Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: Eight months in, still a solid choice that continues to impress.

      **Apple AirPods Pro 3**

      **MSRP**: $249.00

      “A successful formula that extends well beyond just audio performance.”

      **Pros**

      - Satisfying sound quality

      - Outstanding noise cancellation

      - Industry-leading transparency

      - Enhanced in-ear fit

      - Reliable heart rate sensor

      - Extensive ecosystem benefits

      - Improved ingress protection

      **Cons**

      - Decreased charging capacity

      - No button on the case

      - Live translation requires improvement

      - Unreliable touch controls

      - Lack of extensive EQ customizations

      - Case scuffs easily

      - Features limited by ecosystem

      **Quick Take**

      My initial reason for choosing the AirPods Pro 3 was to experience enhanced noise isolation and sound quality. However, I've found their utility extends well beyond what typical premium earbuds offer. I’ve even used them to improve my posture while working and for heart rate monitoring.

      For years, Apple has been progressively transforming the AirPods into a multifunctional device beyond mere earphones. Each iteration since the original launch in 2019 has edged closer to the concept of these white gadgets serving as a fitness tracker, hearing aid, translator, and meditation aid. The AirPods Pro 3 marks a satisfying culmination of this evolution.

      I've been using these earbuds as part of my everyday life for months, pushing them through morning runs, conference calls, several long flights, intense gym sessions, and lively dinners with friends where I tried out the translation feature. Here's the takeaway: they’re exceptional.

      The AirPods Pro 3 represent Apple's most ambitious earbud offering to date, and largely, that ambition is rewarded. While they're not flawless and may not satisfy audiophiles completely, they won’t leave you longing for something significantly better. For those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, they become nearly essential.

      **Design and Build of AirPods Pro 3: Recognizable Shape, Enhanced Comfort**

      If you place a pair of AirPods Pro 2 next to the Pro 3, you may need to look closely to identify the differences. At first glance, no significant changes are apparent. Apple maintains its sleek, glossy white earbud design, which is becoming increasingly mundane. The familiar stem and shiny finish make the AirPods easily identifiable, much like the silhouette of an iPhone adorned with the Apple logo.

      Upon closer inspection, you'll notice minor design modifications. The main body of each earbud is slightly more streamlined, and Apple has adjusted the nozzle angle to direct it more effectively into the ear canal, ensuring a snugger fit. This minor change yields a substantial practical benefit.

      So far, I haven’t met anyone whose ears resist these earbuds. A friend notorious for having problematic ear shapes, who usually avoids earbuds during runs, even acknowledged that the AirPods Pro 3 offer a secure fit and is open to using them daily.

      The new foam-infused silicone ear tips add a notable twist. Apple now provides five sizes, including an XXS option aimed at those with smaller ear canals. The tips feature a thin layer of memory foam embedded in the silicone, performing dual functions.

      Firstly, they adapt more closely to the ear's contours. Secondly, they establish a passive seal that is significantly tighter than the all-silicone tips of the AirPods Pro 2. The moment I inserted them, I experienced a “woah” moment when the world seemed noticeably quieter before even starting to play music—a promising beginning.

      Additionally, Apple has improved durability with an IP57 rating now—an upgrade from the AirPods Pro 2's IPX4 splash resistance. This means dust won't infiltrate the speaker mesh during beach outings, and a brief splash in a sink won’t spell disaster.

      While I wouldn’t recommend swimming with them, and I wouldn’t suggest anyone else does so, I can confidently say these earbuds have endured a sweat-laden half-marathon and an accidental wash under a tap without any issues. Overall, I trust AirPods Pro 3 much more than their predecessors in unexpected rain.

      The case has also undergone minor redesign. It’s slightly larger, though this is hardly noticeable when stored in a pocket. However, if you typically carry a minimalist sling bag for years, it might stand out. Importantly, Apple has integrated a U2 chip for Precision Finding via Find My, which is invaluable when you misplace your case.

      One odd decision was the removal of the physical pairing button from the back of the case. Instead, Apple now instructs users to double-tap the front for pairing. This works well and enhances the case's sleekness, but if you've grown accustomed to the physical button over several years, expect a brief adjustment period to the new tap gesture.

      My only complaint concerns the plastic material. It scars easily, necessitating a case to conceal the blemishes. Fortunately, there’s a wide array of protective accessories available for the AirPods Pro 3 that