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When Applerevealed their newest member of the AirPods lineup, theAirPod Pro 3, I regret to admit that I pre-ordered them right away.
If my old pair of AirPod Pros hadn't recently stopped working, I might not have purchased them so quickly, but I would have only postponed what was bound to happen. With improved noise cancellation, sound transparency (something I've always really liked), and the new adaptive sound feature, I was even more excited to try out these new earbuds.
Priced at £219, these earbuds aren't inexpensive, but with the latest iOS 26, the launch of Apple Intelligence, and improved sound quality, I don't feel any remorse about my decision.
Apple AirPod Pro 3
Our verdict
The Apple AirPod Pro 3 represent a significant improvement over earlier models (as someone who previously owned the first-generation AirPod Pro) – however, whether they are worth upgrading to is entirely up to the individual.
Being somewhat of a shopaholic and a fan of the Apple ecosystem, they were definitely worth buying for me. Objectively speaking, the AirPod Pro 3s are an excellent pair of earbuds - their sound is different from any other buds I've tried before.
I have been using them every day for several weeks, and the audio quality has become more full and profound (as is typically the case with any set of headphones or speakers).
The major improvements in their noise reduction and sound clarity are definitely my most appreciated aspects of the AirPod Pro 3.
In my view, if you have the funds to invest in AirPods, go for the Pros. Having gone through several pairs of the standard AirPod model, I don't think they are worth the cost – you can get comparable earbuds at a much lower price.
That being said, if you're not part of the Apple ecosystem and don't own an iPhone, I wouldn't recommend them. Although I really like them, the sound quality—what you mainly depend on when using them with Android or Windows—doesn't justify the buy.
Are they worth buying for everyone? Likely not. Were they worth it for me? Absolutely, without a doubt.
How we test
During the headphone testing process, we use them for a minimum of one week and push them to their limits by listening to various music genres, along with movies, TV shows, and even during gaming sessions. In addition to assessing their performance, we also consider factors like battery life, comfort, and other features to accurately determine their overall capabilities.
Alongside a team of experienced reviewers from MailOnline, we gather and evaluate the performance of each product, helping you select the ideal headphones.
Why trust us
Every product reviewer in our team has extensive experience within their specific fields, whether it's home, beauty, or technology. Phoebe is a seasoned product reviewer who has spent three years evaluating tech products. Her areas of expertise cover beauty, hair care items, gaming, and headphones.
Every review from Phoebe is fair, truthful, and not influenced by the brands, ensuring you receive a complete overview while reading.
Review of the Apple AirPod Pro 3
Performance
Sound Quality
With each set of headphones, earbuds, and speakers I test, I always hold off on making a judgment (in terms of sound quality) until I've used them for at least two weeks, as they essentially need to be broken in.
The biggest audio enhancement has to be the low frequencies— it's more energetic, neater, and well-managed, and I actually found it quite immersive. Although I have enjoyed my previous AirPods, the bass was often lacking, even with the AirPods Max (which didn't really bother me, as my personal music preference isn't heavily focused on bass).
Certainly, I don't believe any earbuds will ever fully match on-ear headphones in terms of bass, but for earbuds, I think you'll have a hard time finding any with superior bass.
The audio experience is more robust and striking compared to the earlier version, and I believe they have gained an advantage over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Acoustic tracks sound more distinct, and I've started to pick up on finer elements, instruments, and nuances in my music.
Spatial Audio is now a feature I can't do without when listening to music. It enhances the experience of listening to music, audiobooks, and watching TV and movies, offering an immersive feel. It's an excellent option for those seeking a surround sound experience while on the move.
I often play the same few tracks when evaluating new headphones. This includes the 2004 Remastered version of 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac, which offers a variety of elements — from the opening guitar to the vocals to the famous bass line partway through the song, everything sounds sharp and distinct.
On the other hand, 'Spring 1' (the Max Richter version) seemed somewhat lacking to me – even when the volume was maxed out, I felt like I was only catching half of the music, and it lacked richness. As someone who frequently listens to classical music, this was unexpectedly disappointing.
Active noise reduction and transparency mode
In terms of noise reduction, IDon't believe anyone has gotten as close to AirPods as possible, and I would even go so far as to claim this new model has taken the title from my AirPods Max.
I usually rely on noise cancellation while gaming or focusing at work, and it completely blocks out everything around me. Even without listening to music, I can't hear anything when it's turned on.
Nevertheless, I usually operate in transparency mode. It enables me to clearly perceive my surroundings, without compromising the quality of my music or audiobook – meaning that while I'm focused, I can still detect someone addressing me or the doorbell ringing.
Apple's recently introduced feature, Adaptive mode, effectively combines active noise cancellation with transparency mode to adjust the amount of external noise according to your surroundings. For instance, when I was outside, I could hear individual vehicles passing by and people walking by, but the overall background noise of traffic was eliminated, making it a feature I really appreciate for a sense of safety and comfort.
The Conversation Awareness function decreases the media volume and minimizes background noise when you begin speaking with others, a feature I have found particularly useful while working in the office.
