Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review
Deeper ecosystem features and better ANC, in a tighter-sealing fit that isn't for everyone.
Last updated July 7, 2026
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 (launched September 2025) add a heart-rate sensor, IP57 water resistance, and Live Translation via Apple Intelligence, with noise cancellation Apple rates at roughly twice the previous generation — the trade-off is a more V-shaped sound signature and a tighter eartip seal some reviewers find uncomfortable over long wear.
| Price | $249 MSRP (frequently discounted to $199-$229) |
| Best for | iPhone users who want deep ecosystem integration for calls, workouts, and translation |
| Overall score | 8.6 / 10 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- New foam-infused eartips in five sizes (including XXS) improve seal and stability for more ear shapes
- Noise cancellation rated up to 2x better than the AirPods Pro 2
- New PPG heart-rate sensor and IP57 water/sweat resistance make these genuinely more workout-capable than most true-wireless rivals
- Live Translation via Apple Intelligence and studio-quality mic recording are real, usable features, not gimmicks
- Deepest iPhone/Apple ecosystem integration of any earbud in this roundup — automatic switching, Find My, spatial audio
Cons
- More V-shaped, sometimes harsh or sibilant treble tuning compared to the more neutral-sounding Pro 2
- The tighter-sealing new eartips improve stability but cause soreness or discomfort for some wearers after extended sessions
- Case battery life is rated at 24 hours, down from the Pro 2's 30 hours
- Some reviewers report a faint hollow background hiss with ANC engaged
Category Scores
Full Verdict
The AirPods Pro 3 push in a clear direction: more health and fitness capability (heart-rate sensing, IP57 water resistance), stronger noise cancellation, and genuinely useful Apple Intelligence features like Live Translation. For an iPhone user who wants one earbud that handles calls, workouts, and daily commuting, that combination is hard to match.
The new eartip design is the main trade-off — the tighter seal that improves stability and ANC performance also means a firmer fit that some reviewers find uncomfortable over long wearing sessions, and the tuning shift toward a more V-shaped sound signature won't suit listeners who preferred the Pro 2's flatter response. Case battery life also dropped slightly, from 30 to 24 hours.
Our take: for iPhone users specifically, the AirPods Pro 3 are an easy recommendation, especially if workouts or calls are a big part of your daily use. If you're sound-quality-first or found the Pro 2 already tight-fitting, try these on before committing.
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