Apple’s AirPods have become synonymous with true wireless earbuds – and the AirPods Pro line represents the pinnacle of that experience for iPhone users. But now that there are multiple generations of AirPods Pro, how do you know which one to pick? As a self-professed Apple geek who’s tried them all, I’m here to help you navigate this terrain with my very own AirPods Pro comparison guide.
AirPods Pro generations at a glance
Apple’s AirPods Pro lineup has evolved over three generations, with each new model retaining the iconic white stem design while introducing notable improvements under the hood.
| Model | AirPods Pro (1st Gen) | AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Gen) | AirPods Pro 3 (3rd Gen) |
| Release Date | Oct 2019 | Sept 2022 (USB-C refresh 2023) | Sept 2025 |
| Chip & Audio | H1 chip; custom driver | H2 chip; improved driver, Adaptive EQ | H2 chip; same driver as Gen2 but refined design for better sound |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes (First ANC earbuds by Apple) | Yes (Up to 2x more noise reduction vs Gen1) | Yes (World’s best in-ear ANC; up to 2x more vs Gen2, 4x vs Gen1) |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (basic) | Yes (Improved + Adaptive Transparency) | Yes (More natural, personalised transparency) |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (with head tracking via firmware updates) | Yes (Personalised Spatial Audio) | Yes (Personalised Spatial Audio) |
| Water/Sweat Resistance | IPX4 (sweat-resistant) | IPX4 (sweat-resistant) | IP57 (dust resistant + more water resistant) |
| Battery – Earbuds | ~4.5 hrs ANC on | ~6 hrs ANC on (30 hrs with case) | ~8 hrs ANC on (24 hrs with case) |
| Charging Case | Lightning (Wireless charging optional) | Lightning (MagSafe wireless charging; built-in speaker + U1 locator in case) | USB-C (MagSafe wireless charging; UWB chip with 1.5× range for Precision Find) |
| Notable New Features | First to introduce ANC, Ear Tip Fit Test | Volume touch controls on stems, improved sound, Find My case speaker, Adaptive Transparency, Conversation Boost (via updates) | Redesigned smaller earbuds & new ear tip sizes for better fit, Heart Rate sensor for workouts, Live Translation support, hearing test & aid features (with iOS 17+), Adaptive Audio modes (via software) |
Are Apple AirPods Pro 2 or 3 better?
When comparing AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 3, both are excellent, but the third-gen AirPods Pro 3 do come out on top in virtually every aspect.
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Stronger noise cancellation
Apple doubled the ANC effectiveness in the AirPods Pro 3. They can cancel up to 2x more noise than the AirPods Pro 2 (and 4x more than the original Pro). Our research found that the Pro 3 blocks out background hums (planes, subways, vacuums) noticeably better than the Pro 2 – nearly matching the class-leading Bose earbuds.
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Improved sound quality
Both generations use a custom high-excursion driver, but the AirPods Pro 3’s acoustic architecture was refined for richer audio. Testers noted a slightly wider soundstage and deeper bass on the Pro 3, despite using the same H2 chip and driver as the Pro 2. So while Pro 2 already sounded great, Pro 3 can sound even better to discerning ears.
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Enhanced fit and durability
AirPods Pro 3 have a redesigned shape and foam-infused ear tips (now with five size options, including an extra-small) for a more secure in-ear fit that suits more people. They’re also more rugged – bumping water resistance from IPX4 to IP57, meaning they can survive sweat and even brief submersion better than the Pro 2. If you work out often, this is a big plus.
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New health and smart features
The third-gen Pros introduced a built-in heart rate sensor in each earbud, so you can monitor your pulse during workouts without an Apple Watch. They also support Apple’s new Live Translation feature (with a compatible iPhone) for real-time language translation in your ear, and expanded hearing accessibility functions like on-demand hearing tests and an OTC hearing aid mode for those with mild hearing loss.
The AirPods Pro 2, especially in its later firmware, does support some hearing features and Live Translation when paired with newer iPhones, but it lacks the heart-rate monitoring hardware of the Pro 3.
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Battery life
On a single charge, AirPods Pro 3 last up to 8 hours with ANC on, versus about 6 hours on the AirPods Pro 2. That 33% jump means fewer top-ups during the day.
Note: The charging case of Pro 3 holds a bit less total charge – ~24 hours vs 30 hours for Pro 2 – but we found the longer earbud battery more convenient overall.
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Case and connectivity
AirPods Pro 3 come with a USB-C charging case by default (aligning with Apple’s latest iPhones), whereas older Pro 2 initially had Lightning (a USB-C version of Pro 2 was released in 2023).
The Pro 3’s case also features a second-gen UWB chip for Precision Finding with Find My, offering ~1.5x the range to locate a lost case more easily. Both cases have a lanyard loop and built-in speaker, but the improved UWB in Pro 3 gives it an edge in findability.
