Jada Jones and Nina Raemont/ZDNET
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Apple's AirPods Pro 3 are officially here, and they debut with upgrades like subtle design changes, improved noise cancellation, and longer battery life. The AirPods Pro 3's most significant upgrade, however, is their onboard heart rate sensor, a welcomed feature for people who like to wear AirPods while they exercise.
If you have AirPods Pro 2, they're anywhere from two to three years old, depending on their charging connector. If your AirPods Pro 2 are still in mint condition, are the Pro 3 really worth another $250 purchase?
Also: Apple iPhone 17 event recap: Reactions to iPhone Air, Apple Watches, AirPods Pro 3, more
Both premium Apple earbuds support Live Translation, hearing protection features, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, spatial audio, and run on the company's H2 audio chip. The more palpable differences between the two earbuds are mostly in the smaller hardware upgrades. Despite being small, they make a real impact on your user experience. Here's what you should know.
Specifications
AirPods Pro 3 AirPods Pro 2 Chip H2 H2 Battery life 8 hours (up to 24 hours with charging case) 6 hours (up to 30 hours with charging case) Audio modes ANC, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Mode ANC, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Mode IP rating IP57 IP54 (USB-C version) Hearing Aid mode Yes Yes Heart rate sensor Yes No Live translation Yes Yes Bluetooth version 5.3 5.3 Price $249 $249
You should buy the AirPods Pro 3 if...
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