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AirPods Pro 3 Review

AirPods Pro 3 keep the formula that made the Pro 2 the default iPhone earbud, then add heart-rate sensing, Live Translation and stronger noise cancelling. The upgrade case depends on which of those you'll use.

Based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. No paid placements and no invented test scores. How we research

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Best for: iPhone users

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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.

By the numbers

Key specifications

From manufacturer documentation. Confirm current specs on the listing.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 specifications
SpecificationDetail
TypeIn-ear, wireless, active noise cancelling
New featuresHeart-rate sensing, Live Translation (with supported iPhones)
Water and sweatIP57 (Apple spec)
Battery (Apple spec)Up to 8 hours with ANC per charge
Charging caseUSB-C, wireless, Find My with speaker
CodecAAC
Ear tipsMultiple sizes including XXS
The trade-offs

Strengths & limitations

Pros

  • Strong ANC and Adaptive Audio
  • Heart-rate sensing for workouts
  • Live Translation with supported iPhones
  • Seamless iPhone and Apple Watch integration

Cons

  • Best features need an iPhone
  • Expensive
  • AAC codec only
Fit check

Who should buy it?

A good fit if you…

  • iPhone users wanting the best-integrated earbuds
  • Runners wanting heart-rate tracking without a watch
  • Travelers who'd use Live Translation
  • Owners of original AirPods Pro

Look elsewhere if you…

  • Android users
  • AirPods Pro 2 owners happy with battery life
  • Listeners wanting high-resolution codecs

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 within 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.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

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Answers

Frequently asked questions

Are AirPods Pro 3 better than AirPods Pro 2?

Yes, with stronger ANC according to Apple and independent reviews, longer battery life, heart-rate sensing and Live Translation. Sound and calls are broadly similar.

Do AirPods Pro 3 work with Android?

They connect as standard Bluetooth earbuds, but most smart features, including Adaptive Audio controls, heart-rate tracking and Live Translation, need an iPhone.

Are AirPods Pro 3 waterproof?

They're rated IP57 for dust and water resistance, which covers sweat and rain, but they aren't designed for swimming.

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