{"id":180693,"date":"2025-09-25T11:31:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T11:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/180693\/"},"modified":"2025-09-25T11:31:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T11:31:12","slug":"apple-airpods-pro-3-review-close-to-perfect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/180693\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: Close to perfect"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Apple AirPods Pro 3 aren\u2019t your average <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/best-noise-cancelling-wireless-earbuds-27207\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">noise-canceling earbuds<\/a>. They are also a pair of hearing aids, a fitness tracker, and a real-time language translator. But with so many features packed into such a small, white plastic package, has Apple bitten off more than it can chew? Do the AirPods Pro 3 sound any good, or is Apple just banking on marketing fluff to stay afloat? We\u2019ve spent some quality time with the AirPods Pro 3 and learned everything you need to know about Apple\u2019s latest earbuds.<\/p>\n<p>Who are the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for?<\/p>\n<p>To get the most out of the AirPods Pro 3, you\u2019ll need to own an Apple device, such as an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/best-iphone-earbuds-19070\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">iPhone<\/a>. These earbuds are also a good choice for people who want to take advantage of features such as heart rate tracking and Live Translation.<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 are also a great choice for people with mild to moderate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/hearing-loss-signs-types-28649\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">hearing loss<\/a> since the earbuds can also act as clinical-grade hearing aids.<\/p>\n<p>About this Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: We tested the AirPods Pro 3 over a period of four days using an iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 26.0. At the time, the earbuds and case ran firmware 8A357. SoundGuys purchased the unit for this review.<\/p>\n<p>How has this article been updated?<\/p>\n<p>This article was published on September 24, 2025, and this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.<\/p>\n<p>\nWhat\u2019s it like to use the Apple AirPods Pro 3?\n<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"airpods-pro-3-in-hand\"  alt=\"AirPods Pro 3 earbuds in charging case in hand over a table with white grid lines\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/airpods-pro-3-in-hand-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 look very similar to their predecessor, though with some very minor physical changes.<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 look identical to its predecessor, though with some welcome refinements that improve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/how-your-in-ears-fit-matters-a-lot-21686\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">fit<\/a> and stability. For example, the smaller bulb means that the earbuds are less likely to pop out of your ears. This design tweak also means that people with smaller ears should have an easier time wearing the AirPods Pro 3 compared to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/apple-airpods-pro-2nd-generation-review-78938\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">last generation<\/a>. The bulb on the AirPods Pro 3 stretches further away from the stem compared to its predecessor. This allows the earbud to sit deeper in your ear canal, providing a better seal for more consistent sound quality and ANC performance.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, Apple has also introduced a new set of foam-infused <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/finding-earbud-tips-17148\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">ear tips<\/a> with the AirPods Pro 3. The foam interior allows the tips to easily conform to the shape of your ear canal, ensuring a secure fit. Meanwhile, the silicone exterior protects the delicate foam from degradation due to oil and sweat. I was very excited to try out these new ear tips, especially since I can\u2019t get the AirPods Pro 2 to stay in my ears using the stock silicone ear tips. Instead, I have to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/best-airpod-pro-ear-tips-103300\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">third-party foam ear tips<\/a> to use the AirPods Pro 2 comfortably. That being said, the AirPods Pro 3\u2019s new ear tip design should solve my fit issues. However, after trying these foam-infused ear tips, I realized that these aren\u2019t the miracle solution I was hoping for.<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"airpods-pro-3-foam-infused-ear-tip-sizes\"  alt=\"AirPods Pro 3 earbuds outside of charging case next to different foam-infused ear tip sizes on table\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/airpods-pro-3-foam-infused-ear-tip-sizes-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 come with different-sized foam-infused ear tips ranging from XXS to L.