AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: What Should I Buy?

Apple on Tuesday unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, a major update to its flagship wireless earbuds. With a redesigned fit, improved sound, upgraded noise cancellation, and even heart rate sensing, the new AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be Apple’s most advanced audio offering yet.

But what about the AirPods Pro 2? The last-gen AirPods Pro are still on sale at many retailers — and if Apple continues to offer them, they may soon drop in price.

If you’re deciding between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2, here are the key differences to help you make the call:

Price

• AirPods Pro 3: $329 CAD ($249 USD)
• AirPods Pro 2: $329 CAD at launch (no longer sold by Apple but may be available at other retailers for a discounted price)

Chipset

Both AirPods Pro models are powered by the Apple Silicon H2 chip.

Audio Technology

AirPods Pro 3:

• Custom multi-port acoustic system for improved airflow and enhanced sound signature
• Next-generation Adaptive EQ
• World’s best in-ear ANC, removing up to 2x more noise than AirPods Pro 2
• Personalized Transparency mode
• Custom high-excursion Apple driver and high-dynamic-range amplifier

AirPods Pro 2:

• Custom high-excursion Apple driver
• Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode
• Pro-level ANC (not as powerful as AirPods Pro 3)
• Custom high-dynamic-range amplifier

Both share features like Personalized Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, Automatic Switching, and Live Translation with iOS 26. In addition, both models come with a dedicated Hearing Aid mode (not available in Canada yet) and Hearing Protection features.

Eartips

AirPods Pro 3:

• New foam-infused eartips in five sizes, including XXS
• Better fit, stability, and passive noise isolation

AirPods Pro 2:

• Silicone eartips in four sizes

Sensors

AirPods Pro 3:

• Optical in-ear sensor
• Motion-detecting accelerometer
• Speech-detecting accelerometer
• Force sensor
• Heart rate sensor (new)

AirPods Pro 2:

• Skin-detect sensor
• Motion-detecting accelerometer
• Speech-detecting accelerometer
• Touch control sensor

Battery

AirPods Pro 3:

• Up to 8 hours of listening with ANC on
• Up to 10 hours in Transparency mode
• Up to 24 hours with the case
• 5 minutes in case = 1 hour of listening time

AirPods Pro 2:

• Up to 6 hours of listening with ANC on
• Up to 30 hours with the case
• 5 minutes in case = 1 hour of listening time

Durability

• AirPods Pro 3: First AirPods with IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance, even capable of handling heavy rainfall
• AirPods Pro 2: IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance

Case

AirPods Pro 3:

• MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with Qi and Apple Watch charging support
• Speaker and Find My integration, and lanyard loop

AirPods Pro 2:

• MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with Qi and Apple Watch charging support
• Speaker, Find My integration, and lanyard loop

Which Should You Buy?

AirPods Pro 3 represent the biggest leap yet in Apple’s Pro earbuds. They double the noise cancellation performance of the AirPods Pro 2, deliver stronger audio quality, and add a heart rate sensor for workouts. The new foam eartips also help ensure a more stable, customizable fit, while the IP57 rating makes them even more durable.

That said, the AirPods Pro 2 remain excellent headphones. If Apple keeps them around at a discounted price, they’ll be an appealing option for those who don’t need heart rate tracking, tougher durability, or the very latest ANC improvements.

If you can get AirPods Pro 2 for significantly less, they’re still worth buying. But if you want the best possible AirPods experience today — and especially if you’re a runner or frequent traveler — forking over the money for a pair of AirPods Pro 3 is the clear choice.

AirPods Pro 3 are available to pre-order now, with a launch set for September 19.