Apple claims the new AirPods Pro 3 offer “the world’s best in-ear active noise cancellation bar none.” That’s a bold statement. The company also promises better sound, a redesigned fit, and even a heart rate sensor built in. But how much of this is genuine innovation, and how much is just marketing hype? After extensive testing, here’s a detailed look at how the AirPods Pro 3 perform across all key categories noise cancellation, sound quality, fit, comfort, microphone performance, and new features.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Apple’s biggest claim for the AirPods Pro 3 is their improved active noise cancellation (ANC). And it’s true the performance here is outstanding. To break it down, several tests were conducted:
- Jet Sound Test: The previous generation blocked 59.5 dB, while the AirPods Pro 3 blocked 65.5 dB. That’s a massive difference. Because decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, this improvement is far greater than it might appear numerically. Low droning noises like airplane engines are impressively muted.
- Voice Test: When testing against human voices like an interview playing at a consistent volume the new model blocked up to 48 dB compared to 43 dB before. This jump is largely due to the redesigned foam ear tips, which offer better passive isolation.
- High-Frequency Sounds: When tested with sharp, high-pitched sounds like cymbals or hi-hats, the earbuds struggled slightly, occasionally letting certain frequencies through. Still, they perform exceptionally well across most environments.
- Quiet Environment Test: Some earbuds produce faint hissing or artifacts when ANC is enabled in silence. The AirPods Pro 3 remain completely silent, which is a big win.
- Wind Rejection: Outdoors, wind noise is almost unnoticeable comparable to natural ear exposure. Apple has clearly optimized airflow and mic placement here.
Overall, Apple’s ANC implementation in the AirPods Pro 3 is outstanding arguably best-in-class.
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Ear Tips and Compatibility
The new foam ear tips contribute greatly to both the improved ANC and overall fit. However, they’re not compatible with previous AirPods models. The design and attachment geometry are completely different. While aftermarket options like Comply tips exist, they won’t replicate Apple’s new seal and structure.
Transparency Mode
Apple has long led the industry in transparency mode, and the AirPods Pro 3 continue that legacy. Ambient sounds are clear and realistic, allowing safe awareness in busy environments. One standout feature is the volume limiter: sudden loud sounds like sirens or dropped objects are automatically adjusted to protect your hearing. This makes them excellent for professionals in noisy environments, such as bartenders or event staff.
However, there’s a slight sibilance in transparency mode “S” sounds can come through sharply. The foam tips also make it harder to forget you’re wearing them, as they maintain a more noticeable presence than silicone ones.
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Design and Build
Visually, the case looks familiar, but subtle differences make the AirPods Pro 3 a more refined product.
- Water Resistance: Upgraded to IP57 (from IP54), offering better protection against water and dust.
- Charging Options: Still supports MagSafe, USB-C, Apple Watch chargers, and other wireless pads.
- Battery Life: 8 hours with ANC (24 hours with the case). A quick 5-minute charge provides about 1 hour of listening. The hearing aid mode now extends playback to 10 hours, up from 6 previously.
- Physical Design: The buds have larger vents, a built-in heart rate sensor, and new geometry hence the incompatibility of the ear tips.
Controls include pinching and sliding gestures, plus a new dual-pinch for Live Translate mode.
Features
The AirPods Pro 3 include an impressive array of smart features:
- Precision Finding with upgraded ultra-wideband chip (50% longer range)
- Built-in speaker for locating your case
- Live Translate for real-time speech translation (limited languages currently)
- Conversation Awareness, automatically lowering music when you start talking
- Adaptive Audio and Personalized Spatial Audio
- Hearing Assistance and hearing tests for accessibility
- Camera Control via pinch gesture to take photos or start videos (useful for tripod photography)
Fit
Everyone’s ears are different, but the foam ear tips on the AirPods Pro 3 offer a much more secure fit. For many users (including the reviewer), they no longer fall out even during running or intense movement. Five ear tip sizes are included, and optional third-party wing tips can add stability during workouts (though they won’t fit in the case).
Comfort
While the foam tips improve fit, they do introduce more ear pressure than the older silicone ones. They remain wearable for about two hours before mild fatigue sets in. If you plan to use them all day or while sleeping, this is worth noting.
Sleep Test
Testing them while lying down showed the AirPods Pro 3’s slim profile makes them surprisingly comfortable for side sleeping. They’re suitable for playing ambient sounds or blocking out noisy environments at night.
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Microphone Test
Microphone performance is strong but not a massive leap from the previous generation. In quiet indoor environments, clarity is excellent. Outdoors, even with heavy wind and traffic, the AirPods Pro 3 manage background noise impressively well significantly better than before.
Sound Quality
Apple delivers its best audio experience yet with the AirPods Pro 3. The soundstage is wider, separation between instruments is clear, and bass is tight yet controlled. The tuning remains balanced and neutral typical of Apple but with slightly boosted low frequencies for warmth.
Minor drawbacks include noticeable sibilance in upper mids (like string slides or cymbals) and less warmth in acoustic guitar tones. While the sound is clear and detailed, it lacks some richness compared to higher-end studio-tuned earbuds. Unfortunately, Apple still doesn’t support lossless audio or offer an EQ within the AirPods settings two long-requested features.
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Heart Rate Sensor Accuracy
One of the most exciting new features is the built-in heart rate sensor. Unlike gimmicky sensors found in many earbuds, Apple has implemented this seamlessly within Apple Fitness. During workouts, it syncs automatically with the iPhone or Apple Watch, tracking heart rate with surprising precision. Compared to the Polar H10 ECG strap, results showed a correlation above 0.9 R-value, meaning near-identical accuracy. However, the heart rate sensor currently works only during workouts, not for continuous monitoring throughout the day or while sleeping.
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Android Compatibility
While the AirPods Pro 3 are optimized for iOS, they can still pair with Android devices. Most core functions sound, ANC, transparency, and playback controls work perfectly. What you’ll lose on Android:
- No firmware updates
- No “Find My” integration
- No Siri or Live Translate
- No seamless device switching
Even so, the AirPods Pro 3 perform well as high-end Bluetooth earbuds on Android.
Live Translate Test
Live Translate works via the Apple Translate app. After downloading languages, a double pinch starts the feature. Ambient sounds remain audible through transparency mode, while translations play back in a synthesized voice and appear on-screen.
There’s a small delay due to sentence processing, but it’s still practical for travel or basic conversations. Despite occasional translation quirks, it’s a valuable addition for real-world use.
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Article Summary
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 deliver a significant upgrade over their predecessors, particularly in active noise cancellation (ANC), fit, and feature integration. Apple’s claim of having the “best ANC in the world” holds strong tests show substantial improvement across various noise types, including jets, voices, and wind, with near-silent performance in quiet settings. The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s best earbuds to date feature-packed, sonically balanced, and technologically advanced. Despite a few limitations, they stand out as one of the top wireless earbuds of 2025.
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