If you’re stuck choosing between the brand-new AirPods Pro 3 and the tried-and-true AirPods Pro 2, you’re not alone. Apple has made some subtle yet meaningful changes with the Pro 3, but the Pro 2 are still excellent and often discounted. Let’s break it all down so you can decide where your money makes the most sense this year.
1. Price Difference
- Retail Price: The new AirPods Pro 3 are launching at US$249 in the U.S.
- The AirPods Pro 2 also carry a regular price of US$249.
What That Means for You
Since they share the same list price, the “difference” in cost comes down to what you can find in sales or discounts:
- Deals on Pro 2: It’s not uncommon to find Pro 2 at a substantial discount. For example, during Prime Day 2025, they dropped to US$169, which is US$80 less than the full price. amazon price $199.
- If you’re looking to save money and are okay with “last generation” features, grabbing the Pro 2 on deal can give you 70–90%+ of what the Pro 3 offer, for less.
| Model | List / Launch Price* | Typical Street Price / Deals | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 3 | US$249 | New, full-price from Apple & major retailers: US$249 | — |
| AirPods Pro 2 | US$249 (launch) | Often discounted: ≈ US$169.99 during major sales sometimes seen around US$189.99 in smaller promos | Savings of US$60-80+ when buying Pro 2 over Pro 3, depending on deal |
*Prices are for the US, new units. Street/deal prices vary with retailer, region, and timing.
2. Design and Comfort
At first glance, the AirPods Pro 3 look a lot like the Pro 2. The stem is still short, the case has that familiar shape, and they both come with four sizes of ear tips.
The difference? The Pro 3 are a bit lighter, and Apple refined the internal design to relieve pressure during long listening sessions. If you wear earbuds for hours, you might find the Pro 3 slightly more comfortable, especially during workouts or travel.
3. Sound Quality and Audio Features
This is where the AirPods Pro 3 start to shine. They feature a new custom acoustic driver and an upgraded audio chamber for crisper highs and deeper bass. Spatial Audio has been enhanced too — the sound field feels wider and more immersive than before.
The AirPods Pro 2 still sound excellent, but if you care about audio quality, the Pro 3 deliver richer and more detailed sound, especially at lower volumes.
4. Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The Pro 2 already offered outstanding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but the Pro 3 push it further. Apple’s updated noise isolation algorithm now blocks more mid-range noise (like chatter and traffic hum).
Transparency Mode also sounds more natural on the Pro 3 — voices around you are clearer without sounding artificial, and there’s less wind hiss when walking outdoors.
5. Battery Life and Charging Case
Battery life is similar on paper: about 6 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case. But the Pro 3 manage their power more efficiently — they stay consistent at higher volumes.
The charging case is now USB-C on both models, but the Pro 3 case adds faster wireless charging and stronger Find My precision tracking. If you misplace your earbuds often, this is a small but very real advantage.
6. Connectivity and Smart Features
The AirPods Pro 3 use Apple’s new H3 chip, which improves connection stability, lowers latency for gaming, and slightly speeds up device switching. They also pair instantly with iPhones running iOS 26 or newer.
The Pro 2 use the older H2 chip, which is still fast but not quite as seamless if you jump between multiple Apple devices all day.
7. Durability and Build Quality
Both are rated IP54 for sweat and dust resistance. The Pro 3 add an improved water-repellent coating on the case hinge, making them a bit more resilient in the long run. The difference is small but noticeable if you use them at the gym or outdoors frequently.
8. Price and Value for Money
Here’s where the decision gets real. The AirPods Pro 3 retail at a higher price, while the Pro 2 are often available for significantly less.
If you want cutting-edge performance and don’t mind paying a premium, the Pro 3 are the better long-term bet. But if you want 90% of the experience for less cash, the Pro 2 are still a fantastic deal in 2025.
Who Should Buy Which One
Go for the AirPods Pro 3 if:
- You care about the absolute best sound and ANC
- You switch between Apple devices constantly
- You use your earbuds for long listening sessions
Stick with the AirPods Pro 2 if:
- You want great performance without the premium price
- You mostly use them for casual listening or commuting
- You can grab them during seasonal sales or discounts
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 | Better If You… |
|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Up to 2× more effective ANC compared to Pro 2 | Strong ANC already, but about half as strong vs Pro 3 in the same tests | spend lots of time in noisy environments (commute, plane, busy offices) |
| Audio Quality / Drivers / Sound Features | New custom high-excursion driver, improved soundstage, better bass and treble clarity; adaptive EQ, improved Transparency & Voice Isolation | Very good sound already: Pro 2 had sound improvements over older AirPods; supports Personalized Spatial Audio etc. | want richer, more detailed sound; music lovers who want nuances |
| Fit & Tips | Redesigned internal body, more secure in-ear fit; foam-infused tips; now 5 sizes including new XXS to get better sealing & comfort | Standard ear tip options (fewer sizes) and older tip materials / geometry. | have smaller ears; want maximum comfort; use for workouts / movement |
| Water / Dust Resistance | Rated IP57 (dust and water resistant). | Rated IP54 for Pro 2. | use them outdoors a lot; in rain/sweat situations; durability important |
| Battery Life (earbuds with ANC / or special modes) | Up to 8 hours with ANC, more with improved Transparency & hearing-related modes; in some specs, 10 hours in certain transparency modes, etc. | Around 6 hours with ANC; with Spatial Audio etc may drop slightly more. | need longer listening sessions (travel, work without charging) |
| Additional Features | Heart-rate sensing (LED + accelerometer, 50 workout types); Live Translation; Better Find My / U2 chip precision for case. | Some hearing/health features (hearing test, Conversation Boost, hearing protection), Spatial Audio etc; Live Translation also supported via firmware + iOS 26. | want latest “smart” extras; care about health / translation / tracking / case features |
| Price / Value | MSRP is the same as Pro 2 originally, but being new, likely less discount initially; more features → pay premium for cutting-edge. | More likely to find at discount (sales, deals), offering many good features for lower cost per feature. |
Final Verdict
The AirPods Pro 3 are the better product — sleeker, smarter, and more immersive. But the AirPods Pro 2 still offer outstanding performance for a lower price.
If budget isn’t an issue, buy the Pro 3. If you want maximum value, grab the Pro 2 while they’re still available. Either way, you’re getting one of the best wireless earbuds on the market.
