The Apple AirPods Pro 3 feature a new heart rate tracking sensor that delivers accurate readings, outperforming previous models and competing devices during testing.
- Headphones with heart rate monitors are nothing new.
- The heart rate sensor on the AirPods Pro 3 is new.
- The sensor pulses infrared light 256 times a second.
- The AirPods Pro 3 have barely missed a beat.
- The HRM600 was linked to my Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.
- The only drawbacks are pairing and fit issues.
The heart rate sensor on the AirPods Pro 3 is located on the side of the earbuds near the tip. It pulses infrared light 256 times a second to monitor blood flow in the ears. Other sensors like the accelerometer and gyroscope are also utilized, along with algorithms to differentiate heart rate from other factors.
During testing, the AirPods Pro 3 were compared to a Garmin HRM600 chest strap, which measures electrical signals directly from the heart. The AirPods Pro 3 not only matched the accuracy of the chest strap but also outperformed Apple Watches in heart rate tracking.
Originally reported by www.tomsguide.com as “I compared the Apple AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate readings vs a chest strap — and the results shocked me” on 2025-09-24 09:03:00.
