AirPods Pro 3 review: Is it worth upgrading from the AirPods Pro 2?
The first AirPods Pro 3 reviews are now out, and we’ve taken a closer look at some of them. The improvements are apparently more noticeable than you might think. Everything from sound quality to active noise cancellation to transparency mode has been improved, and the new foam-filled silicone ear tips provide the best fit yet.
According to MacRumors, the AirPods Pro 3 offered a more dynamic sound profile. In addition, the earbuds fit much better in the ears compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
Heart Rate Measurement
MacRumors also tested the new heart rate monitor on the AirPods Pro 3, which reported surprisingly accurate results for such a small in-ear sensor. Combined with the Apple Watch, you get even more accurate heart rate measurements during workouts. On your iPhone, you can also start many workouts in the Fitness app while wearing only the new AirPods – without an Apple Watch.
ANC
Active noise cancellation is also significantly improved compared to the AirPods Pro 2 thanks to a combination of improved microphones and computational audio enhancements. In addition, the new foam-filled ear tips offer better passive noise isolation.
Transparency mode has also been improved, making both your own voice and the voices of others sound more natural during personal conversations and phone calls.
Battery life
Apple claims that the AirPods Pro 3 with active noise cancellation enabled offer up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge. That’s more than the 6 hours of the AirPods Pro 2. In testing, the battery life was impressive, as was the improved active noise cancellation. However, this does not apply to the charging case’s capacity, which has decreased by 20%.
New features of the AirPods Pro 3:
- 2x more active noise cancellation: According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 3 offer up to 2x more active noise cancellation than the AirPods Pro 2 and up to 4x more than the original AirPods Pro. According to Apple, active noise cancellation is the best of any wireless in-ear earbud.
- Improved sound quality: The new acoustic architecture with next-generation adaptive EQ can, according to Apple, “transform bass response, expand the soundstage so users hear every instrument, and deliver vibrant vocal clarity in higher frequencies for music, shows, and calls.”
- Longer battery life per charge: According to Apple, listening time with active noise cancellation enabled is up to 8 hours per charge. The AirPods Pro 2 only offer 6 hours. The charging case, on the other hand, offers up to 24 hours of total listening time with active noise cancellation enabled, while the AirPods Pro 2 case offers up to 30 hours of total listening time with active noise cancellation enabled.
- Heart rate monitoring during exercise: Like the Powerbeats Pro 2, the AirPods Pro 3 also feature a heart rate sensor that emits pulsating infrared light to measure light absorption in blood flow. Users can track their heart rate and calorie burn, close the Move ring, and collect achievements for 50 different workouts in the iPhone Fitness app – all without an Apple Watch.
- Improved Fit: According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 3 are the “most secure and well-fitting AirPods ever.” The earbuds are slightly smaller, and the outer design of each earbud has been “aligned with the core of the body for greater stability.”
- Improved Water Resistance: The new AirPods are IP57 sweat- and water-resistant, compared to IP54 for their predecessors. By definition, the IP57 rating means the Pro 3 can withstand temporary submersion in water up to one meter deep, but Apple’s marketing only promises that they can “survive the most strenuous workouts and even a sudden downpour.”
- U2 chip: The charging case is equipped with Apple’s second-generation U2 chip for ultra-wideband. This enables precision search in the “Find My” app to work even at 1.5 times the distance. To use this, you’ll need an iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, or iPhone Air.
- XXS Eartip Option: The AirPods Pro 3 come with new XXS silicone eartips, in addition to the same XS, S, M, and L sizes included with the Pro 2. According to Apple, the earbuds now feature foam for better passive noise isolation.
The AirPods Pro 3 are available for pre-order now and will launch tomorrow, Friday, September 19.
