Apple’s latest premium earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, build on the lineage of the original AirPods Pro with several meaningful upgrades aimed at both everyday listeners and active users. The newest generation brings stronger active noise cancellation, a more secure and comfortable fit, longer listening times, built-in health monitoring, and refined audio tuning — all while maintaining the seamless device integration Apple is known for.
Design and Fit
The AirPods Pro 3 retain the general in-ear profile familiar from previous models but introduce a revised shape and foam-infused ear tips available in five sizes, including a new XXS option, to improve comfort and stability during extended listening and physical activities. Apple’s design improvements help the earbuds fit more securely for a wider range of users.
With an IP57 rating, the AirPods Pro 3 are more resistant to sweat and water than earlier models, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. The MagSafe charging case works with Qi-certified chargers, Apple Watch chargers, and other USB-C power sources, adding flexibility to daily charging routines.
Sound Quality and Active Noise Cancellation
AirPods Pro 3 deliver rich and immersive audio with advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that Apple says removes up to twice as much ambient sound as previous generations. This improved ANC significantly reduces background noise in busy environments, from commuting to office spaces, creating a more focused listening experience.
Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio with head tracking extend the soundstage, making music and media feel more immersive when paired with compatible content and devices. However, some listeners note that the tuning may emphasize bass more than prior models, a shift that may not suit every musical preference.
Battery Life and Daily Endurance
Battery performance is a strong point for AirPods Pro 3. With ANC enabled, users can expect up to 8 hours of listening on a single charge, and with Transparency mode active, up to 10 hours. The MagSafe charging case adds up to 24 hoursof total listening time before needing a full recharge. A short 5-minute charge in the case yields around 1 hour of playback, a helpful feature for short breaks.
Real-world usage tests, including independent user reports, show that battery life can exceed Apple’s estimates under moderate volume and standard feature usage, aligning closely with advertised figures.
Fitness and Smart Features
A standout addition in this generation is the built-in heart rate sensor, which measures data during workouts when paired with an iPhone. This enables users to track heart rate and performance metrics directly through the Fitness app without needing an Apple Watch. The integrated sensor also contributes to intelligent workout summaries and performance insights.
The AirPods Pro 3 also introduce Live Translation, which can translate conversations in real time using Apple Intelligence — a feature that enhances usability for travelers and multilingual users.
User Experience and Community Feedback
Feedback from reviewers and users online is generally positive but nuanced. Many appreciate the stronger ANC, secure fit, extended battery, and new health features. Reviewers highlight the earbuds as a significant upgrade for those embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, delivering more complete audio and fitness integration compared with earlier models.
However, there are some criticisms. A subset of users report audio artifacts, such as occasional static sounds during ANC use, which have persisted despite firmware updates. Others find the sound signature and fit less appealing than expected when compared with prior models, or note that Transparency mode can feel less natural for some ear shapes.
Who Should Consider AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 are especially compelling for everyday listeners and active users who want a balanced mix of premium audio, effective noise cancellation, fitness tracking, and convenience — all tightly integrated with iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices. Their improvements over the previous generation make them a strong choice for most users, though some may prefer alternate earbuds for a more neutral sound profile or alternative ANC experiences.
