TLDR Review: AirPods Pro 3
Verdict
If you’re an Apple user craving superior sound with top-notch noise cancellation wrapped in a comfortable, secure fit, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is a compelling upgrade. Battery life and controls have seen welcome refinements, and the integration within the Apple ecosystem is seamless as always. However, if you’re after groundbreaking fitness or health tracking features, or a powerful real-time translator, this model is more evolutionary than revolutionary. For those who want a solid all-around high-fidelity experience in wireless earbuds, this is definitely worth considering.
- Top pro:
- Sound quality is richer and more bass-heavy with clearer highs, delivering a more immersive listening experience compared to previous generations.
- Top con:
- The live translation feature feels limited and basic, functioning more like a simple app on speakerphone rather than a robust real-time translator.
Score
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 earn a high score for their exceptional sound quality, improved active noise cancellation, and comfort for extended wear, as highlighted by multiple customer reviews. While some users noted a lack of advanced EQ options and minor sound-blocking limitations, the overall performance and seamless Apple integration make these earbuds a worthwhile investment for daily users seeking premium audio experiences.
Pros
- •Sound quality is richer and more bass-heavy with clearer highs, delivering a more immersive listening experience compared to previous generations.
- •Active Noise Cancellation is significantly improved, effectively blocking out around 90% of background noise including loud environments like industrial fans.
- •Fit and comfort are excellent, with new ear tips that provide a secure seal ideal for workouts, sleep, and all-day wear without fear of falling out.
- •Battery life is about twice as long on a single charge compared to earlier models, with the convenience of USB-C charging and MagSafe compatibility.
- •Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem allows effortless pairing and switching across Apple devices, enhancing usability.
- •Swipe controls add intuitive handling beyond traditional taps, improving ease of use.
- •Transparency mode and adaptive hearing features work naturally, amplifying ambient sounds and letting users hear conversations while still enjoying music.
- •Wireless charging works smoothly, even with Apple Watch chargers.
- •Build quality feels solid, durable, and consistent with Apple’s high standards.
- •The live translation feature, though basic, is an innovative addition that shows promise for future improvements.
Cons
- •The live translation feature feels limited and basic, functioning more like a simple app on speakerphone rather than a robust real-time translator.
- •Battery life improvements are moderate; while better than prior versions, it’s not a dramatic breakthrough.
- •Some users might find the rich bass a bit overwhelming if they prefer a more neutral sound profile.
- •Certain niche advanced features like heart rate sensing and hearing aid functionalities are still in early stages or less prominent compared to dedicated devices.
- •No major changes in build design, so if you disliked the previous fit or style, this won’t be a game-changer.
Product Score
Calculated by ShopSavvy from the professional reviews and customer ratings we collected for this product.
Why this score?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 earn a high score for their exceptional sound quality, improved active noise cancellation, and comfort for extended wear, as highlighted by multiple customer reviews. While some users noted a lack of advanced EQ options and minor sound-blocking limitations, the overall performance and seamless Apple integration make these earbuds a worthwhile investment for daily users seeking premium audio experiences.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
📚More About AirPods Pro 3
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the AirPods Pro 3, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
- Does AppleCare+ cover AirPods Pro 3?
AppleCare+ for AirPods Pro 3 costs either $29 upfront for two years or $3.99 per month. Given the price of the earbuds ($249), it's relatively inexpensive...
- How do the AirPods Pro 3 touch and squeeze controls work?
The controls on AirPods Pro 3 are squeeze-based, not tap-based. There's a pressure-sensitive area on each stem that you pinch to trigger actions. Here's the...
- What iPhone do I need for all AirPods Pro 3 features?
The answer depends on which features matter to you. For the core AirPods Pro 3 experience—noise cancellation, transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio,...
- Do AirPods Pro 3 work with Windows PC?
Yes, they work—just like any Bluetooth headphones. You'll hear audio, you can make calls, and the noise cancellation functions. But the experience is...
- How is AirPods Pro 3 sound quality compared to Pro 2?
This is where things get interesting—and divisive. The AirPods Pro 3 don't just sound 'better,' they sound different, and whether that's an improvement depends...
- What charging options does the AirPods Pro 3 case support?
The AirPods Pro 3 case charges four different ways, which means you've probably already got a compatible charger lying around. USB-C is the fastest and most...
- What is Adaptive Audio on AirPods Pro 3?
Adaptive Audio is basically automatic mode switching—the AirPods Pro 3 decide whether you need noise cancellation or transparency and adjust on the fly without...
- How do I find lost AirPods Pro 3?
The AirPods Pro 3 have Apple's best Find My technology yet, and it makes a genuine difference when you can't locate them. The standout feature is Precision...
- Can I use AirPods Pro 2 ear tips on AirPods Pro 3?
Unfortunately, no—and this has annoyed a lot of people. Apple changed the ear tip design for the AirPods Pro 3, using a new attachment mechanism and...
- How does AirPods Pro 3 Spatial Audio work?
Think of Spatial Audio as surround sound for your ears—except instead of needing speakers positioned around a room, the AirPods Pro 3 create the illusion that...
