Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: I didn't think earbuds could pull off immersive ANC like this
After months of testing, the standout feature is ANC performance that challenges premium over-ear models.
Apple has significantly upgraded its flagship earbuds with the AirPods Pro 3, building upon the acclaimed AirPods Pro 2. After months of rigorous testing, including a five-hour flight and daily comparisons with top competitors, the standout achievement is their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The review notes the ANC now genuinely rivals the performance of premium over-ear headphones, a feat previously thought difficult for earbuds to accomplish. This places them in direct competition with models like Sony's $329 WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which are renowned for their sound and noise cancellation.
The AirPods Pro 3 retain their $249 price point and introduce new features including heart-rate monitoring for quality-of-life improvements. While the design sees updates, the charging case remains similarly scratch-prone. The testing involved comparative analysis with a suite of devices including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max, Google Pixel Buds Pro, and Meta Ray-Bans. The conclusion is that for existing AirPods lovers, the Pro 3 offers a compelling, enhanced experience, particularly for users who prioritize best-in-class noise isolation in a compact form factor.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance now rivals high-end over-ear headphones, a major leap for earbuds.
- Priced at $249, matching the previous generation, and includes new heart-rate monitoring feature.
- Tested extensively against competitors like the $329 Sony WF-1000XM5, with ANC being the defining upgrade.
Why It Matters
Sets a new benchmark for in-ear noise cancellation, challenging the need for bulkier over-ear headphones in noisy environments.