Apple AirPods Pro 3 wireless earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review

9.5
iPhone users wanting the best ANC earbuds with health features

AirPods Pro 3 set a new standard with industry-leading noise cancellation, hearing aid capabilities, and health tracking. The definitive choice for Apple users.

Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
Updated 03-Feb-26

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Best-in-class noise cancellation (90% reduction)
  • FDA-approved hearing aid functionality
  • Heart rate sensor with clinical accuracy
  • Real-time language translation
  • 10-hour battery life with ANC

Cons

  • Best features require iPhone
  • No custom EQ adjustments
  • Connectivity issues reported with non-Apple devices
  • Live translation still needs refinement

Overview

Apple AirPods Pro 3 redefine what true wireless earbuds can do. With industry-leading 90% noise reduction, FDA-approved hearing aid functionality, and a clinical-grade heart rate sensor, these aren't just earbuds but they're a health device that happens to play music exceptionally well.

The third generation represents Apple's most ambitious audio product, combining best-in-class ANC with genuinely useful health features.

Features Deep-Dive

Best-in-Class Noise Cancellation

Lab tests confirm AirPods Pro 3 achieve 90% noise reduction, a 40dB average reduction that outperforms every competitor. Apple claims 2x the ANC of AirPods Pro 2, and measurements back this up. For commuters and open offices, nothing else comes close.

FDA-Approved Hearing Aid

AirPods Pro 3 are certified hearing aids. After an in-app hearing test, they can amplify sounds and adjust frequencies to compensate for hearing loss. This legitimately life-changing feature brings clinical hearing assistance to a consumer device.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The integrated optical heart rate sensor delivers accuracy that rivals chest straps. Sports technology reviewers rate it "shockingly good" even during interval training. Combined with Apple Watch, you get redundant tracking for maximum accuracy.

Real-Time Translation

Live translation enables real-time conversation across languages. While still improving, it's remarkably useful for travel. Speak English, hear the translation in your ear while your iPhone displays text for your conversation partner.

Pricing Analysis

At $249, AirPods Pro 3 match the Pro 2's launch price while delivering significantly more value. The hearing aid functionality alone would cost $1000+ from traditional providers. For Apple users, this is an easy recommendation.

Who Is This For?

AirPods Pro 3 work best for:

  • iPhone users wanting the absolute best ANC earbuds
  • Those with mild hearing loss who can benefit from hearing aid features
  • Fitness enthusiasts who want heart rate tracking without a watch
  • Frequent travelers who need maximum noise isolation and translation

Who Should NOT Use This

AirPods Pro 3 might not be the right choice if:

  • Android user: Most features require iPhone; get Sony instead
  • Custom EQ needed: No equalizer adjustments available
  • Tight budget: Health features don't matter at this price
  • Audiophile priorities: Sony WF-1000XM5 edges out on pure sound quality

Bottom Line

AirPods Pro 3 set a new standard for true wireless earbuds. The combination of industry-leading noise cancellation, genuine health features, and Apple's ecosystem integration makes them the definitive choice for iPhone users. The hearing aid and heart rate features aren't gimmicks; they're genuinely useful additions that justify the premium.

FAQ

Are AirPods Pro 3 worth upgrading from Pro 2?

Yes. The 2x ANC improvement is immediately noticeable, and health features add real value.

How is the battery life?

10 hours with ANC enabled, significantly improved from Pro 2's 6 hours.

Do they fit all ear sizes?

Five ear tip sizes (XXS to L) with foam-infused microspheres improve seal and comfort for more ear shapes.

Can I use them with Android?

Basic playback works, but you lose ANC optimization, hearing aid features, heart rate, and translation. Not recommended.

Is the hearing aid feature legitimate?

Yes, FDA-cleared as an over-the-counter hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Who Is Apple AirPods Pro 3 Best For?

iPhone users wanting the best ANC earbuds with health features

The Bottom Line

AirPods Pro 3 set a new standard with industry-leading noise cancellation, hearing aid capabilities, and health tracking. The definitive choice for Apple users.

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Key Specs

Price$249
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Scoring Breakdown

Sound Quality25% weight
9.3

Audio fidelity, frequency response, bass quality, clarity, and overall listening experience for the compact driver size.

Noise Cancellation25% weight
9.8

ANC effectiveness given the in-ear form factor, transparency mode quality, adaptability, and seal consistency.

Fit & Comfort20% weight
9.2

Ear tip variety, secure fit during activity, weight, comfort during extended wear, and fit across different ear shapes.

Features15% weight
9.7

Battery life (buds + case), fast charging, multipoint, spatial audio, touch controls, app features, and water resistance.

Call Quality15% weight
9.0

Microphone clarity, wind noise handling, voice isolation during calls, and performance in noisy environments.

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