AirPods Pro 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Heart‑Rate Tracking Comparison
Apple’s latest AirPods Pro 3, introduced in early 2025, include on‑ear heart‑rate sensors that position the earbuds as potential fitness wearables alongside the company’s flagship Apple Watch Ultra 3. To assess how well the new earbuds perform, a series of side‑by‑side tests were conducted over a week of mixed activities, ranging from indoor cardio sessions to outdoor runs.
The testing protocol involved a 30‑minute continuous monitoring period for each device during a standardized treadmill workout at 6 km/h, followed by a 20‑minute outdoor jog at a moderate pace. Heart‑rate data were recorded every second and later compared against a medical‑grade chest strap, which served as the reference. Both the AirPods Pro 3 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 displayed overall accuracy within 3 beats per minute (bpm) of the chest strap for steady‑state exercise, though the watch maintained a slightly tighter margin during high‑intensity intervals.
Beyond raw accuracy, the evaluation considered latency, battery impact, and user experience. The AirPods Pro 3 reported heart‑rate readings with a half‑second delay, whereas the Apple Watch Ultra 3 delivered near‑real‑time data. However, the earbuds’ battery life was less affected, losing only about 5 % of a full charge after a three‑hour monitoring session, compared with a 12 % drain on the watch. Comfort during prolonged wear also favored the earbuds for users who already wear them for audio, though the watch’s dedicated sensor placement offered more consistent skin contact.
Industry analysts note that the inclusion of biometric sensors in true‑wireless earbuds reflects a broader trend toward multipurpose devices, allowing users to consolidate accessories. Apple has not disclosed specific plans for health‑related software updates, but a spokesperson indicated that the company is “continuously exploring ways to enhance the health capabilities of its audio products.”
Overall, the AirPods Pro 3 provide respectable heart‑rate tracking suitable for casual fitness monitoring, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 remains the more precise tool for serious athletes and medical‑grade applications. Consumers may choose between the convenience of an all‑in‑one audio‑and‑health solution and the dedicated performance of a traditional smartwatch, depending on their priorities.
