and new hardware. The broader AirPods family still spans entry models at $129 through over\u2011ear AirPods Max at $549, keeping cheaper alternatives available for buyers who don\u2019t need every new feature.<\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The AirPods Pro 3 launch was announced on September 9, 2024, and the earbuds go on sale September 19, 2024, with a $249 MSRP.<\/li>\n<li>Apple added a built\u2011in heart\u2011rate sensor and support for tracking more than 50 workout types through the iPhone Fitness app; the new Workout Buddy offers personalized insights.<\/li>\n<li>Apple claims the Pro 3 delivers improved sound and up to 2x the ANC of the AirPods Pro 2, aided by new foam\u2011infused ear tips and a redesigned fit that adds an XXS tip size.<\/li>\n<li>The AirPods Pro 3 carry an IP57 rating for earbuds and case, improving dust and water resistance versus IP54 on lower models.<\/li>\n<li>Battery figures: earbuds up to 8 hours (with conditions noted by Apple), case extends total listening time up to 24 hours; other models range from 4\u201320 hours for earbuds depending on model.<\/li>\n<li>Connectivity and chips: AirPods Pro 3 use Bluetooth 5.3 and Apple H2 with a U2 chip in the case; the lineup otherwise mixes H2 and H1 silicon across models.<\/li>\n<li>Price tiers remain: AirPods (4) $129, AirPods (4) with ANC $179, AirPods Pro 2 often discounted around $199 through third parties, AirPods Max $549.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Background<\/h2>\n<p>Apple\u2019s wearable audio line has evolved from simple earbuds to a multi\u2011tier catalog that targets different use cases and budgets. The base AirPods (fourth generation) and the mid\u2011tier ANC variant serve price\u2011sensitive buyers, while the AirPods Pro family has been Apple\u2019s premium true\u2011wireless offering since the first Pro model. The AirPods Max occupies a separate over\u2011ear category at the top of the range and remains the only over\u2011ear option in Apple\u2019s audio lineup.<\/p>\n<p>The previous major Pro update arrived as the AirPods Pro 2, which introduced stronger ANC, improved drivers and new sensors; a minor refresh in 2023 added a USB\u2011C charging case and better dust resistance. Over the same period Apple has pushed integration with iOS features\u2014Hearing Aid compatibility, Live Translation and increased fitness tracking\u2014so the Pro 3\u2019s fitness and translation emphasis extends a clear product strategy rather than a departure.<\/p>\n<h2>Main Event<\/h2>\n<p>At the September 9 event Apple presented the AirPods Pro 3 as a fitness\u2011forward upgrade. The earbuds include a heart\u2011rate sensor that feeds workout metrics into the iPhone Fitness app and support tracking for more than 50 workout types. Apple also introduced Workout Buddy, a new software experience that surfaces personalized metrics and achievement\u2011based coaching based on a user\u2019s exercise history.<\/p>\n<p>On the hardware side, Apple says the Pro 3 sports foam\u2011infused ear tips that improve noise isolation and fit; the tips are physically smaller than before and add a fifth XXS size option for more users. Apple claims these changes help the Pro 3 achieve up to twice the ANC of the previous generation, although independent testing is still required to verify the exact gain in real\u2011world environments.<\/p>\n<p>Other changes include an upgraded IP57 rating for both earbuds and charging case, USB\u2011C wired charging, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and H2 silicon with a U2 chip in the case. Apple also highlighted a live translation feature for real\u2011time language conversion and reiterated compatibility with Lossless audio via Apple Vision Pro or wired USB\u2011C connections to supported devices.<\/p>\n<h2>Analysis &#038; Implications<\/h2>\n<p>The addition of a heart\u2011rate sensor signals Apple\u2019s intent to make earbuds part of a broader health and fitness ecosystem, not merely audio accessories. By routing heart rate and workout classification through the Fitness app and offering tailored Workout Buddy insights, Apple is packaging hardware and software to compete with wrist\u2011based trackers for certain exercise metrics. That said, earbuds are limited compared with chest straps or dedicated heart\u2011rate monitors, so their data will likely be best suited to casual fitness users rather than athletes needing medical\u2011grade precision.<\/p>\n<p>Pushing ANC and fit improvements addresses a core challenge for many true\u2011wireless buyers: finding earbuds that isolate sound without discomfort. Foam\u2011infused tips and a new tip size range should broaden the Pro 3\u2019s appeal, but efficacy will depend on individual ear anatomy and how well the foam performs over weeks of use. If Apple\u2019s ANC claims hold up in third\u2011party testing, the Pro 3 could close the gap with competing high\u2011end earbuds on noise suppression while retaining deep iOS integration.<\/p>\n<p>On pricing and lineup strategy, Apple keeps clear differentiation across tiers: $129 and $179 entry points for basic and ANC\u2011enabled AirPods, $249 for the new Pro 3, and $549 for the Max over\u2011ears. This preserves options for cost\u2011conscious buyers and upgraders who value fitness and translation features. Third\u2011party discounts on the Pro 2 (often near $199) will complicate buying decisions for consumers weighing incremental upgrades against a lower\u2011priced, proven model.<\/p>\n<h2>Comparison &#038; Data<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Model<\/th>\n<th>Price<\/th>\n<th>ANC<\/th>\n<th>Earbud battery (hrs)<\/th>\n<th>Case battery (hrs)<\/th>\n<th>Water rating<\/th>\n<th>Heart\u2011rate sensor<\/th>\n<th>Chip<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>AirPods 4<\/td>\n<td>$129<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>Up to 5<\/td>\n<td>Up to 30<\/td>\n<td>IP54<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>H2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AirPods 4 w\/ ANC<\/td>\n<td>$179<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Up to 4<\/td>\n<td>Up to 20<\/td>\n<td>IP54<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>H2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AirPods Pro 2<\/td>\n<td>Discontinued (commonly on sale ~$199)<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Up to 6<\/td>\n<td>Up to 30<\/td>\n<td>IP54<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>H2, U1 in case<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AirPods Pro 3<\/td>\n<td>$249<\/td>\n<td>Yes (Apple: ~2x Pro 2)<\/td>\n<td>Up to 8<\/td>\n<td>Up to 24<\/td>\n<td>IP57<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>H2, U2 in case<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AirPods Max<\/td>\n<td>$549<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Up to 20<\/td>\n<td>N\/A<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>H1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The table highlights how Apple staggers features across models. The Pro 3 raises the minimum for dust\/water resistance (IP57) and puts a heart\u2011rate sensor into earbuds for the first time in Apple\u2019s true\u2011wireless family. Battery numbers are manufacturer estimates and can vary by usage, ANC settings and software features such as Hearing Aid mode.