AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Worth Upgrading?
AirPods Pro 3 replaced AirPods Pro 2 in September 2025, and they're still Apple's flagship earbuds in October 2026. Pro 2 are still around, often discounted. So is the upgrade worth it?
An honest note: this comparison is based on our researched AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 reviews, which use Apple's specifications and independent reviews from What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar, SoundGuys and PCMag. We haven't tested them side by side ourselves. The AirPods Pro 3 price was checked on Amazon UK on 18 October 2026. AirPods Pro 2 showed as currently unavailable on Amazon UK when we checked on 19 October 2026.
At a glance
| AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | September 2025 | September 2022 |
| Noise cancelling | Apple says up to 2x more than Pro 2 | Excellent (H2 chip) |
| Battery per charge (ANC) | Up to 8 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Total with case | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Heart rate sensing | Yes | No |
| Dust and water | IP57 earbuds and case | Sweat and water resistant |
| Ear tips | Five sizes, XXS to L, foam-infused | Four sizes, XS to L |
| Hearing health | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection |
| Price | £219 at Apple; about £200 on Amazon UK (18 October 2026) | Currently unavailable on Amazon UK (19 October 2026) |
Sound and noise cancelling
What Hi-Fi? found AirPods Pro 3 a step forward in almost every way: more spacious, powerful sound and noise cancelling that cuts more engine rumble and chatter. The Pro 2 are still excellent; PCMag named them its top noise-cancelling earphones for iPhone owners.
Fit and battery
The Pro 3's new shape divides opinion. Reviewers who liked the Pro 2's shallow fit felt the Pro 3 stick out more, while those who struggled with the Pro 2 found the Pro 3 more secure. You get more time per charge on the Pro 3, but less total battery from the case.
AirPods Pro 3
about £200 as of 18 October 2026
Stronger noise cancelling, heart rate tracking and IP57 protection.
Best for: Most iPhone owners, commuters and gym-goers
Watch out for: Total battery with the case drops to 24 hours, and the new fit won't suit everyone.
AirPods Pro 2
Price not rechecked today
Still excellent noise cancelling and the same hearing health features.
Best for: Buyers who find a genuine discount, or prefer the shallower fit
Watch out for: Superseded by Pro 3; about six hours per charge.
Verdict
AirPods Pro 3 are the ones to buy in 2026 if the price gap is small. Pick AirPods Pro 2 only at a clear discount, or if you already know their fit suits you. Watch both on our Black Friday deal watch.
FAQs
Should I buy AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2?
If you can afford them, AirPods Pro 3. Reviewers found the noise cancelling and sound a clear step up, and they add heart rate tracking and IP57 protection. AirPods Pro 2 still make sense at a good discount, especially if the Pro 2's shallower fit suits you.
Do AirPods Pro 3 have better battery life than AirPods Pro 2?
Per charge, yes: up to 8 hours with ANC versus 6. But the Pro 3 case holds less, so total battery with the case is up to 24 hours versus 30 for the Pro 2 (Apple's figures).
Are AirPods Pro 2 still sold?
Apple launched AirPods Pro 3 in September 2025 to replace the Pro 2. Pro 2 are still listed by some retailers, often at a discount.
Do both have hearing health features?
Yes. Both support Apple's Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features.
How much are AirPods Pro 3 in the UK?
£219 from Apple UK. They were about £200 on Amazon UK when we checked on 18 October 2026.