The article highlights the impressive new feature of the AirPods Pro 3—built-in heart rate tracking—which the author suggests other brands like Google and Samsung should copy, as it offers reliable workout monitoring directly from earbuds, rivaling dedicated fitness devices in accuracy and convenience.
TIME Magazine included Apple's AirPods Pro 3 in its Best Inventions of 2025 list, highlighting features like live translation, heart rate tracking, and noise cancellation, while also recognizing the Apple Watch Series 11 for its blood pressure monitoring capabilities.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 introduces significant upgrades in comfort, noise cancellation, audio quality, durability, and adds built-in heart-rate tracking, all while maintaining the same price, making them a compelling upgrade for iPhone users and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Powerbeats Pro 2 will receive significant updates with iOS 26, including improved heart rate tracking, better integration with Apple's Fitness app, and new features like single-earbud heart rate monitoring and faster data readings, aligning more with AirPods Pro 3, though Android users will miss out on these enhancements.
The AirPods Pro 3 offer significant upgrades over the previous model, including enhanced active noise cancellation, new foam-infused ear tips for better passive noise isolation, live translation capabilities, and heart-rate monitoring for workouts, along with improved audio quality through redesigned venting and driver adjustments. They are available for pre-order at $249 and launch alongside the iPhone 17 series.
If you're dissatisfied with the heart rate and GPS tracking accuracy of the Galaxy Watch 4, consider upgrading to the Galaxy Watch 7. The new model features a more precise BioActive Sensor and dual-frequency GPS, significantly improving workout tracking accuracy.
Sennheiser's new Momentum Sport earbuds offer accurate heart rate and body temperature tracking, along with high sound quality and durability, making them a solid choice for workouts. The buds integrate with the Polar Flow app, providing access to training analytics and coaching, and also work with other fitness apps and smartwatches. While on the larger side, they stay put during runs and offer good transparency and anti-wind modes. Priced at $330, they provide a convenient all-in-one solution for fitness tracking and music listening.
Fitbit has released the Charge 6, its latest fitness tracker, offering improved heart rate tracking and deeper integration with Google apps. Priced at $159, the Charge 6 aims to provide health and fitness tracking at a lower cost compared to smartwatches. The tracker boasts 60% more accurate heart rate tracking during strenuous activities and includes features such as YouTube Music control, Google Maps access, and Google Wallet integration. It also features a stress level measurement sensor and is compatible with Fitbit Premium.