<\/p>\n<p>The new ear tips allow the AirPods Pro 3 to stay in my ears more securely than its predecessor, especially while walking down the street. However, the earbuds\u2019 glossy exterior and the smooth silicone exterior of the ear tips cause the AirPods Pro 3 to push out of my ears \u2014 especially as sweat and oil start to build up on my skin. Granted, everyone has different skin types and ear anatomy, so you may have better luck with Apple\u2019s new ear tips than I did.<\/p>\n<p>In theory, the foam and silicone hybrid ear tips sound like a good idea. However, in practice, I don\u2019t think they hold a candle to normal foam ear tips \u2014 especially when it comes to getting a secure fit. Instead, I wish Apple would just make a normal pair of foam ear tips and stick them in the box. Sometimes you don\u2019t have to reinvent the wheel; just include a good set of tires and call it a day.<\/p>\n<p>The charging case\u2019s design remains relatively unchanged, featuring the same glossy, scratch-prone plastic build as its predecessor. Underneath, you\u2019ll find a USB-C port for charging and speakers that can play a sound when you need to find your charging case. There\u2019s also a metal anchor on the right if you want to attach a lanyard to your charging case. Apple has also replaced the pairing button with a capacitive touch sensor on the front of the case, underneath the lip \u2014 similar to the charging case of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/apple-airpods-4-review-124236\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">AirPods 4<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation<\/a>. It works well enough for pairing and resetting the AirPods, though I sometimes find myself unsure if my taps have registered.<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"apple-airpods-pro-3-man-on-his-iphone\"  alt=\"Wide shot of man wearing AirPods Pro 3 while on his iPhone.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/apple-airpods-pro-3-man-on-his-iphone-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve used one pair of AirPods Pro, you\u2019ve basically used them all.<\/p>\n<p>Using any pair of AirPods with an Apple device is usually a straightforward affair, though I did experience some connection issues with the AirPods Pro 3. For example, there were moments when the AirPods Pro 3 didn\u2019t automatically connect to my phone or laptop. This meant that I had to manually select the device from my Bluetooth list.<\/p>\n<p>Also, occasionally and out of nowhere, the earbuds would pan the audio towards the right channel. I was able to fix this by placing the earbuds back in the charging case for a few seconds. This happened to me a handful of times, but fortunately, the problem hasn\u2019t resurfaced in the last three days. I\u2019m hoping this is just a case of launch-day bugs and not a sign of long-term issues to come.<\/p>\n<p>How do you control the AirPods Pro 3?<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 can be controlled by swiping and squeezing on the stem of either earbud.<\/p>\n<p>ActionOperation<\/p>\n<p>Single squeeze<\/p>\n<p>Play\/pause<\/p>\n<p>Double squeeze<\/p>\n<p>Next track<\/p>\n<p>Triple queeze<\/p>\n<p>Previous track<\/p>\n<p>Squeeze and hold (one earbud)<\/p>\n<p>Listening mode toggle<\/p>\n<p>Squeeze and hold (both earbuds)<\/p>\n<p>Live Translation<\/p>\n<p>Swipe up\/down<\/p>\n<p>Volume up\/down<\/p>\n<p>What are the best features of the Apple AirPods Pro 3?<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 aren\u2019t designed solely for music listening. Instead, Apple has set out to turn its flagship earbuds into an all-in-one fitness tracker, hearing aid, and real-time language translator.<\/p>\n<p>Heart rate monitoring<br \/>\n<img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"apple-airpods-pro-3-workout-summary\"  alt=\"AirPods Pro 3 in man's ear as he looks into iPhone showing workout summary\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/apple-airpods-pro-3-workout-summary-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>The heart rate sensor on the AirPods Pro 3 can be used to track your workouts.<\/p>\n<p>Apple has embedded a new heart rate sensor into the AirPods Pro 3. This lets you track your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/best-workout-earbuds-2719\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">workouts<\/a> without the need for a separate fitness tracker. I found that the earbuds did a good job in tracking my heart rate during a brisk walk or light jog. The results even seemed to match the heart rate metrics of my Apple Watch. However, I ran into problems while performing more vigorous exercises. Because the AirPods Pro 3 don\u2019t use fins or hooks to ensure a secure fit, the earbuds tend to slip out of my ear during intense strength training and long-distance runs. As the earbuds slip out, the heart rate sensor loses contact with my skin, which can result in heart rate data.