When Apple unveiled the third generation of its Pro lineup, expectations were modest. After a week of testing through commutes, workouts, and late-night couch sessions, here’s how they measure up.
First Impressions and Design
Out of the box, the AirPods Pro 3 look familiar but subtly refined. The stem is slightly shorter, the charging case a bit larger, and the finish smoother and more polished. The silicone tips feel softer and more flexible, as if Apple is whispering, “I’m trying harder to disappear in your ears.”
At first glance, they don’t shout “revolution,” but that’s intentional. They’re designed to vanish once you put them on, and most of the time, they do.
Sound and Active Noise Cancellation
This is where they shine, and also where they stumble. Noise cancellation is excellent. At the gym, I could still make out muffled voices from nearby friends, but background chatter and clinking cups were gone. The adaptive ANC isn’t just marketing hype; it trims hiss and hum effectively. Spatial audio feels more immersive and dynamic. Bass is tighter, controlled but punchy when needed. Mids and highs stay clear and expressive.
In extremely quiet settings, a faint hiss is audible, which is common for ANC earbuds. It’s minor but noticeable for those who crave absolute silence. The adaptive tuning can also overcorrect. When walking between a quiet street and passing traffic, the transition sometimes snaps as the ANC rebalances.
Comfort, Battery, and Usability
Comfort is a major win. I wore them for three-hour sessions without ear fatigue. The silicone tips stay secure without pressure or soreness. Battery life lives up to Apple’s claim of about six hours with ANC on. My average was between 5.5 and six. The case provides several full recharges, bringing the total use to about 24 to 25 hours. A 10-minute quick charge gives enough power for a full commute.
Find My integration and instant case-open pairing work nearly flawlessly. Switching between Apple devices is smooth when it cooperates, though there’s still occasional lag when moving from iPhone to iPad.
Daily Use
On busy streets, wind reduction has improved, though strong gusts still test its limits. During workouts, there were no connection dropouts or fit issues, even with side-to-side movement. Call clarity is strong. In both indoor and semi-outdoor settings, voices sound crisp and natural.
Verdict
At $249, these are not cheap earbuds. You could buy a decent pair of wireless headphones or even a used smartphone for that price, which makes the AirPods Pro 3 feel like a small luxury. Still, it’s the kind of luxury that makes sense if you live with constant background noise—school hallways, buses, or busy coffee shops.
These aren’t a radical reinvention; they’re a polished evolution, exactly what you’d expect from Apple by the third generation. In noisy environments, they excel. Minor quirks like the faint hiss and transitional ANC hiccups are forgivable trade-offs.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
They’re expensive, but for commuters, students, and travelers who want peace and polish in their daily routine, they’re hard to beat. Apple didn’t reinvent the experience; it refined it. The AirPods Pro 3 are earbuds that whisper, “You’ll almost forget I’m here.”
