Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Enhanced Noise Cancellation and Smart Features
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Enhanced Noise Cancellation and Smart Features
Experience the best AirPods yet with powerful noise cancellation, longer battery life, and exciting new smart features in the AirPods Pro 3.
When Apple finally launched the AirPods Pro 3, I was eager to see if they’d fix the nagging issues we’ve all felt with the second generation. Spoiler alert: they did. From longer battery life to a beefed-up noise cancellation system, these new buds are a game changer for iPhone users and wireless earbud aficionados alike.
I’ve been through many headphones for work commutes, workouts, and endless conference calls. The AirPods Pro 2 were close to perfect but fell short on battery life, especially during long flights that left me anxiously searching for an outlet. Enter the AirPods Pro 3: the perfect blend of improved comfort, smarter tech, and serious sound upgrades.
AirPods Pro 3 at a Glance
Let’s break down the key facts at a glance:
- Price: $249 — same as the AirPods Pro 2.
- Battery Life: 8 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) on, compared to 6 hours previously; 24 hours total with MagSafe charging case.
- Design: Redesigned for a better fit with five ear tip sizes, now including XXS.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Built-in for fitness tracking without needing an Apple Watch.
- Live Translate: Real-time translation right in your ears via your iPhone.
- Noise Cancellation: Twice as powerful as the AirPods Pro 2.
- Durability: IP57 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance — the toughest AirPods yet.
Pricing and Availability
Released on September 19th, the AirPods Pro 3 maintain the $249 price tag, matching the previous generation. Apple is discontinuing the AirPods Pro 2 but keeps the AirPods 4 as a more affordable option, priced between $129 and $179 depending on ANC features.
For those who want over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max at $549 remain Apple’s premium choice, but they’re likely next in line for an update.
Interestingly, Apple offers the Pro 3 at a more wallet-friendly price compared to rivals like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 or Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which retail for $299.
Specs Breakdown: AirPods Pro 3 vs. Other Apple Models
| AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 (Discontinued) | AirPods 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $248 | $129 (no ANC) / $179 (with ANC) |
| Earbud Size (mm) | 30.9 x 27 x 12.9 | 30.9 x 24 x 21.8 | 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 |
| Weight (per earbud) | ~5.7 g | ~5.4 g | ~4.3 g |
| Charging | USB-C, MagSafe wireless | USB-C, MagSafe wireless | USB-C, MagSafe (with ANC) |
| Battery Life | 8 hrs with ANC, 24 hrs total | 6 hrs with ANC, 30 hrs total | 5 hrs, 30 hrs total |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, Apple H2 chip | 5.3, Apple H2 chip | 5.3, Apple H2 chip |
| Water Resistance | IP57 | IP54 | IP54 |
| Ear Tips Sizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L | XS, S, M, L | None |
Design: Comfort Meets Durability
At first glance, the AirPods Pro 3 look pretty similar to their predecessors, but a closer look reveals some subtle yet meaningful tweaks. They’re slightly smaller and now better balanced for a snug fit that stays put during workouts or long listening sessions. The inclusion of an XXS ear tip size means these buds fit a wider variety of ears than ever before.
What really sets them apart in the durability department is the IP57 certification. This means these AirPods can handle dust, sweat, and water better than before — perfect for everything from sweaty gym sessions to unexpected downpours during your commute. Previous models only had sweat resistance, so this is a notable upgrade.
The charging case sticks to the tried-and-true MagSafe wireless compatibility but adds a neat touch: invisible touch controls on the front for pairing, a feature borrowed from the AirPods 4.
Control-wise, Apple keeps things intuitive:
- Tap once: play/pause
- Double-tap: next track
- Triple-tap: previous track
- Swipe up/down on the stem: volume adjustment
- Long press: toggle between ANC and Transparency mode
- New! Long press both stems simultaneously activates Live Translate.
Plus, subtle head gestures can answer calls or notifications — a cool little hack for hands-free moments.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation: A New Benchmark
Apple claims the AirPods Pro 3 offer twice the noise cancellation power compared to the previous generation — and from my experience, they deliver. Whether on a noisy plane, a bustling train, or a hectic city street, the ANC locks out distractions like a pro.
To get the best out of this, make sure you run the ear tip fit test in your settings. Proper seal = maximum noise-blocking magic.
