Apple’s highly acclaimed AirPods Pro Bluetooth earphones have returned in their third generation, featuring an improved fit, extended battery life, built-in heart rate sensors, and enhanced noise cancellation, all while maintaining a look similar to their predecessors.

Although three years have elapsed since the previous version, these earphones remain exclusively white. The differences between them and earlier generations are subtle and require close inspection.

Priced at £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429), the AirPods Pro 3 is £30 less expensive in the UK than its predecessor at launch and features compatibility with AirPods 4.

The earphones have undergone slight shape refinements to enhance comfort, especially during prolonged listening sessions exceeding three hours. The package includes five sizes of tips, but if you prefer non-silicone earphones, these won’t offer much difference.

Most functions are standard for modern earphones. Squeeze the stems for playback controls, swipe for volume adjustment, or remove them to pause music. They support features introduced with older Apple earphones, like the Shutter Remote Camera app and live translation using the translation app on your iPhone. The latter currently supports only English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish but works surprisingly well for casual conversations.

A notable drawback is that others still need to read translated speeches from their iPhones. This feature proves most useful for announcements and audio guides, especially for singular language translations in transportation hubs and museums.

One of the standout hardware features is heart rate monitoring through the sensors on the earbuds, similar to Apple’s PowerBeats Pro 2 fitness band. This can be utilized with over 50 workout tracking options via the Fitness app or select third-party apps on your iPhone. Its readings align closely with those from a Garmin Forerunner 970 or an Apple Watch during activities like walking and running. Additionally, the earphones boast an IP57 water resistance rating, making them more resilient to rain and sweat than previous models.

Battery life has improved, extending to at least 8 hours of playback, along with competitive noise cancellation on every charge, making them suitable for most listening durations.

Specifications

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, UWB

• Battery life: 8 hours of ANC playback (24 hours in case)

• Water resistance: IP57 (buds and case)

• Earphone dimensions: 30.9 x 19.2 x 27.0mm

• Earphone weight: 5.6g each

• Charging case dimensions: 47.2 x 62.2 x 21.8mm

• Charging case weight: 44g

• Case charging: USB-C, QI Wireless/Magsafe, Apple Watch

Richer Sound and Exceptional Noise Cancellation

The audio experience with the third-generation AirPods Pro is impressive, offering louder playback with an expansive soundscape. They maintain powerful, well-regulated bass while enhancing the spaciousness of larger tracks. The sound is detailed and balanced, catering to various genres, with ample power when needed. However, like other Apple headphones, they can occasionally feel a tad clinical, lacking warmth and rawness in some tracks, which may lessen the impact of deep bass notes. Nevertheless, few earphones can outshine these in terms of price and size.

Apple’s implementation of spatial audio for movies is unrivaled, and while its efficacy in spatial music remains mixed, it provides an immersive experience with compatible devices and services.

Enhanced noise cancellation is arguably the most significant upgrade. Apple claims it’s twice as effective as the already excellent AirPods Pro 2. In direct comparisons, the AirPods Pro 3 effectively mitigates street noise, including traffic sounds and engine roars. It stands up impressively against the class-leading Sony WH-1000XM6, renowned for their over-ear design.

They also excel in dampening disruptive high frequencies, such as keyboard clicks and conversations, making them well-suited for commuting and office environments.

Apple’s leading transparency mode is equally outstanding, allowing for natural sound experiences, as if the earbuds aren’t being worn at all. Sudden loud noises can be managed, making them handy in busy streets and while using hearing aids.

Call quality is superb, with my voice sounding clear and natural, whether in quiet settings or bustling environments, with only minimal ambient sounds noticeable during calls.

Sustainability

Apple does not specify the expected battery lifespan. Typically, similar devices retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. The earphones are not repairable, but Apple provides battery servicing for £49 per earphone or case, with replacement for lost or damaged items starting from £79. Repair specialist iFixit graded these earphones a 0 out of 10 for serviceability.

Both the AirPods and their cases include 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Apple offers trade-in and recycling programs, detailing the environmental impact of its earphones in their reports.

Price

The price for the AirPods Pro 3 is £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429).

For context, AirPods 4 starts at £119, while Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 are priced at £250. The Sennheiser Momentum TW4 retails for £199, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost £219, Sony WF-1000XM5 is available for £219, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are priced at £300.

Verdict

AirPods Pro 3 takes an already impressive second-generation model and enhances virtually every aspect.

A longer battery life and a more comfortable fit for extended listening sessions are welcome improvements. Additionally, proper water resistance and integrated heart rate monitoring cater well to fitness enthusiasts, particularly for activities like powerlifting where wearing a watch may not be practical. The live translation feature performs better than anticipated, despite its conversational limitations.

The standout element is the remarkably effective noise cancellation, comparable to top-tier over-ear headphones, while being much easier to transport.

Audiophiles may notice a slightly clinical sound profile, and full functionality requires an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Compatibility with Bluetooth devices like Android phones, PCs, and gaming consoles may not offer the same features. However, the significant drawback remains its difficult repairability, a common issue for true wireless earbuds, diminishing its rating.

Pros: Highly effective noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, industry-leading transparency, water resistance, integrated HR monitoring, seamless controls, advanced features when paired with Apple devices like spatial audio, remarkable comfort, and a premium case with excellent call quality.

Cons: Challenging to repair, premium price, lacks high-resolution audio support, minimal functionality with Android/Windows, similar appearance to its predecessor, and only available in white.