Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 have finally landed in 2025, and they pack several upgrades over the Pro 2. In this article, we’ll go through all the important AirPods Pro 3 features, battery life improvements, price details, and whether it’s worth upgrading from AirPods Pro 2. If you’re considering buying the latest AirPods, this guide is for you.
What’s New in AirPods Pro 3 (2025)
Here are the key upgrades in AirPods Pro 3 (2025):
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The new Pro 3 version delivers up to 2× more ANC than the AirPods Pro 2, which means significantly better suppression of external noise.
- Live Translation: A new feature enabled by Apple Intelligence and iOS 26, allowing real-time translation during conversations.
- Heart Rate Sensor & Fitness Tracking: AirPods Pro 3 incorporate Apple’s smallest heart-rate sensor, letting users track workouts and calories burned without needing an Apple Watch.
- Improved Fit & Ear Tip Options: The design is more ergonomic, with foam-infused ear tips in five sizes, including a new XXS size, for more people.
- Durability (IP57): The Pro 3 earbuds have upgraded from IP54 (Pro 2) to IP57, meaning better protection against dust, sweat, and water.
Improved Battery Life & Modes
One of the biggest questions users have: How long does the battery last?
| Mode / Condition | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Listening with ANC | ~8 hours | ~6 hours |
| With Spatial Audio + Head Tracking | ~7.5 hours | ~5.5 hours |
| Transparency mode | ~10 hours | Less (Pro 2 had shorter time) |
| With heart rate sensor + during workouts | ~6.5 hours | Not applicable / lower in Pro 2 |
| Total with charging case | Up to ~24 hours listening (with ANC) | Pro 2 had up to 24-30 hours depending on case and usage |
These improvements in battery life make AirPods Pro 3 a much stronger option for long use, especially when using ANC or during workouts.
Price, Availability & Where to Buy
Price: The AirPods Pro 3 (2025) launch at $249 USD, same as the original launched price of Pro 2.
Availability: Preorders started September 2025, with shipping to begin soon after (e.g. September 19 in many regions).
Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and the Apple Store.
Looking to buy the new AirPods Pro 3? Check current pricing and deals on Amazon here
Also look at the official Apple comparison page to decide between Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Is It Worth Upgrading?
If you already have AirPods Pro 2, here are the differences and whether you should upgrade:
| Feature | Pro 3 Advantage | What Pro 2 Still Has |
|---|---|---|
| ANC & Noise Isolation | ~2× better ANC, improved passive isolation with new foam-tips | Pro 2 still has strong ANC, but less powerful compared to 3. |
| Heart Rate & Fitness Tracking | Built-in sensor + support for 50 workout types without needing an Apple Watch . | Pro 2 lacks built-in HR sensor; relies on paired devices. |
| Battery Life Gains | 8 hours with ANC vs 6; longer Transparency times; improved overall usage . | Pro 2 still good, especially if you mostly use non-ANC modes. |
| Fit & Comfort | More ear tip sizes (5), better design; improved IP57 durability. | Pro 2 has fewer size options (usually 4) and IP54. |
| Price | Price stayed the same for Pro 3 at launch ($249) | Pro 2 may be discounted now, offering value if you don’t need new features. |
Verdict: If you use ANC heavily, workout, want fitness tracking without an Apple Watch, or want the improved IP rating, Pro 3 is worth the upgrade. If you’re okay with Pro 2 performance and want to save some money, Pro 2 still offers good value.
Comparison with Other AirPods Models
It helps to see how Pro 3 stacks up against AirPods 4 and other recent models.
| Model | ANC | Battery Life (With ANC) | Extra Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 3 | Yes, ~2× better than Pro 2. | ~8 hours (earbuds) + ~24 hours with case. | Heart rate sensor, Live Translation, IP57, 5 ear tip sizes |
| AirPods Pro 2 | Yes (strong) | ~6 hours + similar case time. | Excellent sound, mature features, cheaper price now |
| AirPods 4 (with ANC) | Yes (but less capable than Pro 3) | ~4-5 hours with ANC on. | Lightweight, less premium, less bass, simpler fit |
Pros & Cons of AirPods Pro 3
Pros
- Best-in-class Active Noise Cancellation among Apple in-ears.
- New heart-rate sensor means you can track fitness without needing a watch.
- Better fit, more ear tip sizes (including small ones) and more comfort.
- Improved durability with IP57.
- Live Translation adds a practical use case for travel and conversation.
- Battery improvements are meaningful.
Cons / What’s Missing
- Battery with case is still comparable; not dramatically higher for case-use.
- Rumors of some missing features (e.g. temperature sensors) weren’t delivered.
- Price stayed same, so upgrade cost depends on needs.
- New features like Live Translation may require iOS 26 / newer iPhones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the release date of AirPods Pro 3 (2025)?
A: They were officially announced in early September 2025 and became available (preorders/shipping) around September 19.
Q: How much do AirPods Pro 3 cost?
A: MSRP is $249 USD.
Q: Do AirPods Pro 3 have better battery life than Pro 2?
A: Yes. With ANC enabled, Pro 3 offers ~8 hours compared to ~6 hours on Pro 2. Transparency mode and other usage modes also show improvements.
Q: Do AirPods Pro 3 track heart rate?
A: Yes, they include a built-in photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to track heart rate and fitness without needing an Apple Watch.
Q: Are Pro 3 earbuds more water/dust resistant?
A: Yes. The rating is IP57 for Pro 3 (dust, water resistance) vs IP54 for Pro 2.
Conclusion: Should You Get AirPods Pro 3 (2025)?
If you’re shopping for AirPods Pro 3 in 2025, here’s a quick summary:
- ✅ Go for it if you use ANC heavily, care about fitness tracking, want better durability, or want the new features like Live Translation.
- ⚠️ Stick with Pro 2 if you’re satisfied with what you have and want to save money — many Pro 2 units may be available at discounted prices and still perform well.
Looking for the previous generation? Check out our full AirPods pro review and buying guide here to see if it’s still the best choice for you.