PCMAG
pcmag.com › home › best products › audio › headphones
The Best Apple AirPods We've Tested for 2025 | PCMag
4 weeks ago - The AirPods 4 are Apple's most affordable wireless earbuds and offer exceptional audio performance for an open-ear design. ... November 19, 2025: With this update, our recommendations remain unchanged.
Business Insider
businessinsider.com › reviews › tech › the best airpods of 2025: we tested all of apple's headphones so you don't have to
The best AirPods of 2025: We tested all of Apple's headphones so you don't have to
2 weeks ago - The AirPods 4 offer a more open fit, and Apple has refined the design over previous models to ensure they stay securely in place across a variety of ear shapes. However, opinions remain divided over the comfort of open-ear AirPods, so this ...
Videos
11:50
AirPods Pro 3 Review: I Understand It Now! - YouTube
20:24
Best Earbud of 2025? AirPods Pro 3 (Ranked Against the BEST) - YouTube
07:40
AirPods Pro 3 Review (One Week Later) – Better Sound, Fit & ANC!
09:01
Which AirPods Should You Buy in 2025? - YouTube
24:38
Apple AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 Reviewed & Compared by an ...
09:40
AirPods Pro 4 LEAKS - Launching in 2026… WITH CAMERAS?! - YouTube
How often does Apple release new AirPods?
Apple's standard AirPods are now in their fourth generation, the AirPods Pro are in their third generation, and the AirPods Max are still in their first generation.
- AirPods: Apple's fourth-generation AirPods launched in September 2024 during the brand's iPhone 16 launch event. The release cycle for new AirPods is typically two to three years, so we don't expect another model until 2026 at the earliest.
- AirPods Pro: Apple released the first-generation AirPods Pro in 2019, followed by the second-generation model in 2022, and the third-generation model in September 2025. If the company continues to follow this three-year cycle, we won't see new AirPods Pro until 2028 at the earliest.
- AirPods Max: Apple released the AirPods Max in December 2020 and launched a refreshed Max model with USB-C charging and new colors in 2024. There's currently no indication that a new model is forthcoming.
businessinsider.com
businessinsider.com › reviews › tech › the best airpods of 2025: we tested all of apple's headphones so you don't have to
The best AirPods of 2025: We tested all of Apple's headphones so ...
Should I buy AirPods in the Apple Store?
If you can help it, no: The various AirPods models typically sell for less online at other retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Amazon, meanwhile, typically matches the lowest price at other retailers. Generally, we'd only buy AirPods at the Apple Store if we want engraving, which isn't available elsewhere. If you opt to go into an Apple Store for Apple deals, you should ask about price matching. While Apple doesn't seem to have any official policy, it's been reported that it will offer up to 10% price matching. As an example, that would be $25 off the AirPods Pro, which list for $249. That's no
cnet.com
cnet.com › tech › mobile › headphones › best airpods for 2025
Best AirPods for 2025: Expert Tested and Reviewed - CNET
What are the newest AirPods?
The newest AirPods are the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), which hit stores in September 2023 and have some small upgrades from the 2022 version of the AirPods Pro 2 that included Lightning charging. The third-generation AirPods with enhanced functionality, improved sound and an updated design arrived in stores in October 2021. Meanwhile, on the Beats side, the Beats Studio Pro headphones were released in July 2023 while the Studio Buds Plus were released in May 2023. The Beats Fit Pro -- which shares most of the same features as the original AirPods Pro -- arrived in November 2021. While they're not A
cnet.com
cnet.com › tech › mobile › headphones › best airpods for 2025
Best AirPods for 2025: Expert Tested and Reviewed - CNET
Reddit
reddit.com › r/airpodspro › apple airpods pro 3 – what’s actually new vs. older models? (2025)
r/AirpodsPro on Reddit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 – What’s Actually New vs. Older Models? (2025)
September 13, 2025 -
Key Changes & Upgrades:
Better Active Noise Cancellation – Apple claims up to 2x more effective noise cancellation compared to previous models.
Heart Rate Sensor – A new built-in sensor for fitness tracking. If you don’t own an Apple Watch, this could be very useful, but you’ll need to carry your iPhone along with your AirPods when going for a run or walk.
Size & Fit – Slightly updated design for improved comfort.
Battery Life – Up to 8 hours of listening (vs. 6 hours before). With heart-rate sensing enabled, it drops to 6.5 hours. The case now gives 24 hours of total listening, compared to 30 hours with older AirPods Pro—so less case battery this time.
Water Resistance – Upgraded to IP57 (from IP54).
Charging Case – Now powered by Apple’s U2 chip (previously U1), offering better finding/tracking and improved device interaction (works best with iPhone 15 or later and Apple Watch 9 or later, which also have the U2 chip).
