How has Apple's AirPods Pro 3 evolved, with noise cancellation twice as powerful as the previous generation? We compared it with the AirPods Pro 2.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 , which Apple touts as the 'world's best in-ear active noise canceling,' will be released on Friday, September 19, 2025. The AirPods Pro 3 boast four times the performance of the first-generation AirPods and two times the performance of the second-generation AirPods. We compared the AirPods Pro 3 and the second-generation AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 3 - Apple (Japan)
You can find out how the size, dimensions, and shape of the AirPods Pro 3 have changed from the Pro 2 by reading the following article.
Apple's noise-canceling wireless earphones 'AirPods Pro 3' that can finally measure heart rate: Appearance review, what's different from the previous generation? - GIGAZINE
The Pro 3 case is slightly larger, and the Pro 2 case cover cannot be used. According to Apple, the battery life of the Pro 2 is up to 6 hours of playback time on a single charge, and up to 30 hours with the charging case, while the Pro 3 is up to 8 hours of playback time on a single charge, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. Despite the larger case, the Pro 2 appears to have a longer overall playback time.
Not only has the case changed, but the shape of the earbuds themselves has also changed slightly. Below are photos of the Pro 3 (left) and Pro 2 (right) worn in the right ear from the side. The angle of the earpiece relative to the housing of the Pro 3 has changed, likely due to the inclusion of a heart rate sensor, so it fits more directly into the ear canal and appears to fit better in the ear.
The stem, which houses the control buttons and touch sensor, feels a little further away from the head on the Pro 3 (left) than on the Pro 2 (right). Still, when I actually put them on, the Pro 3 felt more securely held in my ear and less likely to fall out than the Pro 2.
With the kitchen exhaust fan running, I stood nearby wearing the Pro 3 and Pro 2 to compare their active noise canceling performance. Both headphones worked well, but listening to them side by side, I got the impression that the Pro 3 reduced noise, especially the high-frequency range, and felt quieter.
I didn't notice a big difference in ambient sound quality between the Pro 3 and Pro 2. The ambient sound quality of noise-canceling earphones tends to pick up and amplify the sounds of the surrounding air, emphasizing the roar of wind, but with both the Pro 3 and Pro 2, the sound sounds natural, to the point where it feels like you're not wearing anything.
To compare the sound quality, I connected them to the same iPhone and listened to various songs with the equalizer set to standard and active noise canceling turned on.
The first song I listened to was 'The Witch From
The Witch From Mercury - YouTube
In Billie Eilish's 'Bad Guy' with Dolby Atomos, the kicks seemed to have more power on the Pro 3. The snaps and claps also seemed to have more definition on the Pro 3. However, the difference between the Pro 3 and the Pro 2 was really very slight.
Billie Eilish - bad guy - YouTube
The Beatles' 'Taxman (2022 mix)' is also a Dolby Atoms-compatible sound source. Comparing the Pro 3 and Pro 2, I felt that the kick attack and cymbal resonance were slightly clearer on the Pro 3. Both the Pro 3 and Pro 2 have good overall balance from low to high frequencies, but the Pro 3 seemed to have more resonance in the low and high frequencies than the Pro 2. However, the difference is not particularly large, so it's just a 'commentary.'
Taxman (2022 Mix) - YouTube
Aside from sound quality, one difference between the Pro 3 and Pro 2 is the presence or absence of a heart rate sensor. The Pro 3 now includes a heart rate sensor, allowing you to measure your heart rate simply by wearing the headphones in your ears. To measure your heart rate with the Pro 3, you must turn on the heart rate sensor. Tap 'AirPods Pro 3' in 'Settings.'
Just turn on the 'heart rate' switch.
To view your heart rate measured by AirPods Pro 3, open the Health app and tap the magnifying glass icon in the bottom right.
The health category will be displayed, so select 'Heart'.
Tap 'Heart Rate.'
Below the graph, the measured heart rate was displayed.
After actually comparing the two, I felt that the AirPods Pro 3 had evolved from the previous generation Pro 2, primarily in terms of 'ease of wearing,' 'active noise canceling,' 'sound quality,' and 'the addition of a heart rate sensor.' However, the active noise canceling and sound quality were purely subjective sensory evaluations, so it's unclear whether there was a significant difference that anyone could notice. My honest opinion is that if you're using AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods Pro 3 isn't worth upgrading to. However, it's worth it for those who want to enjoy spatial audio and Dolby Atomos sound sources with better sound quality. Additionally, since you can constantly monitor your heart rate even if you don't have an Apple Watch, it's also recommended for those concerned about their health.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 can be purchased for 39,800 yen including tax. At the time of writing, it was possible to order it on Amazon.co.jp for 38,192 yen including tax.
Amazon.co.jp: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Heart Rate Sensor, Hearing Aid, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Dust, Sweat, and Water Resistant, Find My, Qi Charging: Electronics & Cameras
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