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Tammy Rogers

30 September 2025

Let’s see if the new AirPods are really worth it

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Sound Quality

Battery life

Ratings scorecard

AirPods Pro 3

$249 at Amazon

$249 at Crutchfield

$249 at Staples

$249.99 at Target

The AirPods Pro 3 are filled with updates and upgrades to replace the aging AirPods Pro 2. They fit better, improve the ANC & sound, and bring extra battery for longer use. There’s also a built-in heart rate monitor.

AirPods Pro 2

$199 at Amazon

Check Walmart

The AirPods Pro 2 still feature solid ANC and good sound. And they offer the same Live Translate feature as the new AirPods Pro 3. Plus, you can find them for a cheaper price.

The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s latest pair of earbuds, filled with premium features and upgrades over the previous pair. You get improved sound, ANC and fit, along with features like a heart rate monitor. They’re the best wireless earbuds that Apple offers right now.

The AirPods Pro 2 are still a great pair of buds in their own right, especially since you can find them for $50 off (and sometimes less). They feature a solid sound signature and good ANC. I’ve had their AirPods Pro 3 for a little over a week now, and I’ve stacked them up side by side against the outgoing model to see whether they’re worth the $249 upgrade.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Price

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The AirPods Pro 3 are available to buy right now, and you can find them at major retailers. Interestingly, they don’t cost any more than the AirPods Pro 2 did on release, with the same $249 launch price. That also makes them cheaper by $50 than some of their closest competition in the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Eabuds gen 2.

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The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, are going to get trickier to get hold of now that the new version has been released. At the moment, it’s possible to get a pair discounted for around $199 at Amazon and Best Buy, but Apple no longer makes the buds, so once stock is gone, it’s gone.

For the time being the AirPods Pro 2 are still readily available, and it could be that you’ll stand to get excellent deals over upcoming deals events like Black Friday and Amazon Big Deals Days. So until the AirPods Pro 2 stock runs out, they take this round thanks to their discounted price.

Winner: AirPods Pro 2
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Design

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
When I first saw the images of the AirPods Pro 3 at the Apple awe-dropping event, I was immediately struck by their similarity to the old model. The case looked the same, the buds similar — but then I actually got to put them side by side and the differences became a whole lot clearer.
First up, the cases. The new case is actually ever. The AirPods Pro 3 case has a larger footprint, potentially taking up space in smaller pockets. To make up for this slight deviation in size, the case is a little thinner than the old model.

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There are some visual and UI differences as well. For one, the power LED on the front is now behind the front plastic panel, so it blends in when it’s turned off. To me, this makes them look slightly cheaper than the old model — the diffused light makes the plastic look thin and lower quality to my eyes.
Similarly, the pairing button on the back of the case has been replaced with a touch panel. This hasn’t affected usability very much — I very rarely used the button on the old pair very much at all — but it’s smoothed out the back of the case.
One key thing I noticed about the cases is a slight change in the in-hand feel. The new case feels lighter, and while premium, it feels a little less substantial than the old case. It’s not much, but it makes all the difference when you’re paying $249 for your earbuds.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Buds-wise, things are more different between the two devices. The AirPods Pro 3 are smaller with shorter stems and feature re-shaped bud housings. The silicone tips have also changed shape, with a more rounded orifice leading to the inside of your ear. They’re a more ‘involved’ fit as well.
While the AirPods Pro 2 sit in the ear, the AirPods Pro 3 are slightly more invasive. I, personally, prefer this fit because it brings key improvements to the ANC and sound, but some are still going to like the more ‘invisible’ fit of the Pro 2.
Both buds feel well-made and premium. But the AirPods Pro 3 certainly feel worth every bit of that $249 price tag.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: controls

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The controls on the buds are identical between the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. They’re housed in the stems, and you have to squeeze them as opposed to tap them to make them work. Squeeze once to pause, twice to skip, thrice to go back a track, and hold to change noise canceling mode.
Both buds feature the new Live Translation feature, activated by holding down both stems at the same time. The touch controls on both buds are responsive and easy to use.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Sound quality

