AirPods Pro 3 Review: Solid Iterative Improvements Make This a Worthy Upgrade

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 have arrived, and they represent an interesting evolution in the company’s premium wireless earbud lineup. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Apple has focused on refining what already worked well while addressing some key pain points from previous generations. For those wondering whether these new earbuds are worth the investment, especially if you already own AirPods Pro 2, this comprehensive review will break down everything you need to know.

At Future Gatgets, we’ve spent extensive time testing the AirPods Pro 3 in various environments to give you a clear picture of their performance. What becomes immediately apparent is that Apple has taken a ‘if it ain’t broke, improve it’ approach. The fundamental design remains familiar, but the improvements under the hood are substantial enough to make these earbuds stand out in a crowded market.

Noise Cancellation: The Most Noticeable Improvement

One of the most significant upgrades in the AirPods Pro 3 is the enhanced noise cancellation. Apple claims it’s ‘twice as effective’ as the previous generation, but our real-world testing suggests a more nuanced reality. We estimate the improvement to be between 30-50% better, which is still a substantial leap forward.

The secret to this improvement lies in a clever redesign of the ear tips. Apple has introduced a new silicone-foam-silicone sandwich construction that provides superior passive isolation. This means even before the active noise cancellation kicks in, you’re getting better sound isolation from your environment.

How the New Ear Tips Work

The three-layer construction of the new ear tips is worth examining:

• Outer silicone layer: Provides comfort and creates an initial seal
• Middle foam layer: Absorbs vibrations and provides additional isolation
• Inner silicone layer: Creates a secure fit and maintains comfort during extended use

This design means the AirPods Pro 3 can block out more ambient noise with less reliance on active noise cancellation, which in turn helps preserve battery life. During our testing, we found the earbuds particularly effective at reducing low-frequency noises like airplane engines, subway rumble, and office air conditioning.

Sound Quality: The Controversial U-Shaped Signature

The AirPods Pro 3 continue with Apple’s signature sound profile, which emphasizes bass and treble while slightly recessing the midrange. This ‘U-shaped’ sound signature has drawn criticism from some audiophiles who prefer a more neutral presentation, but it serves a practical purpose.

In noisy environments, this sound profile allows you to listen at lower volumes while still hearing details in your music. The boosted bass helps overcome ambient noise, while the enhanced treble ensures clarity isn’t lost. For everyday listening in less-than-ideal conditions, this approach makes sense.

Customizing Your Sound Experience

If the default sound profile doesn’t suit your preferences, you have several options for customization:

1. Use the built-in EQ settings in your favorite music app
2. Try Apple’s Adaptive Audio feature, which automatically adjusts based on your environment
3. Experiment with different ear tip sizes for optimal seal and sound quality

During our testing, we found that most users will appreciate the default tuning, especially for genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. For classical or acoustic music, adjusting the EQ can provide a more balanced listening experience.

Battery Life and Charging Case Improvements

Apple has made meaningful improvements to battery life with the AirPods Pro 3. You now get up to eight hours of listening time with active noise cancellation enabled, which represents about a 20% increase over the previous generation. For those who use their earbuds throughout the workday or during long flights, this extra endurance is genuinely useful.

The Enhanced Charging Case

The charging case has received some thoughtful upgrades:

• USB-C charging: Finally, Apple has moved to the universal standard
• Improved findability: Enhanced Precision Finding makes locating your case easier
• Slightly larger but still pocketable: The case remains convenient for daily carry

The USB-C transition is particularly welcome, as it means one less cable to carry for most users. The case also supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, giving you multiple options for keeping your earbuds powered up.

Who Should Upgrade to AirPods Pro 3?

This is perhaps the most important question for potential buyers. Based on our testing and analysis, here’s our breakdown of who will benefit most from upgrading:

AirPods Pro 1 Owners: Strong Recommendation

If you’re still using the original AirPods Pro, the third generation represents a substantial upgrade. You’ll notice improvements in every area:

• Significantly better noise cancellation
• Improved battery life
• Better sound quality
• Enhanced features like Live Translation
• USB-C charging convenience

The cumulative effect of these improvements makes the upgrade worthwhile for most first-generation owners.

AirPods Pro 2 Owners: Consider Your Needs

For those with AirPods Pro 2, the decision is more nuanced. The improvements are real but incremental. Consider upgrading if:

1. Noise cancellation is your top priority and you need the best available
2. You regularly use your earbuds for 6+ hours at a time and need the extra battery
3. You frequently misplace your charging case and would benefit from enhanced findability
4. You travel internationally and would use the Live Translation feature (when available)

If none of these apply strongly, your AirPods Pro 2 will continue to serve you well for the foreseeable future.

Live Translation and Regional Availability

One of the most intriguing new features is Live Translation, which allows for real-time translation during conversations. However, it’s important to note that this feature is currently unavailable in Europe due to regulatory issues surrounding data processing and privacy.

For users in regions where it’s available, Live Translation works surprisingly well for casual conversations and basic communication needs. It’s not perfect for complex technical discussions, but for travelers and international business users, it adds genuine value to the AirPods Pro 3 package.

Final Verdict: Refinement Over Revolution

The AirPods Pro 3 represent Apple at its most pragmatic. Rather than chasing flashy new features, the company has focused on perfecting the core experience of wireless earbuds. The improvements in noise cancellation, battery life, and overall usability are meaningful and noticeable.

For new buyers entering the premium wireless earbud market, the AirPods Pro 3 are an excellent choice that balances performance, features, and ecosystem integration. For existing AirPods Pro owners, the upgrade decision comes down to how much you value the specific improvements offered.

As always at Future Gatgets, we recommend considering your specific needs and usage patterns before making a purchase decision. The AirPods Pro 3 are undoubtedly excellent earbuds, but whether they’re the right choice for you depends on what you’re looking to improve from your current audio setup.