AirPods Pro 3 just launched this week and have already been discounted to $239 (down from $249). These wireless earbuds are a game-changer, with unmatched noise cancellation, comfort and sound in a package that feels effortless.
Comfort gets overlooked in the quest for better tech but it’s the foundation of a great earbud experience. AirPods Pro 3 nail this with a new shape that’s subtly but significantly different. Apple used over 10,000 ear scans and 300 million data points to make earbuds that fit more people than ever. The buds are smaller, with a new angle that locks them into your ear canal. They come with five ear tip sizes including a new extra-extra-small option and these aren’t your typical silicone tips. They’re infused with foam and create a snug seal that’s soft yet structured so the buds stay put whether you’re running, doing yoga or just walking through a crowded city.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing,...
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the...
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers...
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With...
Apple says the AirPods Pro 3 can block twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2 and four times more than the original. Testing confirms this: on a plane the engine boom fades to a faint hum; in a crowded subway voices and clatter are reduced to a distant murmur. This is due to a new multiport acoustic architecture that controls airflow and ultra-low noise microphones and powerful computational audio. CNET’s David Carnoy compared them to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony’s best and found Apple’s performance equals or beats the competition. The foam infused ear tips play a big role here, forming a tighter seal that improves passive noise isolation.
Sound quality is also way better. The AirPods Pro 3 have new 10.7mm drivers and the same multiport design so there’s stronger bass, cleaner vocals and a wider soundstage. Songs have a lively vibe to them with distinct instrumentation and sparkling high notes. The H2 chip’s adaptive EQ adjusts the music to the shape of your ear in real time so it’s consistent across genres. Even on streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify the audio is rich and detailed, rivaling more expensive audiophile earbuds like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.
Another bonus is better battery life. With noise cancellation on you get up to 8 hours of playback – 2 hours more than the AirPods Pro 2. When you switch to Transparency mode the timer goes up to 10 hours. The answer is in better battery chemistry not bigger batteries which shows Apple’s focus on efficiency. The charging case is slightly bigger to fit the new buds but provides 3 more charges. For most people 8 hours per charge is enough for a day of commuting, working or exercising and the case’s U2 chip extends Find My range by 1.5x so it’s easier to find lost earbuds.
The fitness features are the surprise, as the AirPods Pro 3 have a small heart rate sensor that measures blood flow by pulsing infrared light 256 times per second. It works with the iPhone’s Fitness app and tracks heart rate, calories burned and over 50 types of workout. Apple Intelligence powers the Workout Buddy feature which gives you tailored motivation based on your fitness history. Real-time metrics like heart rate and Move ring progress show up on screen for Apple Fitness+ users, making these earbuds a gym-goer’s dream. The IP57 rating, up from IPX4, means they can withstand sweat, water sprays and even dust so they’re perfect for tough workouts or rainy runs.
Live Translation is a game changer for travelers and anyone dealing with multilingual conversations. It’s now available in beta for English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish (with four more languages coming soon). You can understand and respond in real time. Speak naturally and the earphones will interpret your words while your iPhone displays transcriptions for others. Both sides require H2-chip AirPods for two-way conversations, but the feature is offline so it’s perfect for remote areas.
Health features complete the package. The AirPods Pro 3 improve on Apple’s hearing health tools by adding a verified Hearing Test and a Hearing Aid mode that amplifies sound for mild to moderate hearing loss. These features are certified for the EU and UK so the earbuds are now a health tool not just an audio device.