<\/p>\n<p>If you can get a good fit with the AirPods Pro 3, then it\u2019s likely that you\u2019ll be able to get good workout data with its built-in heart rate sensor. However, if you\u2019re like me and have issues getting the AirPods Pro 3 to stay in place, then you\u2019re better off tracking your workouts with a smartwatch or chest strap. Alternatively, you can consider other workout earbuds with heart-rate sensors that use a hook or fin for a more secure fit, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/video\/beats-powerbeats-pro-2-review-the-ultimate-workout-earbuds\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Beats Powerbeats Pro 2<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/sennheiser-momentum-sport-review-113978\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Hearing Aid features<br \/>\n<img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"apple-airpods-pro-3-hearing-test\"  alt=\"Apple AirPods Pro 3 on wooden table next to iPhone showing Apple Hearing Test\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/apple-airpods-pro-3-hearing-test-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 can act as a pair of clinical-grade hearing aids.<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 offer the same Hearing Aid features found on the AirPods Pro 2. To use the feature, you\u2019ll need to take Apple\u2019s Hearing Test on a compatible iPhone or iPad. Once completed, your AirPods will be tuned based on the results of your hearing test. You can also adjust parameters such as the level of amplification, channel balance, tone, and ambient noise reduction. In addition to the Hearing Assistance features, the AirPods Pro 3 can also offer Hearing Protection \u2014 essentially turning the earbuds into a pair of earplugs. This is particularly useful if you\u2019re at a loud concert and don\u2019t have a dedicated pair of earplugs on hand.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re currently in the process of evaluating the AirPods Pro 3\u2019s hearing aid performance. In the meantime, you can check out my experience using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/apple-airpods-pro-2-hearing-aid-review-136693\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Hearing Aid features on the AirPods Pro 2,<\/a> which should give you a glimpse of what to expect using the Hearing Aid feature on the AirPods Pro 3.<\/p>\n<p>Live Translation<br \/>\n<img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"apple-airpods-pro-3-live-translation\"  alt=\"Man holding out iPhone showing Live Translation feature while wearing AirPods Pro 3.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/apple-airpods-pro-3-live-translation-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>Live Translation only supports a handful of languages.<\/p>\n<p>Live Translation is perhaps the most ambitious addition to the AirPods Pro 3. These earbuds aren\u2019t the first to offer real-time translation, but Apple is making some bold claims, saying that Live Translation should provide a \u201cmagical experience\u201d. However, the truth is that the feature still has a long way to go.<\/p>\n<p>I tested the Live Translation by talking to one of my French-speaking co-workers at the SoundGuys office. With the translation on, the AirPods switch to Transparency mode so that I can hear the person in front of me speak. As they started speaking, the AirPods switched to a light noise-canceling mode to allow me to hear the English translation clearly. After hearing the translation, the earbuds switch back to Transparency Mode so that I can hear myself clearly as I reply. The AirPods do a great job in transitioning between the different listening modes. Voices sound clear, and the transitions between Transparency Mode and ANC didn\u2019t feel jarring.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, using Live Translation isn\u2019t as seamless as Apple makes it out to be. There is a noticeable delay that creates awkward silences as I wait to hear the translated speech. Also, the AirPods often picked up the chatter of my other co-workers in the office, which messed up the translations that were being fed into my ear.<\/p>\n<p>As of now, I wouldn\u2019t be confident trying to use this feature abroad. The translations simply don\u2019t come through fast enough for me to feel comfortable carrying on a conversation. I\u2019m also not confident in Live Translation\u2019s ability to isolate voices \u2014 especially in crowded areas where there\u2019s a lot of chatter going on. Live Translation is also missing some widely spoken languages, such as Mandarin and Hindi. The current language selection is mostly European languages, which is ironic since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/apple-live-translation-unavailable-in-the-eu-144522\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Live Translation isn\u2019t available for EU residents.