Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Review: The Ultimate Premium Earbuds Experience

October 25, 2025 mzalendo 0 Comments

Apple has officially released the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation, bringing substantial improvements to what was already one of the best wireless earbuds on the market. Priced at $249 (same as the 2nd generation), the AirPods Pro 3 deliver enhanced noise cancellation, improved sound quality, better battery life, and innovative features like built-in heart rate sensing. If you’re considering an upgrade or purchasing your first pair of premium AirPods, this comprehensive review will help you make an informed decision.

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation vs 2nd Generation: Detailed Comparison

Feature	AirPods Pro 3	AirPods Pro 2
Price	Check Current Amazon Price	Check Amazon Price
Active Noise Cancellation	2x better than Pro 2, world’s best in-ear ANC	Excellent ANC
Battery Life (ANC On)	Up to 8 hours	Up to 6 hours
Battery Life (Transparency Mode)	Up to 10 hours	Up to 6 hours
Drivers	10.7mm custom high-excursion driver	10.7mm custom high-excursion driver
Water Resistance	IP57 (dust, sweat, water resistant)	IPX4 (splash and sweat resistant)
Heart Rate Sensor	Yes (built-in for workouts)	No
Ear Tip Sizes	5 sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L) – foam-infused silicone	4 sizes (XS, S, M, L) – standard silicone
Weight (per earbud)	5.55 grams	5.3 grams
Chip	Apple H2 + U2 chip in case	Apple H2 + U1 chip in case
Live Translation	Yes (Apple Intelligence feature)	Yes (via software update)
Total Battery with Case	Up to 24 hours	Up to 30 hours

Key Features and Specifications

The AirPods Pro 3 represent a significant leap forward in Apple’s earbud technology. Apple analyzed over 10,000 ear scans and invested more than 100,000 hours in user research to create what they call “the most secure and best-fitting AirPods yet”. The result is a refined product that excels in multiple areas.

World-Class Active Noise Cancellation

Apple claims the AirPods Pro 3 have “the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation,” and according to extensive testing, this claim holds up remarkably well. The AirPods Pro 3 deliver up to 2x more effective noise cancellation compared to the AirPods Pro 2 and 4x more than the original AirPods Pro. This improvement is achieved through ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio powered by the H2 chip, and the new foam-infused ear tips that provide superior passive isolation.

Real-world testing confirms these improvements. Users report that the ANC is “crazy good,” with one reviewer noting that even in busy streets with honking cars, the noise cancellation performs exceptionally well—you might still hear sounds slightly, but they’re significantly muffled. Professional reviewers have tested the AirPods Pro 3 against competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5, concluding that the ANC performance is “top-notch” and industry-leading.

Superior Sound Quality

The Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation feature a completely redesigned multiport acoustic architecture that precisely controls airflow carrying sound into the ear, delivering an exceptional spatial listening experience. Combined with next-generation Adaptive EQ, this new architecture transforms the bass response, widens the soundstage, and improves vocal clarity.

Multiple reviews highlight the improved audio performance. The sound profile features:

Deeper, tighter bass that’s noticeably fuller than the Pro 2
Clearer highs and more pronounced vocals that bring music to life
Wider soundstage that creates a more immersive listening experience
Better clarity and accuracy across all frequency ranges

One reviewer with 11 years of violin experience described using the Pro 3 as “experiencing the AirPods Pro 2 with enhanced clarity,” noting that the genuine bass is no longer masked by midrange frequencies. Another professional reviewer from PCMag praised the audio as representing “a significant advancement” over previous models, with revised algorithms that bring them closer to audio excellence.

However, it’s worth noting that some users find the sound signature more V-shaped (emphasized bass and treble with slightly reduced mids) compared to the Pro 2. While this creates impressive clarity and deep bass, some listeners who prefer a more balanced midrange may need time to adjust.

Revolutionary Heart Rate Sensing

One of the most groundbreaking features of the AirPods Pro 3 is the built-in heart rate sensor that works during workouts. The sensor uses infrared light pulsing 256 times per second to measure blood flow in your ears, combined with accelerometer and gyroscope data to separate heart rate from confounding factors like footsteps.

The accuracy of this feature has shocked fitness experts. DC Rainmaker, a renowned triathlete and tech reviewer, tested the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation against clinical-grade chest strap monitors and was “blown away” by the results. His testing showed the AirPods Pro 3 not only outperformed other ear-based heart rate sensors but actually matched or exceeded the accuracy of Apple Watch readings.

Independent testing confirmed these findings, with one scientific review noting “the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation basically detected my heart rate perfectly”. During interval training with rapid heart rate changes, the AirPods Pro 3 kept pace with chest strap monitors, demonstrating remarkable consistency.

You can track over 50 workout types using the Fitness app on iPhone, with the AirPods Pro 3 measuring heart rate and calculating calories burned. This makes them an excellent option for fitness enthusiasts who don’t own an Apple Watch.

Extended Battery Life

Battery performance has significantly improved in the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation:

Up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC enabled (up from 6 hours on Pro 2)
Up to 10 hours in Transparency Mode (up from 6 hours on Pro 2)
6.5 hours with heart rate monitoring active during workouts
Up to 24 hours total listening time with the charging case

This 33% increase in battery life with ANC on is a substantial improvement that addresses one of the main limitations users experienced with the Pro 2.

Improved Fit and Comfort

The Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation feature a completely redesigned internal architecture that makes each earbud slightly smaller, while the external geometry has been realigned for better stability. The angle of the bud has been shifted to point more directly into ear canals, improving seal and comfort.

The new foam-infused silicone ear tips are among the biggest changes. These tips combine the comfort of foam with the durability of silicone, creating a better seal and enhanced passive noise isolation. They now come in five sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L) instead of four, ensuring a proper fit for more people.

Customer reviews consistently praise the improved fit. Best Buy customers report that the earbuds “stay in my ears without the need for additional silicone hooks” and “seal better” than previous generations. Many users who had sizing issues with Pro 2 found the new XXS size to be a perfect fit.

Enhanced Durability

The AirPods Pro 3 now feature an IP57 rating for both the earbuds and charging case, a significant upgrade from the IPX4 rating on Pro 2. This means they can withstand sustained water spray and are dust-resistant, making them more suitable for intense workouts and outdoor activities in various weather conditions.

Live Translation Feature

Powered by Apple Intelligence, the new Live Translation feature helps users communicate across languages in real-time. It supports English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German (Germany), Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).

Reviews of this feature are mixed. While it’s innovative, most testers found it still needs refinement before becoming a serious selling point. One positive review mentioned successfully communicating with Spanish-speaking workers using the translation feature. Notably, this feature is also available on AirPods Pro 2 via software update.

Enhanced Case with U2 Chip

The charging case now includes Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband (U2) chip, which boosts Precision Finding range in the Find My app by 1.5x compared to the U1 chip in Pro 2’s case. This requires an iPhone 15 or later for full functionality.

The case has also been redesigned—it’s slightly larger but notably lighter than the Pro 2 case. Instead of a physical button for Bluetooth pairing, you now simply double-tap the front of the case.

Why Choose AirPods Pro 3 Over Pro 2?

You should upgrade to AirPods Pro 3 if:

You prioritize the best ANC available – The 2x improvement in noise cancellation is substantial and noticeable in real-world use
You need longer battery life – The jump from 6 to 8 hours with ANC on (and up to 10 hours in Transparency Mode) is a game-changer for long flights or all-day use
You want fitness tracking without an Apple Watch – The accurate heart rate sensor makes these ideal for workouts, running, and gym sessions
You need better water resistance – The IP57 rating provides significantly more protection for outdoor activities and intense workouts
You had fit issues with Pro 2 – The redesigned shape and five ear tip sizes (including XXS) solve comfort problems many users experienced
You want the absolute best sound quality – The improved bass response, wider soundstage, and enhanced clarity deliver a premium listening experience

You should stick with AirPods Pro 2 if:

You’re on a budget – The Pro 2 frequently goes on sale for $169-199, saving you $50-80. With the Pro 3 now available, deals on Pro 2 will likely continue
Battery case longevity matters more – The Pro 2 offers up to 30 hours total battery with the case versus 24 hours on Pro 3
You don’t need heart rate tracking – If you already own an Apple Watch or don’t track fitness metrics, this feature adds no value
Your Pro 2 still performs well – Multiple reviewers noted that the Pro 2 remains “such a good product” and continues receiving software updates
You prefer slightly warmer sound – Some audiophiles find the Pro 2’s sound signature more balanced for their preferences

What Customers Are Saying: Real User Reviews

Positive Feedback:

Best Buy and retail customers overwhelmingly praise the AirPods Pro 3:

“The noise cancellation is incredible” – Multiple users report being able to completely block out background noise, even without music playing
“Sound quality is noticeably better” – Customers consistently mention “crystal-clear audio, deeper bass” and richer sound compared to previous versions
“Great fit and comfort” – The new ear tips and redesigned shape receive consistent praise for staying secure during movement and being comfortable for extended wear
“Battery life lasts all day” – Users appreciate the improved battery performance, with one noting it’s “insane”
“Heart rate sensor is surprisingly accurate” – Fitness enthusiasts report the feature works well for workout tracking

