Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods Pro 1: Time to upgrade?

Apple has spent years refining its AirPods lineup, but the AirPods Pro 3 mark the most ambitious leap forward yet. These earbuds promise not just better Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and audio quality, but also new and exciting features. These include heart rate tracking, Live Translation, and even hearing aid functionality. Meanwhile, the original AirPods Pro still hold their own as a well-balanced, straightforward option for iPhone users who prioritize simplicity and reliable ANC. I put the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs the Apple AirPods Pro 1 to find out whether the former are worth their $249 price tag — or if the latter still have something to offer.

What’s it like to use the Apple AirPods Pro 3 compared to the Apple AirPods Pro 1?

At first glance, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 look nearly identical to the first-gen model, but subtle refinements make a meaningful difference. For example, the AirPods Pro 3’s smaller bulb and deeper fit improve stability and ANC performance. Likewise, the new foam-infused silicone ear tips promise a better seal. In my experience, the AirPods Pro 3’s new tips help the earbuds stay in place more securely during casual use, though they can still slip when sweat builds up. The glossy finish adds to this, meaning comfort will depend heavily on your ear shape.

By contrast, the first-gen AirPods Pro already feel comfortable for most ears. This is thanks to their lightweight build and sensible silicone tips that securely click into place. They also introduced the squeeze-based stem controls that the AirPods Pro 3 still use today. However, Apple’s newest model adds touch-based swipe controls for adjusting volume, making them more intuitive during workouts or commutes.

Apple has vastly improved the durability of its latest-generation AirPods. These sport an IP57 rating to protect against complete submersion for up to 30 minutes in one meter of water. It also guards against dust particles, which is handy for those living in drier climates. Conversely, the original AirPods Pro 1 are IPX4-rated. While this is good for sweaty workouts, it’s less suitable for chalky or sandy sports. The AirPods Pro 3’s charging case also uses a built-in speaker for Apple’s Find My alerts. The buds sport a capacitive pairing sensor instead of a physical button, too, which feels more modern but less tactile.

Do the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or Apple AirPods Pro 1 have more features?

This is where the AirPods Pro 3 pull far ahead. Apple has packed them with health and accessibility tech that pushes the definition of “earbuds.” In addition to Adaptive Transparency, Conversation Awareness, and Spatial Audio, the Pro 3 can track heart rate, function as clinical-grade hearing aids, and even perform real-time language translation. The heart rate sensor works accurately during light exercise. However, I found the readings inconsistent during intense workouts when the earbuds began slipping.

The Live Translation feature is an exciting concept — switching between Transparency and ANC modes dynamically — but it’s not seamless yet. I noticed delays and translation errors in noisy environments, especially since it only supports a handful of languages at the time of writing.

The AirPods Pro (1st gen) feel simple by comparison. They introduced ANC and Transparency Mode to Apple’s ecosystem, offering features such as automatic device switching, Spatial Audio, and ear tip fit testing. However, there’s no health tracking, hearing enhancement, or translation support. Both models require an Apple device to unlock their full potential, but the AirPods Pro 3 push Apple’s ecosystem integration much further.

How do the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Apple AirPods Pro 1 connect?

Both earbuds connect wirelessly via Bluetooth with the AAC and SBC codecs. However, the AirPods Pro 3 feature Bluetooth 5.3 compared to the older model’s Bluetooth 5.0. This offers slightly better energy efficiency and stability, though neither supports high-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC.

Pairing the AirPods Pro 3 with an iPhone remains as simple as ever — open the case, tap “Connect,” and you’re ready to go. Automatic iCloud device switching works flawlessly, although I did encounter occasional connection hiccups early in testing. The original AirPods Pro house Apple’s H1 chip, while the new version uses the company’s latest H2 chip. This provides better latency handling and improved ANC processing.

Android users still get the short end of the stick: both generations connect for basic playback but lose out on customization, firmware updates, and advanced features.

Is battery life better on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or Apple AirPods Pro 1?

Battery life is a major win for the AirPods Pro 3. In our tests, they lasted 8 hours and 42 minutes on a single charge with ANC enabled —double the 4 hours and 20 minutes of the original AirPods Pro. That improvement alone makes a noticeable difference for commuters or anyone who often forgets to recharge.

Both cases support wireless charging. However, the AirPods Pro 3 add USB-C and Apple Watch charging compatibility, while the first-gen model sticks to Lightning. The newer case also supports faster charging — five minutes in the case yields an hour of playback — and, as mentioned earlier, it features integrated speakers to help you find it if misplaced.

Do the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or Apple AirPods Pro 1 block noise better?