In the Box – Includes 5 silicone ear tips (vs. 4 before). However, Apple no longer includes a USB-C cable in the box.
Other Features:
Live Translation – Works even with older devices, as long as the feature is available in your region.
Hearing Health – Hearing test, hearing aid, and hearing protection features are also supported on older devices.
Top answer 1 of 5
45
You're forgetting the most important difference. AirPods Pro 3 supports Apple's new proprietary wireless protocol. This new protocol is only available on iPhone 17 linup and APP3. It's a competitor to Bluetooth with a host of improvements in terms of sound quality and latency + better sync with new apple devices https://www.patentlyapple.com/2025/09/how-apples-new-wireless-protocol-spr-avs-powers-their-spatial-ecosystem.html
2 of 5
26
I’m waiting for reviews to see how much the anc is actually improved. I was hyped when I read the “2x better anc” headline but if the only difference in anc performance is the new foam tips, I’ll be a little disappointed. The heart rate sensor, imo, is suck a gimmick. Like they added that sensor only because without it nothing has really changed and every product needs that one big improvement/feature. I expected more.
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › earbuds & headphones › best airpods in 2025: which apple earbuds should you buy?
Best AirPods in 2025: Which Apple Earbuds Should You Buy? - SoundGuys
1 day ago - The AirPods Pro 2 remain our pick for sound quality, especially when used with iPhones where Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio personalization are available, while the AirPods 4 with ANC provide a practical mix of ANC, features and usable battery ...
TIME
time.com › tech › best inventions 2025 › apple airpods pro 3: the best inventions of 2025
Apple AirPods Pro 3: The Best Inventions of 2025 | TIME
October 9, 2025 - Beyond removing twice as much background noise as the previous generation of AirPods Pro, tracking wearers’ heart rate using a photoplethysmography pulse sensor, and serving as a hearing aid if needed, the headphones’ new Live Translation feature can interpret a conversation between French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, or English-speaking friends instantly using Apple Intelligence. Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese are coming by year’s end. ... These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.
CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › headphones › best airpods for 2025
Best AirPods for 2025: Expert Tested and Reviewed - CNET
September 29, 2025 - While they're missing the ANC and wireless charging of the step-up AirPods 4 with ANC, they're also equipped with Apple's H2 chip that improves overall performance and powers Apple's ever-expanding AirPods features, and are among the best-sounding ...
MacRumors
macrumors.com › 2025 › 11 › 04 › airpods-pro-3-long-term-review
Review: Two Months With the AirPods Pro 3 - MacRumors
November 5, 2025 - The AirPods Pro 3 offer excellent sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities, and for some people, the fit is much better than the AirPods Pro 2. Battery life has held up well in our testing, and the heart rate sensor offers readings ...
Apple
apple.com › newsroom › 2025 › 09 › introducing-airpods-pro-3-the-ultimate-audio-experience
Introducing AirPods Pro 3, the ultimate audio experience - Apple
2 weeks ago - Testing conducted by Apple in July 2025 using AirPods Pro 3 paired with iPhone 16 with prerelease AirPods firmware and iOS 26. Noise reduction was tested in accordance with IEC 60268-24. Comparison made against the best-selling wireless in-ear headphones commercially available at the time of testing.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/airpods › apple airpods pro 3 – what’s actually new vs. older models? (2025)
r/airpods on Reddit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 – What’s Actually New vs. Older Models? (2025)
September 13, 2025 -
Key Changes & Upgrades:
Better Active Noise Cancellation – Apple claims up to 2x more effective noise cancellation compared to previous models.
Heart Rate Sensor – A new built-in sensor for fitness tracking. If you don’t own an Apple Watch, this could be very useful, but you’ll need to carry your iPhone along with your AirPods when going for a run or walk.
Size & Fit – Slightly updated design for improved comfort.
Battery Life – Up to 8 hours of listening (vs. 6 hours before). With heart-rate sensing enabled, it drops to 6.5 hours. The case now gives 24 hours of total listening, compared to 30 hours with older AirPods Pro, so less case battery this time.
Water Resistance – Upgraded to IP57 (from IP54).
Charging Case – Now powered by Apple’s U2 chip (previously U1), so better finding/tracking or improved device interaction (iPhone 15 or later and Apple Watch 9 or later have the U2 chip).
In the Box – Includes 5 silicone ear tips (vs. 4 before). However, Apple no longer includes a USB-C cable in the box.
Other Features:
Live Translation – Works even with older devices, as long as the feature is available in your region.
Hearing Health – Hearing test, hearing aid, and hearing protection features are also supported on older devices.
