Short Summary
Main recommendation: the AirPods Pro 3 are the best all-day, everyday earbuds for iPhone users, offering better sound, far stronger noise cancellation, a secure fit, and IP57 protection at the same price as the previous generation. The reviewer says they are excellent for everyday walking and travel, but still keeps over-ear headphones for travel listening and dedicated Powerbeats Pro for intense workouts.
Key Points
- Fit and retention improved: the new ear tips (now five sizes, including a double extra small) use a silicone and foam hybrid, and the new insertion angle means these are the first AirPods the reviewer says have never wiggled out.
- Noise cancellation is claimed to be twice as strong as the previous generation, with the reviewer saying airplane white noise was almost completely erased and that the ANC outperformed the Bose QC Ultra 2, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
- Sound is slightly better than the AirPods Pro 2, with more bass, a full mid-range, crisp highs, and less distortion at high volume, helped by larger vents and a redesigned interior.
- Durability and battery improved: IP57 dust and water resistance (the previous model was IPX4), a longer battery life of 8 hours with ANC (up from 6), and up to 10 hours of transparency or hearing aid mode (up from 6).
- Other features include a heart rate sensor integrated into the Apple Fitness app, a next-generation Ultra Wideband chip for precision finding at 50% greater range, and Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence.
Details Worth Noting
- Concrete instructions: To manually pair the AirPods Pro 3 with a non-Apple device such as a computer or Android phone, open the case and double-tap the front to enter pairing mode, since the pairing button has been removed from the back.
- Concrete instructions: For Live Translation, download each language offline in advance so translation works without an internet connection.
- Concrete instructions: Choose the ear tip size that fits best, since five sizes are now available, and the new angle is designed to seat securely in the ear.
- The box does not include a USB-C charging cable; Apple assumes buyers already have a USB-C charger from an iPhone, Apple Watch, or MagSafe puck.
- The heart rate monitor works best with the Apple ecosystem. If an Apple Watch is worn during the same workout, the system chooses its own data source, and the user cannot select which one is used.
- Old AirPods do not fit the new case, and the new AirPods do not fit the old case.
- The reviewer notes that lossless audio is not supported except with Vision Pro, and that he still gives the nod to Powerbeats Pro for working out because of the ear hook.
Bottom Line
The AirPods Pro 3 are a strong upgrade for iPhone users who want one earbud for everyday use, with the main gains being fit, noise cancellation, and durability, while specialized workout or over-ear headphones may still serve better for specific uses.