<\/a> In fairness, Live Translation is still in beta, so we\u2019ll likely see performance improvements and additional language support in the future.<\/p>\n<p>What languages does Apple Live Translation support?<\/p>\n<p>As of September 2025, Apple Live Translation currently supports the following languages:<\/p>\n<p>English (UK)<br \/>\nEnglish (US)<br \/>\nFrench<br \/>\nGerman<br \/>\nPortuguese (Brazil)<br \/>\nSpanish (Spain)<\/p>\n<p>Other notable features<\/p>\n<p>Apple device owners get access to the AirPods\u2019 full suite of features, including automatic device switching, personalized spatial audio with head tracking, and Audio Sharing with compatible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/best-beats-headphones-20004\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Beats<\/a> and Apple headphones. You can access the earbuds\u2019 settings in the Settings app on any compatible Apple device. From this page, you can toggle between listening modes, access Hearing Health features, toggle Head Gestures, and customize controls. You can also enable Personalized Volume, which adjusts the volume of your media based on your surroundings, and Conversation Awareness, which lowers media volume and reduces background noise when you start talking to people.<\/p>\n<p>Missing features<\/p>\n<p>Despite being Apple\u2019s supposed \u201clatest and greatest\u201d AirPods, we still do not have two key features: better Android support and an equalizer. All the features listed in this review are only available to Apple devices. If you try to pair to an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/best-wireless-earbuds-for-android-68354\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Android<\/a> phone, all you\u2019ll be able to do is play music. You can\u2019t even update the firmware without being paired to a supported Apple device. Also, Apple has yet to include any way to equalize the earbuds to your liking; a grave oversight in an age where even some of the cheapest earbuds come with an in-app EQ.<\/p>\n<p>\nHow does the Apple AirPods Pro 3 connect?\n<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"airpods-pro-3-ios-connect-prompt\"  alt=\"AirPods Pro 3 beside iPhone with pairing request card on screen.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/airpods-pro-3-ios-connect-prompt-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 is designed to connect seamlessly with Apple devices.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being Apple\u2019s latest flagship earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3 still use the older Bluetooth 5.3 stack with support for SBC and AAC <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/understanding-bluetooth-codecs-15352\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">codecs<\/a>. The AirPods Pro 3 do not support any high-quality codecs such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/the-ultimate-guide-to-bluetooth-aptx-and-aptx-hd-19914\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">aptX<\/a> or LDAC. You can enjoy high-quality, low-latency audio using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/the-ultimate-guide-to-bluetooth-headphones-aac-20296\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">AAC codec<\/a> when paired with an iOS device. On Android, you can pair with the AirPods Pro 3, though with limited functionality. You won\u2019t be able to customize the earbuds, use any features like Spatial Audio or Hearing Aid, or even update the firmware.<\/p>\n<p>All connections and audio processing are handled by the H2 chip embedded in the earbuds; the same chip we saw in the older AirPods Pro 2. Apple has also included its newer U2 chip in the charging case, which lets you precisely locate your case when you misplace it.<\/p>\n<p>Can you listen to lossless audio on the AirPods Pro 3 with Apple Music and Spotify?<\/p>\n<p>No. The AirPods Pro 3 do not currently support streaming Lossless audio wirelessly.<\/p>\n<p>How do you pair and connect the AirPods Pro 3 to an iPhone?<\/p>\n<p>To pair the AirPods Pro 3 to an iPhone, follow these steps.<\/p>\n<p>Place your AirPods Pro 3 next to your iPhone and open the lid.<br \/>\nA prompt should appear on your iPhone asking if you\u2019d like to connect to the earbuds.<br \/>\nPress \u201cConnect\u201d and follow the prompts to complete pairing.<\/p>\n<p>Once paired to your iPhone, the second-gen AirPods Pro will automatically be recognized on any source device associated with your iCloud account. This association also enables automatic device switching between Apple devices.<\/p>\n<p>How do you pair and connect the AirPods Pro 3 to an Android phone?<\/p>\n<p>You can also try pairing manually if you don\u2019t see a prompt. To do this, follow these steps.<\/p>\n<p>Unlock your Android phone and open the Settings\u00a0app.<br \/>\nSelect the\u00a0Bluetooth menu and turn the toggle on.<br \/>\nOpen the AirPods Pro 3 case near your Android phone.<br \/>\nTap twice on the green light on the case. The light should now be blinking white, indicating that the AirPods are now in pairing mode.