If one of your AirPods Pro 3 sounds louder than the other, you're not imagining it. This is a real issue with several possible causes—and most have straightforward fixes.
The most common culprit. If one earbud has a better seal, it sounds louder with more bass.
Fix: Try different tip sizes for each ear—your ears probably aren't identical. Run the Ear Tip Fit Test in Settings > AirPods to check seal quality.
Even small amounts blocking the speaker mesh significantly reduce volume.
Fix: Clean both earbuds with a dry, soft brush. Use a clean, dry cotton swab on the speaker mesh. Never use liquids directly on speakers.
The slider may have been accidentally adjusted.
Fix: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance. Ensure the slider is centered.
Fix: Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Mono Audio—ensure it's OFF.
Sometimes one earbud's noise cancellation performs differently.
Fix: Toggle ANC off and back on. If that doesn't help, reset your AirPods and re-pair.
Fix: Forget AirPods from your device and re-pair. Reset by holding case button for 15 seconds until light flashes amber, then white.
If you've tried everything and imbalance persists:
Your ears may have different internal shapes affecting sound perception. This is normal and may not indicate any problem with your AirPods.
Some users report imbalance that varies with location or activity—this appears to be a quirk affecting certain AirPods Pro 3 units.
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 can track calories burned during workouts using their built-in heart rate sensor combined with your personal metrics.
AirPods Pro 3 use your heart rate data combined with your Health profile (age, weight, height, sex) to estimate calories burned. Higher heart rates indicate more intense exercise, which burns more calories.
AirPods Pro 3 workouts contribute to your Apple Fitness Move ring—even without an Apple Watch. Your workouts help you hit daily activity goals tracked through the Fitness app.
Be realistic: wearable calorie estimates can be off by 15-30%. Accuracy depends on:
Treat numbers as useful guides rather than precise measurements.
Apple Watch includes additional sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) that improve calorie estimates for strength training, where heart rate alone doesn't capture full effort. For cardio workouts, AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch provide similar estimates.
Unlike Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3 cannot passively track calories throughout the day. Calorie tracking only works during active workouts started through the Fitness app.
Apple releases firmware updates for AirPods Pro 3 regularly. Here's what you need to know about how they work and what they fix.
Note: Apple's release notes typically just say "bug fixes and other improvements" without specifics.
Despite multiple updates, some users report these issues persist:
Whether these require firmware or hardware fixes remains unclear.
If you suspect you're on old firmware:
Updates typically install within a few hours.
AirPods Pro 3 touch controls cannot be completely disabled, but you can customize actions and reduce accidental triggers. Here's what you can do.
Go to Settings > AirPods > [Your AirPods Name]
Most accidental presses happen when inserting, removing, or adjusting fit. Try holding them by the speaker mesh instead of the stem.
If you keep accidentally triggering Siri, change Press and Hold to Noise Control instead. Accidentally toggling noise modes is far less disruptive.
Go to Settings > AirPods > Automatic Ear Detection OFF
This prevents music from pausing when you adjust fit. The downside: audio won't pause when you remove an earbud.
The swipe-up/swipe-down gesture for volume (new to Pro 3) cannot be disabled, but it's less prone to accidental triggers than press controls.
Many users find the touch controls too sensitive, especially during workouts or fit adjustments. Unfortunately, Apple provides no sensitivity adjustment or complete disable option.
Workarounds: Control playback from your iPhone or use Siri voice commands if touch controls frustrate you.
Yes, third-party ear tips can work with AirPods Pro 3, but there's an important consideration due to the new heart rate sensor.
AirPods Pro 3 use the same ear tip connector as AirPods Pro 2. Most third-party tips designed for Pro 2 will physically fit—giving you plenty of options.
The AirPods Pro 3 feature a PPG heart rate sensor on the inner surface of each earbud. Third-party tips that are too thick at the base can block sensor-to-skin contact, reducing heart rate accuracy during workouts.
If you use fitness features: Test heart rate accuracy after switching to any new tips.
If Apple's tips work well and you use fitness features, stick with them for optimal sensor performance. If you struggle with fit, comfort, or pressure issues, third-party tips are worth exploring—just verify heart rate accuracy if that matters to you.
Unfortunately, AirPods Pro 3 do not offer traditional EQ (equalizer) controls. For $249 premium earbuds, this remains one of the most common user complaints.
AirPods Pro 3 use Adaptive EQ that automatically adjusts sound based on ear fit. This happens in real-time using inward-facing microphones—but you cannot manually control it.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations:
These options provide some customization, but they're blunt instruments compared to a real EQ.
Apple's philosophy prioritizes a "curated" audio experience over user customization. Their position is that Adaptive EQ and their chosen tuning provides optimal sound for most content. Critics argue this is overly restrictive for a premium product.
| Earbuds | EQ Options | |---------|------------| | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Full 5-band EQ plus presets | | Bose QC Ultra | Adjustable bass, mid, treble | | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | Multiple presets plus custom EQ | | AirPods Pro 3 | None |
The lack of EQ remains a significant omission that Apple shows no signs of addressing in future updates.
Live Translation is one of the most practical features on AirPods Pro 3, especially for international travelers. Here's the complete list of supported languages.
Live Translation works great for:
For important conversations or professional settings, a human translator or dedicated service remains preferable.
Apple has indicated more languages will come through iOS updates, though specific timelines haven't been announced.
Setting up heart rate tracking on AirPods Pro 3 is straightforward. Here's everything you need to know.
Heart rate accuracy depends on good sensor contact with your skin. This is crucial.
Pro tip: The best tip size for heart rate tracking may differ from what sounds best for music. When working out, prioritize sensor contact over acoustic perfection.
You have several options:
AirPods Pro 3 support 50+ workout types including running, walking, hiking, indoor/outdoor cycling, HIIT, functional training, elliptical, rowing, strength training, yoga, and Pilates.
No, AirPods Pro 3 do not support lossless audio playback. Despite costing $249, they only support AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs.
Bluetooth bandwidth is the core limitation. Apple Lossless requires approximately 1,411 kbps, while Bluetooth AAC maxes out around 320 kbps. Apple hasn't implemented alternative high-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive that would enable higher-quality wireless audio.
When you play Apple Music Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless tracks through AirPods Pro 3:
| Earbuds | Hi-Res Codec Support | |---------|---------------------| | Sony WF-1000XM5 | LDAC | | Bose QC Ultra | aptX Adaptive | | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | Samsung Scalable | | AirPods Pro 3 | None |
For most listeners in everyday situations—commuting, working out, going about your day—the difference between AAC and lossless is genuinely hard to hear. Small earbud drivers and environmental noise both limit what you can perceive.
However, audiophiles with trained ears may notice the difference when listening in quiet environments with high-quality recordings. And for premium earbuds, many feel the option should be available.
Apple heavily promotes Apple Music's lossless catalog while selling no wireless earbuds or headphones capable of playing it at full quality. The only way to hear Apple Music Lossless through Apple products is via wired Lightning or USB-C connections.
Choosing between AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds comes down to what matters most to you. Both are excellent premium earbuds that excel in different areas.
Both offer excellent ANC. AirPods Pro 3 are genuinely impressive for daily use. However, if you need the absolute quietest experience possible, Bose maintains a slight edge.
AirPods Pro 3 win decisively:
That's a significant difference for long flights or all-day wear.
AirPods Pro 3 exclusive:
Bose advantages:
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you're invested in Apple's ecosystem, want health and fitness features, need better battery life, or prefer balanced sound.
Choose Bose if maximum noise cancellation is paramount, you use Android, want EQ customization, or prefer bass-heavy sound.
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