Which generation of AirPods Pro is the best?
Now that we’ve compared recent models, you might wonder: of all three generations, which AirPods Pro is the best? The short answer is the latest AirPods Pro 3, but the “best” can depend on what you’re looking for.
AirPods Pro (1st Generation)
Released 2019
The original Pro deserve credit for kicking off Apple’s noise-cancelling earbuds category. They introduced Active Noise Cancellation and silicone ear tips to the AirPods family, greatly improving audio immersion over regular AirPods. They support spatial audio and still sound very good, but by today’s standards, their ANC and battery life are the weakest of the trio.
With up to ~4.5 hours of listening per charge and an older H1 chip, the first-gen Pros lack some of the software enhancements and efficiency of later models. Apple has long discontinued them, so you’d only find them via third-party sellers if at all. Unless you find them extremely cheap, we’d say the first-gen AirPods Pro are no longer the best choice for most.
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Released 2022 (with a minor USB-C refresh in 2023)
With the H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 2 delivered better sound and approximately double the noise cancellation of the original. They also improved battery life, added touch controls on the stems for volume adjustment, and came with a MagSafe charging case equipped with a speaker and U1 locator chip – super handy for finding a misplaced case via Find My.
Over time, software updates added features like Adaptive Transparency, Personalised Spatial Audio, and Conversation Awareness, bringing the Pro 2 very close to the state-of-the-art. In fact, even after Pro 3’s debut, the AirPods Pro 2 remain fantastic all-around wireless earbuds. Many of the newest iOS features are supported on the 2nd gen as well, as long as you have the latest firmware and a recent iPhone. Considering you might snag these at a lower price now, the AirPods Pro 2 could be the best value pick.
AirPods Pro (3rd Generation)
Released 2025
The AirPods Pro 3 are the current flagship and the best AirPods Pro overall for those who want the top-of-the-line. As discussed, they refine and improve just about everything: best-in-class ANC, better audio, longer battery, tougher water/dust resistance, and unique additions like the heart-rate sensor. They also fit more securely for a wider range of ears, thanks to the new design and extra ear tip sizes. Crucially, they do all this without costing more than the previous gen at launch.
For Apple enthusiasts who demand the latest and greatest, AirPods Pro 3 is the clear winner here – it’s the most feature-packed and future-proof of the lineup.
Are AirPod Pros 3 worth it?
If you’re eyeing the latest model, you’re probably asking: Are the AirPods Pro 3 worth it? In our opinion, for most people, yes – the AirPods Pro 3 are worth it, especially if you’re serious about your audio or frequently use earbuds in noisy or active environments.
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For new buyers (no current AirPods Pro)
If you don’t already own any AirPods Pro, the Pro 3 gives you the best of Apple’s ecosystem right out of the box. You’ll get industry-leading ANC, great sound, and all the newest bells and whistles Apple offers in earbuds. There’s little compromise – and since they cost the same as the previous gen at launch, you’re not paying a premium for those extras.
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Upgrading from AirPods Pro 1st Gen
If you have the original AirPods Pro, the jump to Pro 3 will feel huge. You’ll gain noticeably better noise cancellation, longer battery life, and a host of new features (Adaptive Transparency, Spatial Audio, etc.) that weren’t in the first gen. The difference in performance and capabilities is night and day after two generations of improvements.
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Upgrading from AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
The AirPods Pro 2 are still very good, and since the Pro 3 uses the same H2 platform, the baseline experience (sound quality, basic features) isn’t radically different. However, the Pro 3 offers upgrades like stronger ANC, less worry about water/dust, and heart-rate monitoring.
If you’re an audio perfectionist or someone who must have the latest Apple gear, you’ll likely find the Pro 3 worth it for the upgrades alone. Fitness enthusiasts might love the heart-rate and improved fit for workouts. On the other hand, if your AirPods Pro 2 are still serving you well, you might hold off until you see a good trade-in deal or your current pair’s battery starts to wane. The Pro 2 will continue to get most software features that the Pro 3 has, so you’re not missing out on the Apple ecosystem improvements. In short, AirPods Pro 3 are “worth it” to upgrade if you crave the absolute best and new features – but not a must-have leap if you’re perfectly happy with your Pro 2.
An Airpods Pro comparison guide you can’t go without
Based on the comparison, the AirPods Pro 3 stand out as the best choice for most – they offer the peak of Apple’s wireless earbud tech and will serve you well for years to come. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2 remain a strong contender if you find them at a good price, delivering nearly top-tier performance. And if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, don’t forget to check out our guides on the best iPhone models available and how to maximise the value of your old device with our Apple iPhone trade-in programs.