<br \/>\nSelect \u201cAirPods Pro 3\u201d from your phone\u2019s Bluetooth device list.<\/p>\n<p>Once connected, you\u2019ll be able to listen to music with your AirPods Pro 3.<\/p>\n<p>\nHow long do the Apple AirPods Pro 3\u2019s battery last?\n<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"airpods-pro-3-connected-ios-battery-life-prompt\"  alt=\"AirPods Pro 3 next to iPhone showing battery life of earbuds and charging case.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/airpods-pro-3-connected-ios-battery-life-prompt-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 should have enough battery to last you a full day\u2019s worth of music listening.<\/p>\n<p>We used our standardized battery test using real music peaking at 75dB. The AirPods Pro 3 lasted 8 hours and 42 minutes on a single charge, with ANC on. This represents a significant improvement over the battery life of the AirPods Pro 2, which lasted 5 hours and 43 minutes. Rest assured, the AirPods Pro 3 will have enough battery to survive a few days\u2019 worth of commutes.<\/p>\n<p>The charging case can be charged via the USB-C port on the bottom, though the case also supports wireless charging. The earbuds can be charged quickly wired, where five minutes of charging in the case will provide an hour of playback. You can also charge the AirPods Pro 3\u2019s charging case with an Apple Watch charger, should you have one on hand.<\/p>\n<p>\nHow well do the Apple AirPods Pro 3 cancel noise?\n<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 offer among the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/how-noise-cancelling-headphones-work-12380\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">noise cancelation<\/a> we\u2019ve ever tested in a pair of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/best-noise-cancelling-true-wireless-earbuds-27207\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">earbuds<\/a>. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/how-we-score\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">lab tests<\/a> show that the AirPods Pro 3 can reduce the loudness of outside noise by an average of 90%. This means that the AirPods Pro 3 are more than capable of quieting your noisy neighbors, chatty co-workers, or your next commute \u2014 whether by land, air, or sea. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/what-is-isolation-12506\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Isolation<\/a> has also been improved over the previous generation, owing to the improved fit and perhaps the new ear tips. The earbuds also offer an improved Transparency Mode. Voices come through clearly, and it doesn\u2019t sound like I have anything in my ears with Transparency Mode enabled.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, you\u2019ll need to get a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/how-your-in-ears-fit-matters-a-lot-21686\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">good fit<\/a> to experience the best ANC performance possible \u2014 and the ANC feature will also shut off if the sensor doesn\u2019t detect your ear. If you aren\u2019t getting good results with your pair, try out the different ear tip sizes Apple includes in the box. You may even find that you\u2019ll need to use different sizes for each ear, which is quite common. You can also use Apple\u2019s Acoustic Seal test in the Settings app to help determine which ear tip size best suits your ears. Though most of us here in Vancouver felt that our experiences aligned well with this chart, there were a few of us that could hear office noise through the ear tips without any ANC applied. If you feel like the ANC isn\u2019t all that great with the AirPods Pro 3, there are a number of things that could be going on. Just remember that these aren\u2019t memory foam tips, so low-end isolation isn\u2019t going to be something you should expect without ANC.<\/p>\n<p>How do the Apple AirPods Pro 3 sound?<\/p>\n<p>Apple has redesigned the acoustic chamber of the AirPods Pro 3 to deliver improved bass response and stereo performance. But is that true? Well, sort of. But one thing is for sure: the AirPods Pro 3 sound pretty good.<\/p>\n<p>Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)<\/p>\n<p>Hold up! Something\u2019s missing<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re currently upgrading a few things in the lab, and we\u2019re holding off posting MDAQS results for now. But we have tested the AirPods Pro 3; we\u2019re compiling a little more information before we publish the results to ensure the quality of data meets our editorial standards.<\/p>\n<p>\nReviewer\u2019s notes\n<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"apple-airpods-pro-3-behind-phone-man-wearing-airpods\"  alt=\"Man wearing AirPods Pro 3 in ear while looking at phone outdoors under a tree.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/apple-airpods-pro-3-behind-phone-man-wearing-airpods-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>I really enjoyed listening to music on the AirPods Pro 3.