This is the AirPods Pro 3 Review: Better Fit, Better Sound, and Smarter Features.
Apple has officially launched the AirPods Pro 3, the third generation of its premium wireless earbuds. At first glance, they look almost identical to the AirPods Pro 2, but Apple has packed in a host of subtle yet meaningful upgrades.
I wasn’t initially planning to review these — September is always packed with tech releases — but after testing them on a flight, during workouts, and in daily use, I can confidently say: the AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s best earbuds yet.
Design & Comfort: A Subtle but Important Change
Visually, the AirPods Pro 3 look nearly the same as the previous generation, but small refinements make a big difference.
- Redesigned ear tips: The new tips insert at a slightly different angle and now include foam reinforcement inside the silicone. This creates a more secure seal and improves comfort.
- More size options: Apple added an extra-extra-small size, bringing the total to five ear tip sizes.
- Stay-in-place fit: For the first time in years of testing AirPods, these stayed in my ears during extended use.
This new fit is a game-changer for people who struggled with earlier AirPods slipping out. While the Powerbeats Pro still win for intense workouts thanks to their over-ear hook, the AirPods Pro 3 now feel reliable for everyday wear.
Build Quality & Water Resistance
Another major upgrade is durability.
- IP57 rating: Both the earbuds and the charging case are now dust-resistant and can survive submersion in water.
- Previous generations only had IPX4, which handled light splashes but not dust or heavy exposure.
This makes them much more reliable for workouts, running in the rain, or anyone who sweats heavily.
Sound Quality: Louder, Clearer, and More Balanced
Apple has fine-tuned the sound profile for the AirPods Pro 3, and the difference is noticeable.
- Stronger bass response: Thanks to larger vents and redesigned airflow inside the earbuds.
- Crisper mids and highs: Clear vocals and instruments without distortion, even at higher volumes.
- Better seal = better sound: The new foam-enhanced ear tips improve passive noise isolation, which also boosts perceived audio quality.
I compared them back-to-back with the AirPods Pro 2 and found the new model louder, richer in low-end, and more immersive overall.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Apple’s Boldest Claim
Apple claims the AirPods Pro 3 have the world’s best noise cancellation in any wireless earbuds — with no fine print.
Here’s what I found in real-world testing:
- On a plane, the constant engine hum was nearly erased, leaving only my music and podcasts.
- In a studio setting, voices, barking dogs, and keyboard clatter were significantly muted.
- ANC feels roughly twice as effective as the AirPods Pro 2, thanks to improved software tuning, larger vents, and the new ear tip design.
Compared to competitors:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Great ANC, but less comfortable in my ears.
- Sony WF-1000XM5 – Excellent sound, but fit and ANC are slightly weaker.
- Galaxy Buds 3 Pro – Stylish and comfortable, but weaker in noise cancellation and sound detail.
For Apple users, the AirPods Pro 3 lead the pack.
Battery Life: Longer Listening, More Freedom
Apple has extended battery performance:
- With ANC: Up to 8 hours (up from 6 on the AirPods Pro 2).
- With Transparency Mode: Up to 10 hours.
- Total with case: More than 30 hours of listening time.
This makes them reliable for long workdays or travel without constant charging.
Case & Connectivity: Small but Smart Changes
The charging case has also been upgraded:
- IP57 water resistance (same as the earbuds).
- Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for precision finding with Apple’s Find My app, even from a greater distance.
- Design tweaks: Slightly taller and thicker, brighter LED indicator now visible through the plastic, and a new pairing method (double-tap the case front to pair with non-Apple devices).
⚠️ Note: The new earbuds don’t fit in the old case, and vice versa.
Interestingly, Apple no longer includes a charging cable in the box. But realistically, if you own an iPhone or Apple Watch, you likely already have a USB-C or MagSafe charger at home.
New Features: Heart Rate Monitoring & Live Translation
Apple added some surprising new functions:
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Built-in sensor tracks your heart rate during workouts.
- Data integrates directly into the Apple Fitness app for calorie tracking and activity monitoring.
- Useful for those without an Apple Watch, though if you wear both, Apple’s system decides which device provides the most accurate reading.
Live Translation
- Works offline with pre-downloaded languages.
- Powered by Apple Intelligence, it provides real-time translations in conversations.
- A sign of 2025 becoming the year of AI-powered live translation across devices.
Price & Value
The AirPods Pro 3 retail at the same price as the AirPods Pro 2, making them an easy recommendation for iPhone users. With better ANC, improved fit, stronger sound, new sensors, and longer battery life, they’re a serious upgrade without extra cost.
Final Verdict: Are AirPods Pro 3 Worth It?
Yes — especially if you’re an iPhone user.
The AirPods Pro 3 offer:
✔ Better fit and comfort
✔ Improved sound quality and bass
✔ Class-leading active noise cancellation
✔ Longer battery life
✔ IP57 durability for workouts and rain
✔ Extra features like heart rate monitoring & live translation
If you’re looking for all-in-one premium earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3 are hard to beat. The only reason I won’t switch full-time is because I personally prefer over-ear headphones for travel and dedicated workout earbuds. But for most people, these are the best AirPods yet.
Bottom line: If you own an iPhone and want the most versatile wireless earbuds, AirPods Pro 3 should be at the top of your list.