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Apple claimed that it had redesigned its sonic architecture for the AirPods Pro 3, and I believe it. They definitely sound different than the AirPods Pro 2, with a warmer, potentially more crowd-pleasing sonic signature. They also feature more detail, and a wider soundstage than their predecessor.
Having said that, some might prefer the AirPods Pro 2’s slightly more neutral sound. They’re still great-sounding buds, but the improvements in the new model are many and immediately noticeable.
Spinning up Revocation’s most recent piece of blistering death metal in both Sarcophogi of the Soul, and you’ll find all the differences laid bare. The bass is more articulate and plentiful, and there’s more detail throughout. The highs are slightly clearer, and there’s a heavier focus on soundstage than before. Both sound good, but the AirPods Pro 3 do sound better.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Both earbuds feature Spatial Audio, and there have been enhancements with the new version. Instruments are better placed in the virtual space around you for a more immersive experience. I still personally leave it turned off, but those who enjoy the thinner and more spacious sound will appreciate the improvements.
I don’t use it much because the soundstage of the AirPods Pro 3 is so good. Instrument separation is excellent and spacing is good, making for a more immersive audio experience than the AirPods Pro 2.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: features

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The AirPods Pro 2 have plenty of features — Spatial Audio, ANC — but they pale in comparison to the headline feature of the AirPods Pro 3. The new buds have a heart rate monitor housed inside, perfect for those who like to do loads of exercise and leave their Apple Watch at home.
I don’t have a use for the feature. But it works well, and to the right user it could be a game-changer.
Features are otherwise comparable between the two options. Both have the magical pairing and multipoint connection afforded to them by their Apple ecosystem compatibility. That’s one of my favorite features overall, and it’s found in all AirPods that you can buy today.
You’ll also get Live Translation in both — and it works well enough. I’ve not had need to use it in my day-to-day life, but frequent travellers will likely find it more useful.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: ANC

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The AirPods Pro 3 step up the ANC game. The AirPods Pro 2 are good at canceling noise, make no mistake, but the AirPods Pro 3 are better. There’s more blockage of high-range sounds, so you don’t hear talking and other irritating sounds when the music volume is low.
Turn the volume up slightly and you’ll find the ANC can almost completely block anything out. It’s a great way to help you enjoy your commute more, or get more comfortable in a busy office environment.
Transparency mode is also very good, even better in the AirPods Pro 3. Voices sound natural, and the earbuds do a good job of keeping out extra sounds while highlighting the bits that you actually want to hear. I found it very useful when buying a bus ticket, and ordering myself some lunch.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Battery life

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The AirPods Pro 3 feature vastly improved battery life over the outgoing AirPods model. The AirPods Pro 2 lasted for 6 hours on a charge, while the AirPods Pro 3 last for 8 hours with ANC turned on.
Even better, if you turn the ANC to transparency mode, you get another two hours to play with. That means you get a grand total of 10 hours of battery, increased to help those who use their AirPods as hearing aids with the hearing health feature.
I’ve found that Apple’s battery life claims ring true, and that you’ll easily get the claimed 8 hours of battery. The 6 hours of battery that you get out of the AirPods Pro 2 isn’t quite good enough anymore.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Verdict

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The AirPods Pro 3 account for a fairly hefty upgrade over the previous model. Thanks to their updates, they’ve come out very much on top at the end of this head-to-head.
There are areas where the AirPods Pro 2 still shine, drawing in controls and outright winning when it comes to their discounted price. But they lack the features, sound, and ANC of the newer AirPods Pro 2.
Ratings scorecard

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Header Cell – Column 0

AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 2

Price and value (5)

Design (15)

Controls (10)

Sound quality (25)

Active noise cancelation (20)

Call quality (10)

Connectivity (5)

Battery life (10)

Total Score (100)

That’s not to say that you should ignore the AirPods Pro 2 completely. That price makes them a tantalizing option if you want some new AirPods, but don’t want to completely break the bank. They’re still good earbuds, they’re just beat out by their much newer and snazzier follow-up.
If you’re considering upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3 from an aging pair of Pro 2, then you’re in for a treat. The improved sound is great, and the ANC is so good that it’s worth the entry price all on its own.
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Tammy Rogers

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Audio Editor

Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom’s Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore’s resident audiophile, Tammy’s reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom’s Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you’ll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that’ll never see the light of day.

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