Top answer 1 of 5
73
Allegedly they have a slightly better sound and deeper bass. I’m patiently waiting for reviews, because i’m tired of using the equaliser to increase the bass!
2 of 5
36
You're forgetting the most important difference. AirPods Pro 3 supports Apple's new proprietary wireless protocol. This new protocol is only available on iPhone 17 linup and APP3. It's a competitor to Bluetooth with a host of improvements in terms of sound quality and latency + better sync with new apple devices https://www.patentlyapple.com/2025/09/how-apples-new-wireless-protocol-spr-avs-powers-their-spatial-ecosystem.html (reposting from r/AirpodsPro )
Bloomberg
bloomberg.com › news › features › 2025-09-19 › apple-airpods-pro-3-review-should-i-buy-the-new-airpods-price-features
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Should I Buy the New AirPods? Price, Features - Bloomberg
September 19, 2025 - But the company has made considerable improvements in key areas such as comfort, noise cancellation, audio quality, durability and microphone performance — all while keeping the same $249 price as the previous-generation AirPods Pro 2.
ZDNET
zdnet.com › home › tech › wearables › headphones
Best AirPods 2025: I've used every pair of Apple headphones and earbuds - these are the winners | ZDNET
October 14, 2025 - If you want AirPods that will receive the latest and greatest software features, the AirPods Pro 3 are a no-brainer. However, the AirPods 4 with ANC offer essential features such as noise cancellation, spatial audio, Find My compatibility, and ...
The Guardian
theguardian.com › technology › 2025 › oct › 07 › airpods-pro-3-review-battery-earbuds-apple-buds
AirPods Pro 3 review: better battery, better noise cancelling, better earbuds | Apple | The Guardian
October 7, 2025 - The sound of the third-generation AirPods Pro takes a great listen and makes it bigger. They have a wider soundscape that makes big tracks sound more expansive, while still maintaining strong but nicely controlled bass.
What Hi-Fi?
whathifi.com › headphones › wireless earbuds
Best AirPods 2025: Apple's wireless headphones ranked and rated | What Hi-Fi?
November 11, 2025 - ... There's only been one AirPods story in recent weeks – the launch of the AirPods Pro 3. Apple's latest flagship in-ears made their debut alongside the iPhone 17 in September, and promise better bass than their predecessors, as well as active ...
RecordingNow
recordingnow.com › blog › apple-airpods-3-review
Apple AirPods 3 Review: WORTH IT in 2025? (3rd Generation)
April 6, 2025 - My HONEST Apple AirPods 3rd Generation review and whether they're WORTH IT in 2025! Comparisons vs AirPods Pro 2nd gen and AirPods Max included.
MacRumors
macrumors.com › roundup › airpods-pro
AirPods Pro 3: Just Updated! Features, Price, Launch Date and More
October 22, 2019 - Apple's AirPods Pro 3 earbuds feature 2× better noise-canceling technology, heart rate sensing, better audio quality, an updated design, and a $249 price tag. ... Introduced in September 2025, the AirPods Pro 3 represent the biggest leap forward ...
The Verge
theverge.com › tech › gadgets › apple
The best AirPods to buy in 2025 | The Verge
November 7, 2025 - Apple’s latest flagship earbuds feature a more angular design and a wider range of ear tip sizes — including an XXS option. Their “foam-infused” tips combine foam and silicone, so they expand slightly for better comfort and a tighter seal.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/airpods › the best wireless earbuds of 2025: airpods pro 3 take the crown 👑
r/airpods on Reddit: The best wireless earbuds of 2025: AirPods Pro 3 take the crown 👑
October 1, 2025 - Inferior to the AirPods Pro 3. ... The thing about that is this website actually gave the AZ100's a higher rating (8.1) than the APP3's (7.8). Though they seem to have left them off this list completely?
CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › headphones › i tried apple's new airpods pro 3, and they feel surprisingly different
I Tried Apple's New AirPods Pro 3, and They Feel Surprisingly Different - CNET
September 10, 2025 - Editors' Note Sept. 15, 2025: CNET has published our full Apple AirPods 3 review, so check it out for updated hands-on impressions and video.
Apple
apple.com › airpods › compare
AirPods - Compare Models - Apple
Compare features for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Max.
Yahoo!
tech.yahoo.com › yahoo tech › audio
The best AirPods to buy in 2025 — including the new AirPods Pro ...
October 15, 2025 - These are also much better protected against water, sweat and dirt. An onboard heart-rate sensor can monitor your ticker if you're not wearing an Apple Watch. And all this for the same $249 list price as the AirPods Pro 2. Get a much more detailed look at these in my full AirPods Pro 3 review.