With the introduction of the 2025 AirPods Pro 3, Apple is making a compelling case for these earbuds to be considered part of its fitness wearables lineup, standing alongside the iconic Apple Watch. This latest iteration brings several innovative features, including advanced Active Noise Cancellation and an enhanced fit, but perhaps the most intriguing addition is the heart rate sensing capability. While Apple isn’t a newcomer to fitness monitoring in its audio devices—having previously launched the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 with heart rate monitoring—this marks the first time that Apple’s earbuds are stepping into the mainstream health-tracking space.
### Fitness Features of the AirPods Pro 3
#### Enhanced Design and Comfort
A significant improvement in the AirPods Pro 3 is their design, which has been revamped for better fit and comfort. Prior versions of AirPods were notorious for their tendency to dislodge during physical activity, whether that was a jog or an intense gym session. However, the AirPods Pro 3 incorporate sturdier foam tips that provide a more secure fit, reducing the chances of them falling out during workouts. This snugness not only enhances comfort but also contributes to better sound isolation, a critical factor for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
#### Active Noise Cancellation
Another standout feature has to be the advanced Active Noise Cancellation technology. Working out in busy environments, like gyms filled with clanging weights or noisy streets, can be distracting. The AirPods Pro 3 offer a transformative experience by drastically reducing external noise. This allows for a more focused workout, enabling you to tune into your favorite music or podcasts without distraction. The improvement in noise cancellation is remarkable; workouts that would have been punctuated by the sounds of heavy weights are now blissfully quiet, allowing for full concentration on your exercise routine.
#### Heart Rate Sensing
The heart rate sensing capability is where the AirPods Pro 3 truly shines. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors, these earbuds can efficiently monitor your heart rate in real-time. This enables the visual representation of your heart rate across more than 50 workout profiles, all managed through Apple’s Workout app on your iPhone. This feature could serve as an excellent supplementary tool for both casual gym-goers and serious athletes.
### Testing the AirPods Pro 3
To evaluate the effectiveness of these features, I conducted rigorous testing of the AirPods Pro 3. My regimen included a variety of workouts over several weeks, from high-intensity interval training to long-distance running, tallying over 50 different sessions to gauge performance and reliability.
In an effort to measure the accuracy of the AirPods’ heart rate sensing capabilities, I used them in conjunction with the Apple Watch Ultra 3, regarded as the benchmark in the market. I engaged in a one-hour strength training session, logging data from both devices to establish how they compared. The Apple Watch recorded a workout duration of 56 minutes and 41 seconds, burning 435 active calories, with an average heart rate of 118 BPM.
Interestingly, my AirPods workout, which I amazingly matched to 56 minutes and 40 seconds, reported an average heart rate of 119 BPM and burned 519 active calories. The data showed that both devices correlated closely on heart rate, suggesting the AirPods are reliable in this respect.
However, the AirPods Pro 3 do lack certain capabilities, such as detailed heart rate zone information, which the Apple Watch provides. This could be a disadvantage for those training with specific heart rate targets. While both devices perform remarkably well in tracking heart rate, the omission of zone information from the AirPods Pro 3 dims their appeal for serious fitness aficionados.
Another noteworthy observation was the disparity in calorie tracking. While calorie tracking is notoriously challenging for any device, the Apple Watch’s comprehensive array of sensors, including its accelerometer, likely makes it more reliable for this metric. I would personally advise relying on the Apple Watch for more nuanced calorie data.
### The User Experience
If you intend to use the AirPods Pro 3 exclusively for workouts, be aware of their limitations. Without the visual feedback that a device like the Apple Watch provides, tracking your heart rate during sessions can be less convenient. Yet, despite these drawbacks, during my tests, I found that the AirPods aligned closely with the Apple Watch in heart rate tracking; their updates often coincided, creating a reassuring level of confidence in the data they provided.
### Conclusion: A Worthy Investment?
In the final analysis, the AirPods Pro 3 serve as an appealing addition to Apple’s already robust lineup of fitness wearables. The heart rate sensing is certainly a valuable feature, but it may not want warrant replacing dedicated fitness devices for those invested in their workout metrics. For individuals who engage in fitness casually and simply want to enhance their audio experience while having a basic sense of heart rate tracking, the AirPods Pro 3 offer a solid package.
However, for serious athletes who require real-time feedback on their performance, the Apple Watch remains the superior choice. The integration of both devices presents an intriguing proposition; using them in tandem maximizes your workout experience, combining the auditory excellence of the AirPods with the analytical prowess of the Apple Watch.
To summarize, while the heart rate sensing feature might be a delightful bonus for users, the true strength of the AirPods Pro 3 lies in their overall functionality and the quality of experience they provide. The effort Apple has invested in refining these earbuds suggests that they are more than just another accessory—they’re a commitment to enhancing the fitness journey of their users.
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