<\/p>\n<p>Editor\u2019s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it\u00a0<a class=\"PrimaryLink BaseLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/headphone-reviews-problems-67837\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Objective Measurements<\/p>\n<p>So, despite this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/frequency-response-explained-16507\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">frequency response<\/a> looking worse than it actually is, there are a few things to discuss here. Due to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/how-to-read-charts-23129\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the chart<\/a>\u2018s smoothing and the way that DSP works, the below might not be exactly what you hear when you pop the Apple AirPods Pro 3 into your ears. We also discovered that factory resetting the AirPods Pro 3 and setting them up while you\u2019ve achieved a good seal makes achieving good results much easier.<\/p>\n<p>When using an iPhone for your music, the onboard processing is very good at adjusting to your music in real-time, but this causes problems for people running tests like a frequency sweep. The response looked quite similar even after playing noise samples and music. The main inconsistencies are that the 6kHz peak is quieter and narrower than it appears on the above chart, and the 13kHz peak reaches slightly closer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/soundguys-house-curve-54290\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">our target<\/a>. If you keep reading, you\u2019ll see what I mean in the section below.<\/p>\n<p>That aside, there are some consistent themes in the sound here. For example, the bass and mids are pretty much spot-on in the chart above, complete with the small dip just after 100Hz relative to both. This dip should make the sub-bass seem a bit louder than it actually is relative to the upper-bass \u2014 matching my impressions. Similarly, there\u2019s also a tiny dip at 1kHz at the transition between high mids and the \u201cear gain\u201d hump.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s not obvious here is that the 6kHz peak is \u201cwider\u201d in this chart than it should be because each channel dealt with our test head a little\u2026 wonkily. Perhaps due to the Adaptive EQ feature, the peak in each channel for this range was slightly offset, so the average between each of these channels ended up looking more significant than it actually is.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes things go wonky<br \/>\n<img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"apple-airpods-pro-3-testing-head-close-up-right-ear\"  alt=\"A photo of the Bruel &amp; Kjaer 5128 measuring the Apple AirPods Pro 3.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/apple-airpods-pro-3-testing-head-close-up-right-ear-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>Test heads are not people, and can present measurement challenges because of that fact.<\/p>\n<p>An interesting issue we found with the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is that the sensor on the inside of the earbuds ABSOLUTELY MUST come close enough to your ear to detect wear \u2014 which isn\u2019t a guarantee if the new shape doesn\u2019t fit your ears, personally. Apple and Beats products have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/did-a-firmware-update-change-the-airpods-maxs-sound-134563\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">extreme issues with this<\/a> historically, so it\u2019s darkly amusing to see this continue. If this happens, some really weird things can go on. For example, that big \u2018ol bump in the high bass\/low mids and a wild bass overemphasis relative to the highs.<\/p>\n<p>Remember where I pointed out that the AirPods Pro 3 were too bassy sometimes? If you listen to your AirPods Pro 3 and get absolutely blasted by low end, chances are good that either:<\/p>\n<p>You have the wear-detect sensor disabled.<br \/>\nYour ear isn\u2019t close enough to the sensor for it to detect you.<br \/>\nThe AirPods Pro 3 don\u2019t fit you all that well.<\/p>\n<p>If the eartips don\u2019t agree with your ears, there\u2019s a chance that this will happen to you when they pop out. Be sure to run the ear tip fit test if you\u2019re worried that this is a possibility.<\/p>\n<p>\nCan you use the AirPods Pro 3 for phone calls?\n<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"apple-airpods-pro-3-closeup-on-left-earbud\"  alt=\"Close up of AirPods Pro 3 in man's ear.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/apple-airpods-pro-3-closeup-on-left-earbud-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>Voices sound clear through the AirPods Pro 3 microphones.<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 uses dual beamforming microphones for taking calls and recording voice notes. Combined with the H2 chip, the AirPods Pro 3 microphone system is designed to reduce background noise and isolate your voice during calls, making sure that you\u2019re heard loud and clear on the other end. In a quiet room, the microphones on the AirPods Pro 3 sound very good. Vocals sound full and detailed \u2014 perfect for a conference call or voice memo. All the microphone samples were recorded with the earbuds paired to an iPhone 15 Pro via the Voice Memos app.