AirPods Pro 3 Review: Why Your Old Earbuds Are Now Obsolete

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 bring fresh design, improved sound, and game-changing features to the wireless earbuds scene.

 Written by: 👤 Jacob Krol 

If you’ve been riding the Apple earbuds wave like me—starting from the original Apple AirPods, moving through the Lightning port era, and then rocking the AirPods Pro 2 since their 2023 debut—you know the thrill and the loyalty that comes with each new release. So when Apple dropped the AirPods Pro 3 alongside a slew of new gadgets like the iPhone Air, I was all in to see if these flagship wireless earbuds truly push the envelope—or just nudge it.

A Fresh Fit for Your Ears: Comfort Meets Innovation

First impressions matter, right? Apple clearly took the design cues from the AirPods 4 and sprinkled in some magic to make the Pro 3 both smaller and smarter. The earbuds are slightly smaller than their predecessors, but the real star here is the redesigned ear tips. They now sit at a different angle for a comfier, more secure fit—think earbuds that actually get your ear shape.

But here’s the kicker: these new ear tips blend foam and silicone—a match made in audiophile heaven. The combo delivers stability and a snug seal that’s seriously impressive. If you’ve ever wished for ear tips that better matched your ears (and let's be honest, who hasn’t?), the Pro 3 come with medium tips out of the box, but you can also grab sizes ranging from extra small to extra large for a tailored fit.

Image Credit: Jacob Krol

During some vigorous head-shaking tests and even a heart rate tracking walk, these earbuds stayed put without a hint of slipping. That’s a win for anyone who’s ever lost an earbud mid-run or on a busy street.

Built for the Long Haul: Smart Sensors and Battery Life

Apple didn’t stop at comfort. The Pro 3 feature several upgraded sensors, including a top vent that’s twice as large for better airflow and pressure equalization—good news for those long listening sessions.

Plus, there’s a brand-new heart rate sensor tucked inside. Unlike the green-light tech found in Powerbeats Pro 2, this sensor uses infrared light paired with Apple’s own algorithm for spot-on accuracy.

Battery-wise, Apple promises an impressive eight hours of playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) on—two hours more than before—and up to ten hours in transparency mode. The charging case is a tad bigger, mainly due to the integration of the new ultra-wideband chip, but it’s still sleek and pocket-friendly.

And yes, the AirPods Pro are still only available in classic white, though I’m still dreaming of space orange or sky blue variations. Hey, a fan can hope!

 

Image Credit: Jacob Krol

Under the Hood: Apple’s H2 Chip and Enhanced Sound

The real magic happens underneath. The Apple H2 chip powers the AirPods Pro 3 with smarter algorithms, an adaptive EQ, and a richer soundstage overall.

I gave them a spin with Bruce Springsteen’s "Born to Run," and the auditory experience was dynamic and crisp—thunderous drums, crystal-clear keys, and soulful saxophone all danced together with compelling clarity.

Switching to "Alaska" by Maggie Rogers highlighted the earbuds’ spacious channel separation and immersive spatial audio. The bass packed a punch without overpowering the mids and highs, which remained clean and vibrant.

Noise Control That Works: Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode

If you’ve ever struggled with ANC that feels like a muffled wall or transparency modes that turn everything into a buzzing mess, the Pro 3 might just change your mind.

In a demo area, I found the active noise cancellation so effective it practically erased ambient sounds—even before music kicked in. At about 55% volume, background noise was almost non-existent. I’m eager to test these on a plane or train, but the early signs are promising.

Transparency mode is equally impressive, allowing voices and environmental cues to come through naturally—without that eerie digital echo or drone that sometimes plagues competing earbuds.

Live Translation: A New Frontier for Earbuds

Here’s a feature that genuinely caught my attention: Live Translation. Apple isn’t the first to tackle this, but their execution feels seamless.

When enabled, the earbuds activate noise cancellation and use directional mics to focus on the speaker. If the spoken language is supported, you hear the translated version right in your ears. This all happens locally on your iPhone and AirPods because the language models are pre-loaded.

During my test, the translation wasn’t instant—it came with a slight pause—but the voice was natural and fluid, not robotic or choppy. A transcription also appeared on my iPhone screen, adding a handy visual layer. Speed will vary by language, but the overall flow felt smooth and intuitive.

Image Credit: Jacob Krol

Health Meets Tech: Tracking Your Heartbeat

The new infrared heart rate sensor is a subtle but meaningful upgrade. Smaller than Apple’s own sensor in Powerbeats Pro 2, it skips the usual green light method and instead pairs infrared tech with Apple’s proprietary software for better accuracy.

If you’re rocking an Apple Watch alongside your AirPods Pro 3 during a workout, Apple smartly chooses the most reliable heart rate data stream for your health stats.

During a test walk, the heart rate monitor was impressively accurate compared to my usual readings—a cool bonus for fitness buffs who want health tracking without extra gadgets.

Oh, and the earbuds plus case now boast IP57 water and dust resistance, so they’re built tough for everyday life.

The Verdict: A Clear Upgrade That Justifies the Buzz

To sum it up, the AirPods Pro 3 don’t just rest on the laurels of their predecessors—they build upon them with thoughtful improvements:

• Enhanced active noise cancellation
• Richer, more balanced sound
• Innovative heart rate tracking
• Practical Live Translation feature
• Durable, water-resistant design

All for a retail price of $249.99 in the U.S., they definitely feel like a worthy step forward after my initial listen.

And if it's the Live Translation feature that has your ear, good news: Apple plans to bring it to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models with active noise cancellation soon.

“The earbuds stayed put without a hint of slipping, even during head-shaking tests and a heart rate tracking walk.” — Personal experience / Jacob Krol

FAQ

• What is new about the AirPods Pro 3 ear tips?
  They feature a hybrid foam and silicone design that offers a comfortable, secure, and airtight fit.
• How long does the battery last with ANC enabled?
  Approximately 8 hours of playback, which is 2 hours more than the previous generation.
• Does the AirPods Pro 3 support heart rate monitoring?
  Yes, with a new infrared sensor that pairs with Apple’s algorithms for accurate tracking during workouts.
• How effective is the noise cancellation on the Pro 3?
  The ANC is highly effective at suppressing ambient noise even without music, with a natural transparency mode to let surrounding sounds in.
• Is Live Translation only available on AirPods Pro 3?
  No, Apple will also add Live Translation to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models that have active noise cancellation.

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