AirPods Pro 3 Review

Our verdict

AirPods Pro 3 are the best earbuds for iPhone users, with stronger ANC, longer battery and useful new health and translation features. Pro 2 owners only need to upgrade for the new features; Android users should look elsewhere.

Apple's third-generation Pro earbuds, adding heart-rate sensing and Live Translation to stronger noise cancelling.

Key specifications

From manufacturer documentation. Confirm current specs on the listing.

What's New Compared With AirPods Pro 2

Apple redesigned the fit with a slightly smaller body and added ear tip sizes, including XXS, to help more ears get a seal. Noise cancelling is stronger according to Apple and independent reviews, building on the Pro 2's already strong Adaptive Audio.

The headline additions are heart-rate sensing, which lets the earbuds track workouts in the Fitness app without an Apple Watch, and Live Translation, which translates conversations through supported iPhones running Apple Intelligence.

Battery life rises to up to 8 hours with ANC per charge, according to Apple, compared with about 6 hours on the Pro 2.

Noise Cancelling and Sound

Independent reviews rank the Pro 3's ANC among the best in earbuds, especially for low-frequency noise on flights and trains. Adaptive Audio blends ANC and transparency automatically, which suits people moving between quiet and busy places.

Sound is balanced with a modest bass lift. Like all AirPods, they use the AAC codec, which is the ceiling on iPhone anyway. Android users get basic Bluetooth earbuds without most of the smart features.

Fit and Durability

The IP57 rating means the buds are dust-resistant and survive temporary immersion with in Apple's tested limits, an improvement useful for sweaty workouts. Fit remains personal: if previous AirPods Pro fell out of your ears, try the new tip sizes before deciding.

Batteries in all earbuds wear down over years and can't be swapped by the user. AppleCare+ or Apple's paid battery service is the long-term option.

Should You Upgrade?

From AirPods Pro 2: upgrade if you want workout heart-rate tracking, longer battery or Live Translation. If you mainly use them for commuting and calls, the Pro 2 remains excellent.

From original AirPods Pro or standard AirPods: the jump in ANC, battery and features is substantial.

Android users should look at Sony or Soundcore earbuds instead, which offer better features outside Apple's ecosystem.