The new AirPods Pro 3 offer noticeably improved noise cancellation and sound quality—but how much do they really differ from the Pro 2? In short: a lot. We've tested both and are here to break down what's new and why it matters.

Apple today released new firmware designed for the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 4, and the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 firmware is 8B25, while the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 firmware is 8B21,

Firmware updates for the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 have been deployed, though there are currently no details about the update's contents.

While the AirPods Pro 2 already offer excellent noise cancellation, the enhancements in the AirPods Pro 3 make them a better option for users who prioritize this feature. However, for those satisfied with the ANC performance of the AirPods Pro 2, the difference may not be significant enough to justify an upgrade.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have hit $129.99 today on Best Buy, down from $249.99. As of writing, the AirPods are only available at this price for local pickup, and you'll need to be signed into a Best Buy account to see this option.

At $219, the AirPods Pro 3 offer double the noise cancellation, breakthrough audio quality, heart rate sensing, live translation, extended battery life and hearing health features – $30 below retail this Black Friday. Apple just launched these weeks ago without discounts on their website which makes Amazon’s deal exceptional.

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Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Your AirPods can detect when you've fallen asleep and pause your media. The AirPods likely use an accelerometer, not a heart rate sensor, to detect when you've fallen asleep. The feature requires a pair of AirPods Pro 2, Pro 3, or AirPods 4, and iOS 26.