You can use a single AirPod Pro 3 earbud for heart rate and fitness monitoring.

I started a workout in the Fitness app with both an Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3 in place. The app tells you that it is “starting on Apple Watch,” but when the workout is active, you get a nice little graphic in the bottom right that shows you what Bluetooth devices are being used. I was wearing both the watch and AirPods, and immediately the little health icon picked up both devices for tracking my heart rate. I then tried disconnecting one device at a time, and the icon immediately updated to let me know what device is being used to track heart rate, calories burned, etc.

I followed a sequence of events that confirms one AirPod is enough to get a heart rate reading:

1. Both AirPods and Apple Watch are on. I removed one earbud, and metrics were still being read by both devices, signified by the little “2” icon.

2. I removed both earbuds, and the icon switched to the Apple Watch.

3. I placed one AirPod in my ear, and it switched back to two devices.

4. I removed my Apple Watch, and the sole AirPod was being used to track my workout.

AirPods Pro 3 is a huge win for those who can’t wear an Apple Watch for whatever reason (health reasons, work reasons, tattoos, etc). You can track multiple workout types, and 99% of people will find a workout that is compatible with AirPods Pro 3.

And all you need is a single earbud if that’s your style.