<\/p>\n<p>Apple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):<br \/>\nWhich earbuds would you buy?<\/p>\n<p>48 votes<\/p>\n<p>AirPods Pro 3<\/p>\n<p>75%<\/p>\n<p>AirPods 4<\/p>\n<p>25%<\/p>\n<p>Next questionWhat does the AirPods Pro 3 microphone sound like in the real world?<\/p>\n<p>Apple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Office conditions):\n<\/p>\n<p>\nApple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Street conditions):\n<\/p>\n<p>\nApple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Windy conditions):\n<\/p>\n<p>\nApple AirPods Pro 3 microphone demo (Reverberant space):\n<\/p>\n<p>After listening to the microphone samples, it\u2019s clear that Apple prioritizes maintaining vocal clarity over rejecting external noise. The AirPods Pro 3 don\u2019t do a very good job of rejecting excess noise, such as cars passing in city traffic or clattering keyboards at the office. However, despite the loud environments, I can still clearly hear the person speaking through the AirPods. Then again, your voice may not come through clearly if you\u2019re taking a call with weak internet of cell service.<\/p>\n<p>\nShould you buy the Apple AirPods Pro 3?\n<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"apple-airpods-pro-3-airpods-in-hand-outdoors\"  alt=\"AirPods Pro 3 in hand outside in front of a bush.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/apple-airpods-pro-3-airpods-in-hand-outdoors-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Harley Maranan \/ SoundGuys<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 offer enough new features to justify an upgrade.<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 offers improvements inside and out that make it well worth the upgrade. Apple\u2019s latest boast improved sound and class-leading ANC performance that makes listening to music very enjoyable, even if you\u2019re on the oldest, screechiest subway car. Additionally, features like a built-in heart rate sensor, hearing assistance, and Live Translation allow the AirPods Pro 3 to stand out from other, more expensive flagship earbuds, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/sony-wf-1000xm5-review-95465\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Sony WF-1000XM5<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen-review-140812\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For as good as the AirPods Pro 3 are, they aren\u2019t perfect. The lack of EQ controls in 2025 is particularly upsetting, as well as the lack of proper support for Android devices. Also, while the redesigned earbud housing and ear tips may feel comfortable, it doesn\u2019t fully solve the fit stability issues some users had with the previous AirPods Pro. Some features, such as Live Translation, also need more refining before they can be taken seriously as a selling point.<\/p>\n<p>For $249, the AirPods Pro 3 aren\u2019t cheap by any means. But given its expansive featureset and great performance, these earbuds may be a worthy investment for those who are already guests in Apple\u2019s walled garden.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"deal-1\" class=\"e_l\">Apple AirPods Pro 3<\/a><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  alt=\"Apple AirPods Pro 3\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758799871_834_custom_filename.jpg\"\/><img class=\"e_ar e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  alt=\"SoundGuys Editor's Choice\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sg2023_editors_choice.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Apple AirPods Pro 3<\/p>\n<p>Excellent ANC  \u2022  Live Translation  \u2022  Heart rate sensor<\/p>\n<p>Adaptive audio and enhanced ANC.<\/p>\n<p>The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a solid update to the Apple wireless earbuds lineup. Improved ANC, IP57 ratings, plus heart rate sensor and fitness tracking built in. There&#8217;s even a hearing aid mode, and improved spatial audio.<\/p>\n<p>\nWhat should you get instead of the Apple AirPods Pro 3?\n<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"e_tj\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  title=\"Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 in case\"  alt=\"The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds in their case.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Beats-Powerbeats-Pro-2-in-case.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 also features a heart rate monitor for tracking workouts.<\/p>\n<p>There are a few alternatives to consider if you want to stay within Apple\u2019s product ecosystem. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/video\/beats-powerbeats-pro-2-review-the-ultimate-workout-earbuds\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Beats Powerbeats Pro 2<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/clearbuy.com\/redirect\/2b3ffc8d07690304beeb913d97e2f1db30c3ebf7?pId=6373&amp;tag=sogu-20\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">$249 at Amazon<\/a>, for instance, uses an over-ear hook design to ensure a secure fit. It is also comes with equipped with a heart rate sensor for fitness tracking, Apple-exclusive features like automatic device switching and spatial audio, and support for Android devices via the Beats app. The last-gen <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/apple-airpods-pro-2nd-generation-review-78938\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">AirPods Pro 2<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/clearbuy.com\/redirect\/03facea9f0ac49524b424b97235469093dfd9c35?pId=2899&amp;tag=sogu-20\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">$239 at Amazon<\/a> is also a worthy alternative to consider, especially if you don\u2019t need a heart rate sensor. Despite being an older model, the AirPods Pro 2 still offers good sound quality, great ANC performance, Hearing Aid features, and support for Live Translation. Plus, with the new model finally out, you likely find the AirPods Pro 2 at a lower price tag.<\/p>\n<p>For those willing to step beyond Apple\u2019s walled garden, there are plenty of options to explore. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/creative-aurvana-ace-mimi-review-130238\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/clearbuy.com\/redirect\/680338b32c7edbb5a2d02674b026dc8e39266bcc?pId=6281&amp;tag=sogu-20\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">$129.99 at Manufacturer site<\/a> uses xMEMS drivers to provide excellent sound quality for less than the cost of the AirPods Pro 3. It also boasts Mimi sound personalization to help tune the earbuds to your ears \u2014 similar to how Apple\u2019s Hearing Health features work. For a more premium option, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundguys.com\/sony-wf-1000xm5-review-95465\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Sony WF-1000XM5<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/clearbuy.com\/redirect\/9d73491d29e5e172f394d845c00db0fbf526df22?pId=4817&amp;tag=sogu-20\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">$298 at Amazon<\/a> offers excellent ANC, a more compact bulb design, LDAC support for higher quality audio streams over Bluetooth, and great app support via the Sony Sound Connect app.<\/p>\n<p>\nApple AirPods Pro 3 review: FAQs\n<\/p>\n<p>Are the AirPods Pro 3 waterproof?<\/p>\n<p>Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 have an IP57 water and dust resistance rating. This means that the earbuds are rated for complete submersion in fresh water down to a depth of 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Are the AirPods Pro 3 good for running and working out?<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 have an IP57 water and dust resistance rating for the case and earbuds. These earbuds should handle sweaty workouts and dusty hikes with no issue.<\/p>\n<p>Can the AirPods Pro 3 connect to multiple devices?<\/p>\n<p>The AirPods Pro 3 only supports multi-device connections with Apple devices.<\/p>\n<p>Can I use the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds individually?<\/p>\n<p>Yes, you can use the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds individually.<\/p>\n<p>Do the AirPods Pro 3 work with Siri?<\/p>\n<p>Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 work with Siri.<\/p>\n<p>Do the AirPods Pro 3 support fast charging?<\/p>\n<p>Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 support fast charging. Five minutes of charging in the case will yield an hour of playback.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for being part of our community. Read our\u00a0<a class=\"c-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.androidauthority.com\/android-authority-comment-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" data-stringify-link=\"https:\/\/www.androidauthority.com\/android-authority-comment-policy\/\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">Comment Policy<\/a> before posting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Apple AirPods Pro 3 aren\u2019t your average noise-canceling earbuds. They are also a pair of hearing aids,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":180694,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[517,106991,74],"class_list":["post-180693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-apple","tag-apple-airpods-pro-3","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180693","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=180693"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180693\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/180694"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=180693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=180693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=180693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}