Having had the privilege of secretly testing the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 before their official release, I can confidently say that these wireless earbuds are nothing short of remarkable. Announced just last week and hitting stores on Friday, September 19th, they represent a significant leap forward in audio technology.
The new Apple AirPods Pro 3 maintains the sleek and recognizable design of its predecessor, a testament to Apple's philosophy of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." You'll still find the familiar charging case that supports convenient wireless charging, a feature that adds to the overall user experience.
While they bear a striking resemblance to the 2022 model (and the 2023 USB-C version), the AirPods Pro 3 boast some truly impressive upgrades under the hood. These improvements elevate them to a new level of audio excellence, making them a must-consider for anyone seeking the best in wireless audio.
Let me be unequivocal: in my estimation, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are among the best headphones currently available. While there may be alternatives that excel in specific areas, such as pure audio fidelity or athletic fit, the AirPods Pro 3 strike an unparalleled balance of features, performance, and value.
Of course, audiophiles might find headphones with a slightly richer sound, and athletes might prefer a more secure fit for intense workouts. Some users may even have aesthetic preferences that lead them to other brands. However, considering the complete package offered at its price point (£219/$249), the AirPods Pro 3 is a triumph of audio engineering.
One of the key reasons for their success lies in the substantial upgrades incorporated into this new iteration. These enhancements are not mere incremental improvements; they are game-changers that enhance the overall listening experience.
The exterior design of the new AirPods Pro remains largely consistent with the previous model, which is a positive attribute in itself. The iconic design is instantly recognizable, and the compact earbuds are both stylish and comfortable.
The charging case has been subtly refined with a hidden light that becomes visible only when the LED is active, giving it a cleaner and more sophisticated appearance. This small detail reflects Apple's commitment to even the smallest design aspects.
To ensure a perfect fit for a wide range of users, Apple conducted over 10,000 "ear scans" during the design process. This meticulous approach has resulted in the inclusion of five different ear tip sizes with the new AirPods Pro, including a new extra-extra-small (XXS) size.
This comprehensive range of ear tip sizes ensures that virtually anyone can find a comfortable and secure fit, regardless of their ear shape or size. A proper fit is crucial for both audio quality and noise cancellation, and Apple's attention to this detail is commendable.
The secure fit also makes the AirPods Pro 3 suitable for workouts. During my testing, I experienced no issues with the earbuds falling out, even during rigorous activity. This reliability is a significant advantage for active users.
The true magic of the AirPods Pro lies in their impressive array of features. They go far beyond simply playing music, offering a comprehensive and immersive audio experience.
These features include industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), a Transparency mode for situational awareness, an Adaptive Mode that dynamically adjusts to your surroundings, head-tracked Spatial Audio for a cinematic listening experience, and seamless Siri integration for hands-free control.
One of the most significant improvements in the AirPods Pro 3 is the enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC). While the previous generation already boasted impressive noise cancellation, the new model takes it to an entirely new level.
Apple claims that the ANC in the AirPods Pro 3 is twice as effective as the previous generation and four times better than the original AirPods Pro. This dramatic improvement is immediately noticeable and creates a truly immersive listening experience.
Part of this enhanced noise cancellation is due to the use of foam-infused ear tips, which provide increased passive noise isolation. This passive isolation works in conjunction with the active noise cancellation to effectively block out a wide range of ambient sounds.
The result is a listening experience where music and movies sound exceptional. The bass is deep and rich, the treble is crisp and clear, and the overall clarity is remarkable. The AirPods Pro 3 deliver a truly premium audio experience.
With the enhanced ANC, you can easily shut out the distractions of the outside world. Whether you're on a noisy airplane or walking down a crowded street, the AirPods Pro 3 can create a peaceful and immersive listening environment.
In addition to their impressive audio performance and noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 3 also incorporate a built-in heart rate sensor, a first for Apple's wireless earbuds. This feature allows you to track your heart rate during workouts and other activities.
The heart rate sensor works in both earbuds, so you can continue tracking your heart rate even if you remove one earbud. This flexibility is a convenient feature for those who prefer to listen with only one earbud at times.
The inclusion of a heart rate sensor means you can track your heart rate without needing an Apple Watch. This is particularly useful for users who prefer not to wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker.
Even if you do wear an Apple Watch, the AirPods Pro 3 can provide more consistent heart rate coverage. This is because the earbuds sit closer to the skin and are less likely to be affected by movement or sweat.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking new feature of the AirPods Pro 3 is Live Translation, which translates foreign languages in real-time. This feature has the potential to revolutionize how we communicate with people who speak different languages.
The concept of real-time language translation feels like something straight out of a science fiction movie. It's the kind of technology we've dreamed about for years, and now it's finally a reality.
With Live Translation, the AirPods Pro can translate a foreign language being spoken to you, delivering the translation directly to your ears in real-time. You hear a voice relaying the translations after each phrase is spoken, making it easy to follow along with the conversation.
At the time of writing, Live Translation supports English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. However, Apple plans to add support for Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese by the end of the year, further expanding the feature's usefulness.
Imagine being able to travel to a foreign country and effortlessly understand conversations with locals. Or being able to communicate with colleagues from around the world without needing a translator. Live Translation has the potential to break down language barriers and connect people in new ways.
During my testing, I listened to a French speaker tell a story, and the AirPods Pro 3 flawlessly translated her words into clear English after each phrase. The accuracy and speed of the translation were truly impressive.
The battery life of the AirPods Pro 3 has also been improved, now offering up to eight hours of listening time compared to six hours on the previous model. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music and podcasts for longer without needing to recharge.
Even with the improved battery life, you'll likely rarely run down the AirPods Pro 3 completely, as the charging case provides additional power on the go. The case can be charged wirelessly or via USB-C, offering convenient charging options.
In conclusion, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are an exceptional pair of wireless earbuds that offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. While the price may be a barrier for some, the overall experience is well worth the investment.
The seamless integration with Apple devices, the comfortable fit, the powerful audio, the impressive noise cancellation, and the long battery life all contribute to a truly outstanding listening experience. Whether you're using them for leisure, business, or exercise, the AirPods Pro 3 are a versatile and reliable companion.
They're small, deliver powerful audio and noise cancellation, and have brilliant battery life. The pricing is reasonable for this calibre of headphone. And they’re totally fine for leisure use, as business headphones for calls, or for exercise. I wear AirPods every time I run or cycle, and they work a treat.
Of all the Apple headphones out in the wild, it’s the AirPods Pro that I use the most. By far.
While Apple offers other AirPods options, such as the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max, the AirPods Pro 3 strike the best balance of features and value. The AirPods 4 are more affordable but lack active noise cancellation, while the AirPods Max offer over-ear headphones that are a very different category of device. The AirPods 4 are cheaper but lack the ANC feature, which is a loss. The AirPods 4 with ANC will get you the noise-cancelling, but you’ll lose out on the ear tips (they’re one-size-fits-all). And the ANC and audio just aren’t as good as on the AirPods Pro 3.
I think the AirPods Pro 3 are the best buy of the lot, especially as you’ll get years of joy out of them.
But if you’re on a strict budget, you might be better off with an entry-level option.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are as close to perfect as wireless earbuds come. Once again, the best headphones in the world.
Ultimately, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a remarkable achievement in audio engineering. They are as close to perfect as wireless earbuds can be, and they represent a significant step forward in the evolution of personal audio devices. If you're looking for the best possible listening experience, the AirPods Pro 3 are the clear choice.