Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: After eight months, still a great choice that continues to impress

      Apple AirPods Pro 3

      MSRP: $249.00

      “A successful blend that transcends just audio quality.”

      Pros

      - Enjoyable sound quality

      - Outstanding noise cancellation

      - Top-tier transparency mode

      - Enhanced in-ear fit

      - Reliable heart rate sensor

      - Extensive ecosystem benefits

      - Better ingress protection

      Cons

      - Reduced battery life for charging

      - No button on the case

      - Live translations require improvement

      - Touch controls can be unreliable

      - Limited deep EQ adjustments

      - Case scratches easily

      - Features limited to the ecosystem

      Quick Take

      I chose the AirPods Pro 3 mainly to enhance my noise isolation and sound quality experience. Over time, I found that they offered much more utility than a typical set of premium earbuds. Using them for posture correction while working? Absolutely. Heart rate monitoring? Yes, that too.

      Apple has been gradually transforming the AirPods into more than just earbuds for years. Each generation since the original release in 2019 has edged closer to the vision of the white device nestled in your ear also serving as a fitness tracker, hearing aid, translator, and even a meditation companion. With the AirPods Pro 3, this concept has matured satisfyingly.

      After months of using them as part of my daily routine—during morning runs, conference calls, long flights, sweaty workouts, and lively dinners where I tried out the new translation function—I’ve really tested these earbuds. The conclusion? They’re fantastic.

      AirPods Pro 3 represent Apple’s most ambitious earbuds to date, and largely, that ambition is successful. While they’re not flawless and may not satisfy audiophiles wholly, they won’t leave you craving a significantly better option. For those within the Apple ecosystem, they are nearly essential.

      AirPods Pro 3 design and build: Familiar look, improved shape

      If you place the AirPods Pro 2 alongside the Pro 3, you might need to take a closer look to discern the differences. At first glance, there's no obvious alteration. Apple continues with its shiny white earbud design, which can feel a bit outdated. The familiar stem, gloss finish, and overall look are as recognizable as an iPhone with its prominent Apple logo.

      However, upon closer inspection, you might notice subtle design updates. The body of each earbud is slightly slimmer, and the nozzle has been rotated a few degrees, directing it more purposefully into your ear canal for a tighter fit. This minor adjustment has a substantial practical benefit.

      I haven't encountered anyone who finds these earbuds uncomfortable. A friend of mine, who has notoriously tricky ear shapes and often avoids earbuds during morning runs, found the Pro 3s surprisingly secure after a few days of wear.

      The new foam-infused silicone tips are particularly interesting. Apple now offers five sizes, including a new XXS size designed specifically for those with smaller ear canals. The tips contain a thin layer of memory foam which serves a dual purpose.

      Firstly, they conform more closely to the shape of my ear. Secondly, they create a passive seal that is noticeably tighter than the all-silicone tips of the AirPods Pro 2. When I first used these tips, I experienced a brief “wow” moment as the outside world seemed to quiet down before I even pressed play—a great start.

      Notably, Apple has also made strides in durability. The earbuds now have an IP57 rating, a significant upgrade from the IPX4 splash protection of the AirPods Pro 2. This means dust won't easily infiltrate the speaker mesh, and brief exposure to water won’t ruin them.

      That said, I wouldn't recommend using them for swimming. Apple hasn’t ventured that far yet, and neither would I, even with brands that claim such capabilities. Fortunately, over the last eight months, these earbuds have survived a sweat-drenched half-marathon and an accidental dip under running water without any issues. Overall, I'm more confident that the AirPods Pro 3 would withstand unexpected rain showers compared to their predecessor.

      The case has undergone slight changes as well. It's marginally larger than before, barely noticeable in a jeans pocket but more apparent if you've been using a minimalist bag for years. Apple has added a U2 chip for Precision Finding via Find My, which is a minor detail until you misplace your case down a couch and realize how useful that feature can be.

      One quirky change worth mentioning is that the physical pairing button on the back of the case is no longer present. Instead, you need to double-tap the front of the case to enter pairing mode. This works well and streamlines the design, but if you've spent years reaching for that little button, prepare for a week or so of adjustment.

      I do wish the plastic material was of higher quality. It scratches easily and these marks can't be concealed unless you use a case. Thankfully, a variety of protective accessories for the AirPods Pro 3 are available at reasonable prices.

      Score: 7