Airpods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: These are the improvements (and this is fewer)

Apple recently announced the AirPods Pro 3 and the ears have great improvements. But not everything is better with the new earbuds.

Airpods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: These are the improvements (and this is fewer)

The AirPods Pro 3 follow the popular AirPods Pro 2. And at first glance, both models look a lot like each other. Yet Apple has taken care of the design. There are also a few interesting improvements under the hood. Yet not all functions are exclusively for the Pro 3, and in some cases the AirPods Pro 2 are slightly better.

Improved audio (and noise reduction)

The AirPods Pro 3 have an improved shape, which should provide a deeper bass and better sound. According to Apple, the ears also close your ear canal better, which is better for noise reduction.

Furthermore, the new microphones dampen the unwanted sound a little better. According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 3 can dampen twice as much unwanted noise than the AirPods Pro 2.

Battery life: more and less

Apple has also greatly improved the battery life of the new ears. You can now listen to music for about eight hours when the earbuds are charged. At the AirPods Pro 2 this was six hours.

But not everything has gotten better. Apple has made some changes with the charging box. You now have up to 24 hours of listening time with the box, but with the AirPods Pro 2 you still had 30 hours of listening time. So you lose some listening time with the new earbuds.

Heart rate monitor and live translations

The AirPods Pro 3 have also been given a heart rate sensor. So you no longer have to wear an Apple Watch to measure your heart rate. Furthermore, live translation function is also new, which you activate by squeezing the stalks of both earplugs. This converts conversations in a foreign language through the ears to another language.

Yet this function is not exclusive for the AirPods Pro 3. The translation function also comes to the AirPods Pro 2 and even to AirPods 4 with noise canceling. Unfortunately, this function will not be available in the Netherlands (and Belgium).

Design and shape

In terms of appearance, the AirPods Pro 3 looks a lot like the Pro 2, but there are subtle differences. They are slightly smaller and, according to Apple, they have to fit better in your ear. The corresponding silicone earplugs are supplied in five sizes, including an XXS option (at the AirPods Pro 2 you got four). The earbuds have also become better and, according to Apple, stop better background noises.

Better protection against dust and water

The AirPods Pro 3 a better water and dust protection (IP 57). The AirPods Pro 2 still has to do with an IPX4 rating. More recycled material was also used in the Pro 3 manufacturing process.

Price: cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 3 have a suggested retail price of € 249. The AirPods Pro 2 were originally 279 euros. So they are slightly cheaper than the previous Pro earplugs.

But the AirPods Pro 2 can now also be found a bit cheaper (€ 214.95). Apple has now taken the AirPods Pro 2 off the website, so the stock will slowly decrease.

Buy AirPods Pro 3

Are you planning to get the new ears? You can now order the third generation of the AirPods Pro, because the pre-order had already started immediately after the announcement on Tuesday 9 September.

The lowest price of the AirPods Pro 3 is currently € 248.95. If you order the ears now, you have them Friday, September 19, 2025 First at home. View here where you can get the AirPods Pro 3 in advance: