Apple AirPods Pro 3

True wireless in-ears with excellent ANC and full-bodied sound

In a nutshell

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 take another confident step toward perfection. The new foam-filled ear tips ensure a better fit and stronger noise cancellation, while the charging case becomes more versatile — now supporting Qi, Apple Watch chargers, and USB-C. A heart rate sensor makes its debut, influencing both health tracking and audio tuning: bass is more powerful but remains tightly controlled. Despite the lack of a true EQ and a slightly larger case, the AirPods Pro 3 remain the gold standard for iPhone users as our review proves.

Pros:

Improved ANC
Richer sound
Versatile charging
Heart rate monitor
5 ear tip sizes

Cons:

No true Lossless support
No EQ
Slightly larger case
Limited Android features

Apple stays true to its formula with the AirPods Pro 3 — improving them exactly where it matters most. No radical redesign, no sonic revolution, but numerous refinements that make everyday use more enjoyable. The new heart rate sensor, redesigned ear tips, and upgraded case make these the most advanced AirPods Pro yet. Anyone familiar with the previous generation will instantly recognise the familiar feel — but now with deeper sound, stronger ANC, and even tighter ecosystem integration.

Design & build

Visually, Apple keeps things familiar: the matte-white stems remain, and the case looks nearly identical to its predecessor — though it’s slightly larger to house new hardware. The status LED now glows subtly through the surface instead of being exposed, giving the design a sleeker look. The small lanyard loop on the right side returns, allowing for easy attachment to straps or keychains.

The case now supports multiple charging options: MagSafe/Qi, Apple Watch chargers, and USB-C. It also features an integrated speaker and a new ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, allowing precise “Find My” tracking down to a few centimetres.

Comfort

Apple now includes five ear tip sizes — from XXS to L — catering even to very small ears. The new foam-infused tips create a tighter seal and distribute pressure more evenly, which not only improves noise cancellation but also enhances comfort during longer sessions.

The fit feels secure yet natural. A subtle change in the nozzle angle helps the earbuds sit more ergonomically in the ear canal. A fit test in iOS analyses microphone feedback to confirm optimal sealing — important both for sound quality and for the heart rate sensor’s accuracy.

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Generation 2 of the successful True Wireless in-ears with Noise Cancelling.

To the review

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2 (Quick comparison)

Feature	AirPods Pro 2	AirPods Pro 3
Ear tips	4 silicone sizes (XS–L)	5 foam-filled sizes (XXS–L)
Noise cancelling	Excellent	Up to 2× stronger
Protection	IP54 (buds + case)	IP57 (buds + case)
Battery life (ANC on)	6 h + 24 h case	8 h + 24 h case
Charging	Qi, Lightning, MagSafe, USB-C	Qi, Apple Watch puck, USB-C
Sensor	No HR sensor	PPG heart rate sensor
Case tracking	U1 chip	2nd-gen UWB with speaker
Compatibility	iOS preferred, limited Android features	iOS preferred, limited Android features

Sound

Sonically, the AirPods Pro 3 build on the strengths of their predecessor — neutral, detailed, and clean in the mids — but add a noticeable low-end boost. Bass feels fuller and more physical: kick drums hit harder, and deep synths resonate with added weight yet retain control.

This enhanced bass may partly result from the internal reengineering required to accommodate the heart rate sensor, which slightly altered the acoustic coupling of the driver. Combined with the new foam-reinforced tips, the result is a better seal and improved bass transmission.

The mids and highs remain classically Apple: clear, balanced, and free of harshness. Vocals are well-centred, acoustic instruments sound natural, and even at high volumes the presentation stays composed and distortion-free. Spatial Audio with head tracking continues to impress with its spacious but realistic imaging.

In direct A/B testing, the AirPods Pro 3 sound warmer, rounder, and more substantial than the Pro 2 — though some listeners might prefer the latter’s slightly more open and neutral tone. Unfortunately, Apple still offers no true EQ, only accessibility-based adjustments within iOS.

Noise Cancelling & Transparency

Apple’s refined ANC algorithms and the improved seal of the new ear tips take noise suppression to another level. The difference isn’t dramatic, but it’s clearly perceptible — especially in low-frequency environments like planes or trains.

Deep engine hum and consistent background rumble are almost completely eliminated, while mid-frequency noises like office chatter are significantly reduced. The ANC feels natural, with no noticeable pressure on the ears or artificial artefacts. Adaptive mode now reacts faster to changes, switching smoothly between calm and noisy surroundings within half a second.

The transparency mode remains among the best available: voices sound lifelike, directionality is preserved, and ambient awareness feels natural. Adaptive transparency smartly adjusts to sudden loud sounds, ensuring a seamless listening experience in daily use.

App & connectivity

The AirPods Pro 3 integrate directly into iOS without a separate app. From the settings, users can manage ANC modes, gestures, 3D Audio, live translation (coming with iOS 26), hearing protection, fit tests, and heart rate monitoring.

Bluetooth 5.3 and AAC/SBC codecs handle wireless transmission. Lossless audio remains limited to the Apple Vision Pro headset. On Android, functionality is reduced: you get core features like ANC and playback control, but no heart rate tracking, adaptive modes, or firmware updates.

The optical heart rate sensor (PPG) continuously measures pulse data, syncing directly with the Apple Health app — turning the AirPods Pro 3 into part of Apple’s expanding wearable ecosystem.

Battery life & daily use

Battery life improves modestly: up to eight hours per charge with ANC, with the case providing around 24–30 hours total. Five minutes of charging yields roughly one hour of playback.

The new multi-charging options make topping up effortless, and the “Find My” precision tracking — complete with a built-in speaker — makes lost cases almost impossible to misplace.

In everyday use, the AirPods Pro 3 excel in comfort, reliability, and seamless integration. Controls are intuitive, connection stability is flawless, and the adaptive features work intelligently in the background.

Conclusion

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 aren’t revolutionary — they’re evolutionary perfection. Everything that mattered got subtly better: stronger ANC, fuller bass, more secure fit, improved charging, and expanded health integration.

They still lack a true EQ and proper Lossless audio for Apple Music, and Android users won’t enjoy the full feature set. But for iPhone owners, the AirPods Pro 3 remain unmatched: beautifully built, superb-sounding, and smarter than ever.

If you own the AirPods Pro 2, the upgrade isn’t essential. But for first-generation users — or newcomers to Apple’s ecosystem — these are among the best true wireless in-ears you can buy.

In short: the AirPods Pro 3 sound excellent, cancel noise superbly, and pack an astonishing amount of intelligence into a tiny form factor.

FAQ

Do the AirPods Pro 3 support Lossless audio? No — only AAC and SBC (though AAC on iOS sounds excellent).
Are the new ear tips backward-compatible? No, Pro 3 tips do not fit the Pro 2.
How do I start pairing without a button? Double-tap the front of the case below the LED until it flashes white.
How water-resistant are they? IP57 for both earbuds and case.
Is live translation exclusive to the Pro 3? No, but it requires iOS 26 and is rolling out gradually.