Home / Audio / Apple

Can the New AirPods Actually Replace Your Apple Watch?

Apple has been releasing AirPods for almost a decade. The newest Pros, however, stand out among the pack.

Seven pairs of white wireless earbuds in open charging cases and one pair outside the case on a wooden surface.Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol
Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Tucker Bowe

Published

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

By now, you know the schtick: AirPods just work with Apple devices, which is why they’re the best-selling wireless earbuds of all time.

GP100: Gear Patrol’s annual roundup of the most important releases collects key watches, cars, outdoor gear and more. Browse the full list or catch up on last year’s winners.

Naturally, the company calls the latest version the “best AirPods that Apple has ever made.” The AirPods Pro 3 have superior sound and active noise cancellation, surpassing that of any previous model.

Close-up of a person's ear with a white wireless earbud inserted, showing the earbud's black mesh speaker and sleek design.
The AirPods Pro 3 have an IP57 rating, making them the most rugged AirPods ever.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

Plus, they offer advanced features that no other wireless earbuds do. This includes the ability to translate languages with Live Translation and even function as (OTC) hearing aids, thanks to their FDA certification.

Black smartphone displaying workout stats next to white wireless earbuds and charging case on a dark surface.
Both earbuds have their own heart-rate sensor, meaning you can track workouts while wearing both or just one.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

But the AirPods Pro 3 are also distinct from other AirPods, as they are the first to include a built-in heart rate sensor.

That’s a big deal, with the potential to replace the Apple Watch for many wearer’s workouts.

A hand holding a smartphone displaying a fitness tracking app. The screen shows a distance of 0.80 miles, an average pace of 24 minutes and 26 seconds per mile, a heart rate of 79 beats per minute, 55 active calories burned, and 86 total calories burned. The timer at the bottom reads 19 minutes and 45.71 seconds.
The AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate sensor automatically kicks into gear when doing a workout.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

Of course, if you’re somebody who likes wearing an Apple Watch for all the other things, there are still countless reasons to get the AirPods Pro 3.

Most notably? They sound great.

White wireless earbuds with silicone ear tips, placed inside an open white charging case with a small green indicator light on the front. The earbuds have black sensor areas and are marked with "L" and "R" for left and right.Apple

GP100 Winner

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Specs

Chip Apple H2
Sensors accelerometer, heart rate
Water Resistance IP57

The Most Important Product Releases of 2025

, , ,