<\/p>\n<h2>Reactions &#038; Quotes<\/h2>\n<p>Apple framed the Pro 3 as a multi\u2011purpose device for audio and fitness during the product introduction; the company emphasized personalized workout feedback and improved noise control as key selling points. Early commentary from reviewers has focused on the new sensors and tips but stressed the need for hands\u2011on tests to confirm ANC and sound claims.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Workout Buddy&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>Apple (official announcement)<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Apple used that term to describe the new fitness experience tied to the iPhone Fitness app; the phrasing underscores the company\u2019s approach of blending hardware sensors with software coaching. The effectiveness of Workout Buddy will depend on data quality from ear\u2011based sensors and how Apple surfaces insights compared with existing wrist\u2011based fitness tools.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;We\u2019ve yet to put them to the test.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>The Verge (Sheena Vasani)<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The Verge\u2019s early coverage notes that independent testing is still required to validate Apple\u2019s claims about ANC improvement and fit. That caution is typical in initial hands\u2011on reporting when manufacturers\u2019 specifications need third\u2011party verification.<\/p>\n<h2>\n<aside>\n<details>\n<summary>Explainer: foam\u2011infused tips, IP57 and what they mean<\/summary>\n<p>Foam\u2011infused ear tips combine soft memory foam with a surface treatment that seeks to improve seal and passive noise isolation compared with typical silicone tips. A better seal helps ANC and bass response, but fit varies by ear shape. IP57 indicates protection against dust ingress (level 5) and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (level 7), an upgrade from IP54 which mainly guards against splashes and limited dust. Heart\u2011rate sensing in earbuds uses optical sensors that read blood flow at the ear; accuracy is generally good for steady\u2011state exercise but can be more variable during high\u2011intensity or irregular motion compared with chest straps. Apple\u2019s Workout Buddy aggregates sensor data, workout types and past activity to produce contextual prompts and metrics.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/aside>\n<\/h2>\n<h2>Unconfirmed<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Independent verification of Apple\u2019s claim that ANC is &#8220;up to 2x&#8221; better than the AirPods Pro 2 is pending third\u2011party lab tests and long\u2011term user reviews.<\/li>\n<li>Real\u2011world accuracy and reliability of the ear\u2011based heart\u2011rate sensor across different exercises, skin tones and fit profiles remain to be fully validated.<\/li>\n<li>How much battery life will be affected by continuous use of live translation or Workout Buddy features has not been confirmed by independent endurance tests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 mark a distinct pivot toward fitness and live\u2011language features while iterating on fit and noise cancellation. For users who prioritize exercise tracking, better dust\/water resistance and the newest ANC and fit options, the $249 Pro 3 represents a logical step up from base AirPods or older Pro hardware\u2014provided Apple\u2019s performance claims hold in independent reviews.<\/p>\n<p>However, price\u2011sensitive buyers or those satisfied with current ANC and sound from older AirPods Pro models will find strong value in discounted AirPods Pro 2 units and the $129\u2013$179 AirPods 4 lineup. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether heart\u2011rate sensing, Workout Buddy and the revised fit offer meaningful improvements for the way you use earbuds.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/tech\/770868\/apple-airpods-pro-3-max-which-to-buy-price-specs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Verge \u2014 product coverage and initial hands\u2011on (media)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/newsroom\/2024\/09\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Newsroom \u2014 Apple event announcement (official)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/airpods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple \u2014 AirPods product pages (official)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lead Apple unveiled the third-generation AirPods Pro at its September 9, 2024 &#8220;Wonderlust&#8221; event, with the earbuds arriving in stores on September 19 and available for preorder now. Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro 3 position Apple\u2019s earbuds further into fitness and translation use cases by adding a built\u2011in heart\u2011rate sensor, Workout Buddy features and &#8230; <a title=\"How the new AirPods Pro compare to the rest of Apple\u2019s AirPods lineup\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/airpods-pro-3-compare\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How the new AirPods Pro compare to the rest of Apple\u2019s AirPods lineup\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2683,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_title":"How the new AirPods Pro compare \u2014 TechBrief","rank_math_description":"Apple\u2019s AirPods Pro 3 arrive Sept 19 at $249 with a heart\u2011rate sensor, Workout Buddy and upgraded ANC. Here\u2019s how they stack up against other AirPods across price and features.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"airpods pro 3, airpods lineup, active noise cancellation, heart rate sensor, workout buddy","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2686","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2686","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2686"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2686\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2686"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2686"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2686"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}