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Are AirPods Pro 2/3 worth it for basic features

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I have mild/moderate hearing loss and am considering purchasing the AirPods Pro 2 or 3 but I'm trying to work out if they are worth it. I currently have the AirPods 4 (no ANC) and mostly use them for workouts, runs, long walks, the odd flight or sometimes at home. I won't really use ANC, Transparency or the other modes as I'm paranoid about the impact these features will have when used over the long term.

Am I correct in understanding the Pros hearing levels can be adjusted so the audio output is optimised to my hearing loss? I have recently discovered I can adjust the balance of my AirPods 4 so I've set the volume balance more on the right side where I have the most hearing loss. I do have one hearing aid for the right side which I only wanted for busy environments such as restaurants but I don't find it to be as effective as I'd hoped.

The parts of the Pro that I think would work for me are the passive noise isolation as I frequently have to adjust the volume slightly or miss parts of songs/podcasts when a car goes by on my walks. The other value I can see is from the amplification adjustments based on my hearing test results but those are the two benefits I see. I don't want to buy this product just because it's amazing, every Apple user has to have a pair blah, blah, blah. I only want to buy something if it will truly add value to my life. Thanks for listening :slight_smile:

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Flamingo, I bought Apple Air Pods Pro 3 (AAPP3) in March 2026 for $199 thru Amazon. I bought them as back-up to my Oticon Real 3 . I use the AAPP3 now for two hours at night when watching TV and stream sound to them, for that they work well. As regular hearing aids they are not as good as the Oticons. They are suitable for me for quiet environments, but not effective in noisy ones, although my Oticon's are fairly useless in noisy restaurants as well.

Edited

In reply to @Flamingo

@Flamingo said:

Am I correct in understanding the Pros hearing levels can be adjusted so the audio output is optimised to my hearing loss?

Yes. You can either enter your or take Apple’s hearing test. In my case, the results from both tests were almost identical.

@Flamingo said:

The parts of the Pro that I think would work for me are the passive noise isolation

Yes. When you set up the aids, it will run a test to ensure that the tips are properly sealing the ear canal. In my experience, the Comply foam tips have provided better results compared to the Apple silicon tips.

@Flamingo said:

don't want to buy this product just because it's amazing

You don't have to -- best thing to do is to experience them. Go to an Apple store and ask the staff for a test. Or buy them from a place that allows returns. There is no risk involved.
What I don't recommend is to buy them based on other people's opinion -- we all have different hearing and different preferences for sound, especially when hearing loss is involved.
You can find them on sale for $199 (not at the Apple Store).

As for hearing aids, I agree with @portage . They are earbuds with hearing aid features but they are not hearing aids.

In your experience, would you say they have enhanced your music or podcast experiences? I'm trying to gauge whether these would make a difference outside of the house where I expect to use them the most.

I won't really use ANC, Transparency or the other modes as I'm paranoid about the impact these features will have when used over the long term.

In that case they probably won't help. I recommend dealing with your paranoia first.

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