The AirPods Pro 3 set a new bar for noise cancellation performance. Our lab tests show that they reduce external noise loudness by an average of 90%, making them one of the most effective ANC earbuds we’ve tested. The improved seal and DSP tuning contribute to their class-leading isolation. Transparency Mode also sounds more natural, allowing voices to come through clearly without the “hollow” effect that’s typical of many earbuds.

The original AirPods Pro were impressive in their time, cutting low and midrange sounds to about one-quarter of their natural loudness. While they still perform admirably for casual noise reduction, their ANC feels dated next to the AirPods Pro 3’s advanced processing.

Do the Apple AirPods Pro 3 sound better than the Apple AirPods Pro 1?

Apple redesigned the acoustic chamber in the AirPods Pro 3 for better bass and stereo imaging, and the difference is noticeable. In my colleagues’ listening tests, songs like “party 4 u” by Charli XCX revealed more detailed reverb and spaciousness. Bass-heavy tracks like “CODEINE” by er808 and NXSTY hit hard without drowning the mids, though the bass may occasionally sound a touch too prominent for long listening sessions. The lack of an EQ is still frustrating — especially since the low end can become fatiguing.

The first-gen AirPods Pro also sound very good, with a frequency response that closely tracks our SoundGuys preference curve. Songs like “Callaita” by Bad Bunny deliver clean sub-bass and articulate vocals, while Apple’s Adaptive EQ helps ensure consistency across ear shapes. However, the AirPods Pro 3’s expanded soundstage and enhanced immersiveness through Spatial Audio give them the edge.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

Objective Measurements

Both follow a consumer-friendly V-shaped curve with slightly boosted bass and crisp treble. The AirPods Pro 3 exhibit a small 6kHz peak that adds air to vocals and cymbals, while the original AirPods Pro sound smoother in that range. However, the AirPods Pro 3’s sub-bass emphasis delivers more punch — assuming you maintain a proper fit.

Do the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or Apple AirPods Pro 1 have a better microphone?

Both earbuds use beamforming microphones to isolate your voice during calls, but the AirPods Pro 3 benefit from Apple’s refined processing via the H2 chip. In quiet environments, the AirPods Pro 3 microphones deliver clear and full sound that’s more than good enough for work calls or voice memos. Voice Isolation mode helps filter out passing cars and keyboard clicks, though wind noise can creep through.

The first-gen AirPods Pro microphones still perform well, especially for their age. They capture speech clearly, but background noise filtering is less sophisticated. Likewise, you may sound thinner or more distant in noisy spaces. If call quality matters to you, the AirPods Pro 3 offer a noticeable upgrade.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro 1 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro 1 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods Pro 1: Price and availability

The AirPods Pro 3 retail for $249, the same price point the original AirPods Pro carried when new. While you can still find first-gen AirPods Pro at reduced prices, their aging battery life and lack of modern features make them harder to recommend today. Instead, the AirPods Pro 3 are widely available through Apple and authorized retailers and benefit from ongoing software updates and support.

Should you get the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or Apple AirPods Pro 1?

If you’re an iPhone user looking for the best Apple experience, the AirPods Pro 3 are the clear choice. They combine class-leading ANC, longer battery life, improved sound, and unique features like heart rate tracking, hearing enhancement, and Live Translation. Even with some fit quirks and unfinished software, they’re a remarkable leap forward.

The AirPods Pro 1 remain reliable and comfortable earbuds that still deliver solid sound and ANC. However, they feel dated next to Apple’s newest flagship. For casual users who find a good deal on the originals, they’ll still “just work” — but the AirPods Pro 3 are the true evolution of Apple’s vision for personal audio.

Would you buy the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs the Apple AirPods Pro 1? Let us know in the poll below.

VS Apple AirPods Pro 2

If you want flagship features at an affordable price point, consider the Apple AirPods Pro 2. These earbuds are now readily discounted and come equipped with many of their successors’ best features. These include Apple’s Hearing Aid feature, personalized spatial audio, adaptive audio, and more. They also reduce external noise by 83%, which falls marginally short of the AirPods Pro 3’s 90% noise reduction.

The AirPods Pro 2 enjoy a subjectively preferable sound quality and fit. The former can be adjusted on the fly with Apple’s Adaptive EQ system, and the latter is attainable with the included XS-L silicone ear tips. However, Apple’s newest buds last approximately three hours longer per charge than the AirPods Pro 2. Likewise, the AirPods Pro 2 wear a slightly inferior IP54 protection rating. You also miss out on Live Translation and heart rate monitoring.