AirPods Pro 3 Review: Elevating Excellence with Smarter Features and Stellar Sound

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been glued to your AirPods Pro for years, marveling at how they’ve become an extension of your daily life. When Apple announced the AirPods Pro 3 on September 9, 2025, I was both excited and skeptical—could they really top the near-perfection of the AirPods Pro 2? After spending a week with these new earbuds, I’m here to spill the tea: the AirPods Pro 3 don’t just live up to the hype; they redefine what premium wireless earbuds can do. Buckle up for my in-depth review, where I’ll break down why these buds are a game-changer, from their upgraded noise cancellation to their surprising new health features, all while keeping things real and relatable.

A Familiar Look with Subtle, Game-Changing Tweaks

At first glance, the AirPods Pro 3 look like their predecessors—same sleek, stem design, same glossy white case. But don’t let the familiarity fool you. Apple’s made some thoughtful changes that make a big difference. The earbuds are slightly reshaped to better align with the natural curve of your ear canal, which sounds like a small thing but feels like a revelation. I’ve always found the AirPods Pro 2 comfy, but these fit even better, staying snug during my sweaty gym sessions and long commutes without ever feeling like they’re about to pop out.

The new foam-infused silicone ear tips are the real MVPs here. Unlike the rigid aftermarket foam tips I’ve tried in the past, these strike a perfect balance—soft enough to mold to your ears, firm enough to stay put, and wrapped in silicone for easy cleaning. Apple even threw in an XXS ear tip size, which is a godsend for folks with smaller ears. After testing all four sizes, I found my perfect fit, and let me tell you, it’s like these buds were custom-made for me. Comfort? Check. Secure fit? Double check.

Sound Quality That Hits All the Right Notes

Let’s talk audio, because this is where the AirPods Pro 3 really flex. Apple’s redesigned acoustic architecture delivers a richer, more immersive soundstage. The bass is punchier without being overpowering, mids are crisp, and highs are clear as a bell. I threw on my go-to test tracks—think Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for those thumping lows and Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams for vocal clarity—and the AirPods Pro 3 handled them like champs. Compared to the Pro 2, there’s a noticeable uptick in detail, especially in complex tracks where instruments can get muddy. These buds keep everything distinct, like hearing a live band in your head.

The H2 chip, still powering the show, works its magic with computational audio to enhance clarity and spatial audio. Speaking of spatial audio, the personalized head-tracking feature is next-level. Watching Dune: Part Two on my iPad with these earbuds felt like I was in a theater, with sound swirling around me as if I were on Arrakis. One downside? There’s still no user-adjustable EQ, so audiophiles who love tinkering might feel a bit limited. But for most of us, the out-of-the-box sound is so well-balanced it’s hard to complain.

Noise Cancellation That Shuts Out the World

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is where the AirPods Pro 3 pull ahead of the pack. Apple claims the ANC is twice as effective as the Pro 2, and after testing them on a noisy subway and in a bustling coffee shop, I’m inclined to agree. The new microphones and improved computational audio block out everything from train rumbles to chatty baristas. I could barely hear the guy next to me coughing (gross, but true), and that’s saying something. The transparency mode is equally impressive, letting in just the right amount of ambient sound so you can stay aware without losing audio quality. Adaptive transparency, which adjusts to sudden loud noises like sirens, is a nice touch for city dwellers like me.

One cool new feature is the hearing protection mode, which uses real-time analysis to keep sound levels safe during loud concerts or commutes. I tested it at a friend’s band practice, and while it didn’t dull the music, it made the experience less ear-piercing. It’s a subtle but thoughtful addition, especially for those of us who’ve been blasting music since our iPod days.

Battery Life That Keeps Up with Your Day

Battery life was a pain point with the AirPods Pro 2, especially for all-day users. The Pro 3 fixes that with a rated 8 hours of playback per charge (up from 6 hours) and 24 hours total with the case. In my real-world tests—mixing music, calls, and podcasts—I got close to 7.5 hours on a single charge with ANC on, which is a huge win. The case supports USB-C, MagSafe, and Qi wireless charging, so you’ve got options. My only gripe? I wish Apple would add some fresh color options for the case. White’s classic, but a pop of color would’ve been fun.

Smarter Features That Steal the Show

The AirPods Pro 3 aren’t just about audio—they’re packed with features that make them feel like a Swiss Army knife for your ears. The built-in heart rate monitor is a surprising addition. Tucked into the earbuds, it uses optical sensors to track your pulse during workouts. I tested it against my Apple Watch during a run, and the readings were spot-on. It’s not a game-changer for everyone, but if you’re into fitness and don’t want to wear a smartwatch, this is a neat perk. Just note it’s buried in the Health app, so it’s not as in-your-face as you might expect.

Then there’s Live Translation, which feels like something out of a sci-fi movie. Pair the AirPods Pro 3 with an iPhone running iOS 19, and you can have real-time translations of conversations in multiple languages. I tried it with a Spanish-speaking friend, and while it’s not perfect (there’s a slight lag), it’s impressive for casual chats. It’s like having a translator in your pocket, minus the awkwardness.

The H2 chip also powers hands-free Siri, gesture-based controls (like nodding to accept calls), and seamless device switching within the Apple ecosystem. Switching from my iPhone to my MacBook was buttery smooth, and Siri’s responses were snappier than ever. If you’re deep in Apple’s walled garden, these buds make life ridiculously convenient. Android users, you’ll get decent sound, but you’ll miss out on most of these perks.

Call Quality That Makes You Sound Crystal Clear

Microphone performance is often an afterthought in earbuds, but the AirPods Pro 3 nail it. Upgraded mics and AI-driven noise suppression make calls sound like you’re in a quiet room, even if you’re in a windy park. I took a work call while walking through downtown, and my colleague didn’t even realize I was outside. Voice isolation is a standout, filtering out background noise like construction or chatter without making your voice sound robotic.

Should You Upgrade? Who Are These For?

At $249, the AirPods Pro 3 are priced the same as their predecessor, which is a relief given how much tech is packed in. If you’re rocking AirPods Pro 2, the decision to upgrade depends on your priorities. The improved ANC, better sound, and longer battery life are worth it if you use your earbuds all day or crave the best noise cancellation. The health and translation features are cool bonuses but not must-haves for everyone. If you’re on older AirPods or another brand, the Pro 3 are a no-brainer for iPhone users who want premium performance.

Compared to competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5, the AirPods Pro 3 hold their own with superior ecosystem integration and a more comfortable fit. Bose might edge out slightly on ANC, but Apple’s overall package—sound, features, and design—makes it tough to beat.

The Verdict: A Must-Have for Apple Fans

The AirPods Pro 3 take everything we loved about the Pro 2 and crank it up a notch. From the comfier fit and stellar sound to the jaw-dropping ANC and innovative features like heart rate monitoring, these earbuds are Apple at its best—polished, practical, and a little bit magical. They’re not just earbuds; they’re a lifestyle upgrade for anyone who lives in the Apple ecosystem. If you’re ready to experience audio nirvana, grab a pair—you won’t look back.