Battery life
In terms of battery life, I've found Apple's assertion of eight hours on a single charge to be quite accurate, as I use them almost non-stop at work, and recharge the case about 2-3 times per week.
Although the battery life is comparable to other top earbuds, I'm not particularly impressed by it, but I'm also not upset.
Other features
Similar to many recently launched earbuds, the AirPod Pro 3s come with health and wellness functions. They include an integrated heart rate sensor that works with your preferred fitness application, allowing you to no longer need chest straps.
Even more impressive, they include some new Hearing Health features. One of these effectively restricts the volume level to safeguard your long-term hearing. You can also utilize hearing assistance, which can function as a hearing aid to enhance voices and surrounding sounds. The most beneficial aspect is that you can perform a hearing test directly from your phone, allowing you to instantly determine if you are experiencing hearing loss.
Perhaps the most attention-drawing aspect of these earbuds is the launch of the beta version of Apple'sLive TranslationIt needs iOS 26, an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, and AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 (ANC), along with Apple Intelligence enabled to function. Live Translation promises to translate conversations in real time directly through the earbuds, with a written version also appearing on your phone - sounds completely revolutionary, doesn't it?
Well, as it stands now, it's somewhat cumbersome, has a noticeable lag that naturally leads to some uncomfortable silences, and demands nearly flawless pronunciation. I tried it with a native Spanish speaker, and certain words or expressions were translated incorrectly, making the whole experience feel a bit off.
It still has a long way to go, but as it's only in beta version, there will be ongoing enhancements and bug corrections released.
Design and packaging
In terms of packaging, they are enclosed in a typical white box. On the other hand, although it's commendable that Apple is making an effort to reduce environmental waste, I must say it's shocking that a pair of earbuds priced over £200 doesn't include a charging cable (even if you already have several USB-C cables available).
Apple has enhanced their fitness guide, as theAirPod Pro 3offer five different ear tip sizes, ensuring a better fit for a wider range of users. Additionally, you can check the acoustic seal while using them, eliminating the uncertainty of which ones will provide the optimal sound quality.
A close fit ensures they remain in place, even during running, making them ideal for workouts or sprinting to catch the train during your commute.
The earbuds are somewhat smaller compared to the earlier Pro versions, whereas the charging case is bigger. Although this might seem like a minor detail, I find it slightly inconvenient because I can't use the protective cases I purchased for the previous models. Nevertheless, this isn't an issue with the AirPods themselves.
Value for money
Priced at £219, these are expensive in the earbud category, which immediately means they aren't suitable for everyone.
However, if you want excellent quality sound, excellent battery life, and enhanced noise cancellation along with sound transparency, I don't believe you can find a better deal than these.
Nevertheless, since several features need Apple devices to work properly (like Live Translation), I would only suggest them for people who have at least an iPhone. For users of Android or Windows, the top earbuds available at a comparable price would be the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
How does it measure up against comparable items?
Regarding performance and quality, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is clearly their main competitor, priced approximately £80 higher than the AirPod Pro 3. Additionally, it lacks passive noise isolation, making the AirPod Pro 3s the preferable choice if this feature is significant to you, as it is to me.
In my view, if you have the funds to purchase AirPods, go for the Pros. The standard version of AirPods doesn't seem worth the cost to me. They provide acceptable sound quality, but the absence of silicone ear tips makes them less appealing to me, and you can get superior options for the same price.
What is its rating on the internet?
The Apple AirPod Pro 3susually receive positive reviews on other platforms, with an average score ranging from approximately 4.4 to 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Critics commend the noise suppression and audio performance, with numerous users stating that they represent a significant improvement over the second-generation AirPod Pros.
The primary issue is the cost, with many believing £219 is somewhat high for in-ear headphones.
FAQs
Are the AirPods Pro 3 water-resistant?
No. They are not fully waterproof, but they are resistant to dust, sweat, and water, featuring an IP57 rating, which indicates they can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of fresh water for as long as 30 minutes.
This makes them suitable for exercise or wearing in the rain, but not for swimming or engaging in water-based activities.
Are the AirPod Pro 3 superior to the 2?
Indeed, they offer improvements in battery life, audio performance, and noise reduction. However, whether this justifies an upgrade depends on your personal preferences.
If your existing earbuds are functioning well and you're experiencing no problems, I wouldn't claim these are so revolutionary that they justify spending more than £200.
Read more- Featuring groundbreaking noise reduction, are the AirPods Pro 3 the perfect audio solution for music enthusiasts seeking ultra-clear sound?
- Are you willing to overlook the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which are commended for exceptional audio quality and recognized as 'among the top choices for everyday use'?
- New AirPods Pro 3: How Apple's legendary design and cutting-edge features have revolutionized the tech industry!
- Are Apple's AirPods Pro pioneering advancements in hearing health tracking through instant sound enhancement and clinically proven hearing assessments?
- Are the Apple AirPods Pro 2 the earphones you've been hoping for, now available with an incredible 40% off?