The sound quality itself blew me away during testing. Chris Stapleton’s "Bad As I Used To Be" showcased crisp guitar textures, while the high frequencies in electronic beats sparkled with clarity. Taylor Swift’s "So Long London" demonstrated the spatial audio capabilities beautifully, with choirs swirling around my head and bass that felt surprisingly rich for earbuds this size.
Crystal Clear Calls with Improved Microphones
Apple revamped the microphone setup to isolate your voice better, which was a sore spot for me with the AirPods Pro 2.
I made calls through different apps in noisy environments — from busy Manhattan streets to quiet offices — and received consistent praise on call quality. Voice Isolation, introduced in iOS 26, filtered out background noise so my voice stayed front and center, no matter where I was.
Another perk? Studio-quality voice recording is now possible when capturing content on your iPhone or iPad, making these buds a handy tool for creators on the go.
Live Translate: Real-Time Conversations Made Easy
One of the standout additions is the Live Translate feature. Activate it with a long press on both stems, and the AirPods Pro 3 microphones pick up speech in supported languages—English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish—and send it to your iPhone.
With the power of Apple Intelligence and iOS 26, your iPhone streams real-time translations directly into your ears. Adaptive audio smartly lowers the speaker's volume during translation for a smoother experience. Plus, two people wearing AirPods Pro can chat face-to-face without staring at their phones.
I tested it with a Spanish-speaking friend, and it flawlessly translated our weekend brunch plans. While neat, this feels more like a fun bonus than a must-have—especially since Live Translate also works on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC, relying on Apple Intelligence.
Heads up: You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to use this feature.
Built-In Heart Rate Monitoring: Fitness Without the Watch
AirPods Pro 3 mark Apple’s first foray into built-in heart rate tracking within earbuds. You can launch 50+ workouts via the Fitness app on iOS 26, and your AirPods will provide pulse data—no Apple Watch required.
They sync with Workout Buddy for personalized exercise tips powered by Apple Intelligence, and Apple Music kicks off your workout playlist automatically.
I tried this out a few times. It’s a solid alternative for closing your Activity rings when your Apple Watch is off or charging. Though I noticed the heart rate readings were sometimes a touch higher than my usual metrics—probably due to less-than-perfect sensor contact during movement.
Going forward, I’ll be mindful of earbud positioning for more precise data. Still, for serious health tracking, I’d stick with my Apple Watch, but this feature is a handy backup.
Battery Life That Keeps Up With You
Battery life is where the AirPods Pro 3 really shine. Now, you get 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC on—up from 6 hours. Disable ANC, and you can stretch that even further.
I took these buds on a 6-hour cross-country flight without needing a recharge and still had juice left for a taxi ride home. That’s a traveler’s dream.
The MagSafe-compatible charging case adds up to 24 hours of listening time, and a quick 5-minute charge gives you an hour of playback.
One minor heads-up: Apple doesn’t include a charging cable in the box anymore, a trend aimed at cutting e-waste—so plan to use your existing USB-C cable or Apple Watch charger.
Final Thoughts: The Best AirPods Yet
The AirPods Pro 3 polish everything we loved about the previous generation and then some: longer battery life, improved fit, heart rate monitoring, Live Translate, and superior noise cancellation.
Are the heart rate sensor and Live Translate must-haves? Probably not for everyone. But the enhanced call quality and durability alone make it tough to imagine going back to older AirPods.
For frequent flyers, fitness buffs, or anyone craving the best wireless listening experience Apple offers, the AirPods Pro 3 hit all the right notes. At $249, they deliver excellent value in the premium earbuds market.
“Apple finally released the update iPhone users have been waiting for, blending smart features with unbeatable noise cancellation.”
FAQ
- What is the battery life of AirPods Pro 3 with ANC on?
8 hours of continuous listening with active noise cancellation enabled, plus 24 hours total with the charging case. - Do AirPods Pro 3 have water resistance?
Yes, they feature an IP57 rating, offering dust, sweat, and water resistance. - Can AirPods Pro 3 track heart rate without an Apple Watch?
Absolutely! They have a built-in heart rate sensor that works with the Fitness app on iOS 26. - Is Live Translate exclusive to AirPods Pro 3?
No, Live Translate also works on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC, but requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. - What’s new about the AirPods Pro 3’s noise cancellation?
They provide twice the active noise cancellation power compared to the AirPods Pro 2, making them highly effective in noisy environments.
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