Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: Better fit and noise cancellation that rivals over-ears
The AirPods Pro 3 retain Apple’s signature glossy white design. Picture: Noel Campion.
Apple’s latest AirPods Pro 3 may look much like the previous generation, but don’t let appearances fool you. With better sound, smarter fitness tracking, and improved noise cancellation, these new earbuds mark Apple’s most polished and practical AirPods yet.
At first glance, the AirPods Pro 3 look no different to version 2. The familiar white gloss, compact stems, and pebble-shaped case are all here. But look closer, and Apple’s refinements start to appear. The charging case is slightly taller, and the physical pairing button has disappeared, replaced by a new touch-sensitive surface and a hidden LED light under the glossy shell. It’s a cleaner, more modern aesthetic that ties neatly into Apple’s minimalist design language. