The latest Apple AirPods Pro 3 have arrived, and while they might look familiar, don’t let that fool you. This third generation packs a serious punch with a host of improvements that make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking top-tier wireless earbuds – even for those long hours spent perfecting your 3D prints.
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Initially, I didn’t think I’d get around to reviewing these, but much like the last generation, Apple sent them my way. The first real test? A cross-country flight, and let me tell you, these new headphones delivered.
The AirPods Pro 3 maintain the excellent sound quality of their predecessors, but with a noticeable upgrade. I found them to sound even better, boasting a stronger bass and low end, while retaining a full mid-range and crisp, bright highs with minimal high-volume distortion. They also seem to get louder, a welcome change for immersive listening.
This audio enhancement isn’t just magic; a closer look reveals slightly larger vents and a redesigned interior for improved airflow, likely contributing to that better bass response. The ear tips are also re-angled and now feature a subtle foam bolster inside the silicone, offering the best of both worlds. This innovative design provides a snug, moldable fit similar to foam tips, but with the durability and comfort of silicone for everyday use.
For me, this new ear tip combo – which now includes a double extra small size, bringing the total to five – plus the updated angle, is a game-changer. After years of AirPods wiggling out, these are the first that actually stay in my ears. This is a huge win for anyone constantly on the go, or even when you’re focused on a delicate 3D printing project and can’t afford distractions.
While dedicated workout headphones like the Powerbeats Pro still hold the edge for intense activities due to their over-ear security, the AirPods Pro 3 are unparalleled for everyday wear.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review
Built for Life’s Demands: Durability and a Smarter Case
A significant upgrade is the new IP57 dust and water resistance rating. Previously, they were IPX4, handling splashes and light rain. Now, they’s protected against dust and can even survive being submerged underwater. This means greater peace of mind for heavy rain, spills, and even intense sweat during a workout – perfect for a busy workspace or an active lifestyle.
Intriguingly, the charging case also boasts an IP57 rating. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it signifies a new case design. You’ll notice it’s slightly thicker and taller to accommodate the new earbud shape. The pairing/battery indicator light is now discreetly behind the plastic, glowing brighter. The pairing button on the back has also been removed.
Pro Tip: To manually pair these with a non-Apple device (like a computer or Android phone), open the case and double-tap the front to enter pairing mode.
The case also houses a next-generation Ultra Wideband chip, extending precision finding capabilities by 50%. This is an incredibly convenient feature, especially if you tend to misplace your earbuds amidst your 3D printing tools and materials.
It’s worth noting that the old earbuds won’t fit in the new case, and vice-versa. Also, like AirPods 4, these don’t come with a charging cable. Apple likely assumes most new AirPods owners already have a USB-C charger for their iPhone, Apple Watch, or MagSafe accessories.
Battery life has also seen a boost, offering eight hours with noise cancellation (up from six) and up to ten hours in transparency mode or with hearing aid functionality (also up from six). Imagine silencing your workspace for an entire uninterrupted workday!
“World’s Best Active Noise Cancellation” – A Bold Claim That Delivers
Apple’s claim of “World’s best Active Noise Cancellation” for in-ear wireless headphones is a bold one, devoid of asterisks or fine print. While Apple often exaggerates for marketing, this claim genuinely holds water. They state it cancels twice as much noise as the last generation, which were already impressive.
Despite using the same H2 chip as the previous generation, the combination of the new foam-bolstered ear tips, the adjusted ear tip angle, larger vents, and refined software tuning contributes to this significantly improved noise cancellation.
My experience on a flight confirmed it: the persistent drone of the airplane engine was almost completely muted, allowing for full immersion in music and enjoying the improved audio quality. Even in a busy studio environment with voices, a loud mechanical keyboard, and dog barks, the ANC was exceptional, allowing me to focus solely on my music.
I’ve compared them to competitors like the Bose QC Ultra 2, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. While others offer good sound and comfort, the AirPods Pro 3 consistently outshine them in fit and noise cancellation. These are truly excellent.
New Features: Heart Rate Monitoring and Live Translation
The AirPods Pro 3 now feature a heart rate monitor in the back, a welcome addition for workouts. This integrates seamlessly with the Apple Fitness app, making it great for those without an Apple Watch, or for those who want a secondary data source.
Apple also introduced live translation alongside these AirPods Pro 3, powered by Apple Intelligence. While not exclusive to this model, it’s a powerful feature that works offline once languages are downloaded. It feels like 2025 is indeed the year of live translation, and it will be interesting to see how different implementations, whether phone-based, headphone-integrated, or smart glasses, evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the AirPods Pro 3 significantly better than the AirPods Pro 2?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 offer notable improvements including enhanced sound quality with stronger bass, a better and more secure fit due to redesigned ear tips and angle, IP57 dust and water resistance for both earbuds and case, extended battery life, and significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), claiming to cancel twice as much noise as the previous generation.
Can the AirPods Pro 3 measure heart rate?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 include a heart rate monitor integrated into the earbuds, which seamlessly works with the Apple Fitness app. This is a convenient feature for tracking workouts, especially for users who may not have an Apple Watch.
Do the AirPods Pro 3 come with a charging cable?
No, similar to AirPods 4, the AirPods Pro 3 do not include a USB-C charging cable in the box. Apple assumes that most users purchasing new AirPods will already possess a compatible USB-C charger from their iPhone, Apple Watch, or other MagSafe accessories.
Is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) really that good?
The AirPods Pro 3 boast “World’s best Active Noise Cancellation” for in-ear wireless headphones, and in real-world testing (including airplane flights and busy studio environments), the ANC proved incredibly effective. It significantly reduces ambient noise, allowing for full immersion in audio.
The Verdict: A Must-Have for Apple Users
Better fit, better sound, superior ANC, enhanced IP rating, and longer battery life – all for the same price. The AirPods Pro 3 are a triumph. They are an absolute win for those who wear AirPods all day, and even for those who use them occasionally.
For iPhone users, these earbuds have virtually no weaknesses. While I still lean towards over-ear headphones for travel and dedicated workout headphones for intense exercise, if you’re looking for one pair of earbuds to do everything, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are an exceptional choice.
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