AirPods Pro 3 vs Pro 2: Which 2025 Model to Buy

When Apple's ecosystem clicks, few things beat the way AirPods just melt into the background. Then reality hits: there are four models in 2025, and picking the right one is not as simple as it used to be. The AirPods Pro 3 refine an already impressive formula, pushing noise cancellation, audio quality, and features that rivals struggle to match. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2 are our current favorite in the lineup and Editors' Choice winners thanks to crisp sound, highly effective transparency mode, and a durable build. The newest AirPods 4 deliver strong sound quality and the best active noise cancellation we have experienced in an open-ear design. So which ones fit your life?

The flagship choice: Why AirPods Pro 3 set the new standard

Apple's latest flagship earbuds are the most comprehensive Pro update yet. The $249 AirPods Pro 3 look almost the same as the Pro 2, yet the under-the-hood changes are obvious the moment you pop them in. The big one, Apple has reduced the size of the buds and reshaped them to sit more naturally, fixing common comfort complaints during long workouts or marathon listening sessions.

Each pair comes with five eartips instead of three, so finding a secure seal is easier. Small detail, big payoff. A proper fit boosts comfort and bass, and it keeps the buds locked in when you move. Durability gets a bump too, Apple has boosted the IP rating from IP54 to IP57, which helps against dust and holds up to sweat or heavy rain.

Here is where they pull ahead. The AirPods Pro 3 support a new set of health and fitness features including heart rate monitoring, calories burned, and fitness tracking. They monitor heart rate and track fitness activities, using the smallest heart rate sensor on any Apple product. Power holds up too, battery life has improved significantly, extending active noise cancellation playtime from six hours for the Pro 2 to eight hours for the Pro 3, with 24 hours total listening time when you include the case.

Sound gets a lift. An entirely new multiport acoustic architecture delivers deeper bass and a wider soundstage. Apple claims the AirPods Pro 3 provide the "world's best in-ear active noise cancellation," canceling twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2. There is a smart travel trick too, they support live language translation during calls and in person, with support for English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish at launch.

The proven performer: AirPods Pro 2 still dominate

Headlines or not, the Pro 2 remain a crowd-pleaser. The best Apple AirPods for most people are the AirPods Pro 2. Their software has matured with Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and stronger hearing health tools. They deliver some of the strongest noise cancellation performance we have tested and a clean, balanced sound that spotlights lows and highs without getting harsh.

The AirPods Pro 2 use Apple's latest H2 processing chip and the in-ear fit is secure for runs, gym sessions, or a sprint to catch the train. Fit matters more than people think, a loose bud sounds thin and can ruin a good podcast or an important call.

Their killer feature set is not just convenience. The AirPods Pro 2 support aural health features to assess hearing and function as hearing aids, turning consumer earbuds into FDA-approved hearing assistance devices with precise amplification that closely matches NAL-NL2 targets for speech clarity.

Practical touches help too. The case now uses a USB-C charging port, so one cable can cover your iPad or MacBook as well. Battery life stays competitive at 6 hours, up to 30 hours with the charging case, and the IP54 rating holds up to daily wear.

The versatile option: AirPods 4 bring ANC to open-ear design

Apple's midrange pick earned a quiet revolution. The AirPods 4 are Apple's most affordable wireless earbuds and sound impressive for an open-ear design. The twist, Apple's brand's base AirPods are now available with Active Noise Cancellation without in-ear tips. Blocking noise with an open ear sounds like leaving a window cracked, right? Yet Apple makes it work with smart algorithms and mic placement. The ANC is surprisingly effective, blocking out plenty of noise and making commutes more tolerable.

Comfort gets a nod. Apple says that they are more comfortable, and the case is a tiny case that fits into even the tightest of pockets. Great for people who dislike ear tips or want a bit of natural awareness while walking city streets.

There are two price tiers. The standard AirPods 4 without ANC are the cheapest AirPods available, retailing for $129. The ANC version costs $50 more and adds Find My plus transparency mode. Pick comfort and price, or step up for control and quiet.

The premium experience: AirPods Max for serious listeners

Want the full Apple audio treatment? That is the AirPods Max lane. The AirPods Max are notable for two reasons: They are the only over-ear headphones Apple sells, and they cost over twice as much as the AirPods Pro 2. You are paying for a different class of product.

For the money, you get strong active noise cancellation and excellent audio quality, driven by Apple-designed drivers and 10 audio cores to deliver computational audio and adaptive EQ. Over-ear cups create space for bigger drivers and roomier acoustics, the kind that make strings feel airy and kick drums feel physical. Ecosystem perks show up as quick device switching, automatic spatial audio calibration, and painless pairing across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Some practical updates help. The AirPods Max support USB-C charging and come in five new colors. The battery life of 20 hours remains solid for ANC cans.

The catch is price. $549 is a lot to spend on headphones, especially with alternatives like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429) and the Sony WH-1000XM6 ($449.99) offering comparable results for less. If you live inside Apple's ecosystem, they shine. If you do not, the value case gets tougher.

Finding your perfect match in 2025

It comes down to priorities and price. If you want the newest tricks, the AirPods Pro 3 are considered a significant step forward, with a rating of 5.0 and labeled as 'Exemplary'. The fitness tools are a big draw for active users, and Apple managed to do all this without raising the price from the Pro 2. Eight-hour ANC listening and live translation push them into cutting-edge territory.

For most people, the AirPods Pro 2 are the sweet spot, proven and reliable, with hearing aid functionality that can genuinely improve everyday life. The software is mature, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness feel seamless, and three years of refinements have smoothed out early hiccups.

The AirPods 4 deliver great value if you prefer an open-ear fit or want to save money while keeping solid performance. Getting effective ANC in that design is a small engineering magic trick, and it finally lets comfort and noise control coexist.

AirPods Max still serve listeners who want an over-ear experience that meshes cleanly with Apple hardware. The price is steep, so weigh alternatives if you are not all-in on Apple.

Bottom line, Apple's 2025 lineup has something for everyone. The Pro models, whether you choose the cutting-edge Pro 3 or the proven Pro 2, strike the best balance of features, performance, and ecosystem polish. When the tech fades into the background and just works, that is the AirPods promise at its best.