Constructive Criticism:

“ANC might be overrated by some” – One Best Buy reviewer disagreed with claims of best-in-market ANC, noting their Bose Ultra Earbuds (1st gen) had better noise cancellation, though they acknowledged this could be an individual fit issue
“Sound is too bright” – Some Reddit users and audiophiles note the V-shaped tuning emphasizes highs and bass while reducing mids, which can sound “very bright” during long listening sessions
“Audio quality slightly worse than Pro 2 for some songs” – One YouTube reviewer preferred the Pro 2 for 75-80% of songs, theorizing that improved ANC sometimes comes at a minor cost to audio quality
“Live Translation needs more work” – The AI translation feature is seen as a novelty that requires iPhone 15 or newer and needs refinement
“Expensive at full price” – Some customers recommend waiting for sales, especially if upgrading from Pro 2

YouTube Reviewer Insights

Mike O’Brien (Tech Reviewer – 2 Weeks Testing):
After rigorous testing of hundreds of earbuds, O’Brien concluded the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation have “really, really good” ANC that excels in specific scenarios, though he noted they’re “not perfect” in every situation. He conducted comprehensive microphone tests in multiple environments and found the heart rate sensor accurate for workouts.

Nikias Molina (Full Review & Unboxing):
Molina was impressed by the “incredible sound quality” and noted the noise cancellation improvements are “outstanding” compared to Pro 2, which already had excellent ANC. He emphasized that the new acoustic architecture creates “better bass, wider sound stage, clearer vocals that just makes them sound a little bit more aggressive”.

Andrew Ethan Zeng (1 Month Long-Term Review):
After using them daily for a month, Zeng described the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation as delivering “refined and spacious and balanced sound with tighter bass and cleaner mids” and called them “easily Apple’s best sounding earbuds yet”. He rated them highly but noted some users might have seal/fit issues.

CNET (David Carnoy):
CNET gave the AirPods Pro 3 a 9.2/10 score, praising improvements in “all the key areas, including fit, noise cancellation, sound quality and battery life”. The review emphasized these are “significantly improved” over Pro 2 with “big improvements, same price, no compromises”.

Tom’s Guide:
Their testing praised the “massively increased battery life, more comfortable and secure fit and potentially improved sound,” concluding they’re “a worthy upgrade” that’s “pretty safe to preorder”.

Additional YouTube Consensus:
Multiple video reviews from channels with substantial followings echo similar themes: the AirPods Pro 3 sound “much, much better” with “deeper bass” and “more pronounced” highs and vocals. The noise cancellation is “noticeably better”, and the overall package represents “pure magic” for wireless earbuds.

Final Verdict: Are AirPods Pro 3 Worth It?

The Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation represent a significant and worthwhile upgrade over the 2nd generation, earning praise from both professional reviewers and customers. With a score of 9.2/10 from CNET and 4.8 stars from independent reviewers, these earbuds deliver on Apple’s promises.

Key Strengths:

Industry-leading active noise cancellation (2x better than Pro 2)
Noticeably improved sound quality with deeper bass and wider soundstage
Surprisingly accurate heart rate sensing that rivals clinical-grade monitors
Significantly better battery life (8 hours with ANC vs 6 hours)
Improved fit with foam-infused ear tips in five sizes
Enhanced IP57 water and dust resistance
Exceptional voice calling performance with upgraded microphones

Areas for Improvement:

Sound signature may be too bright/V-shaped for some listeners
No EQ customization options
Live Translation feature still needs refinement
Slightly more expensive than discounted Pro 2 models
Limited functionality on Android devices

The Bottom Line:

At $249, the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation are expensive but deliver exceptional value for Apple ecosystem users. If you’re coming from the original AirPods Pro or earlier models, this is an absolute must-buy upgrade. The improvements in ANC, sound quality, battery life, and the addition of heart rate sensing justify the investment.

If you currently own AirPods Pro 2, the decision is more nuanced. The Pro 3 offers meaningful upgrades in every category that matters—noise cancellation, battery life, sound quality, and durability. However, the Pro 2 remains an excellent product that will continue receiving software updates. Consider upgrading if you prioritize best-in-class ANC, need heart rate tracking for workouts, or experienced fit issues with the Pro 2.

For budget-conscious buyers, waiting for sales on either model makes sense. The Pro 2 can be found for $169-199, while the Pro 3 will likely see discounts during major shopping events.

Ultimately, the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation set a new standard for wireless earbuds, combining cutting-edge technology with practical improvements that enhance daily use. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, frequent traveler, audiophile, or simply want the best wireless earbuds available, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver an exceptional experience that lives up to the premium price tag.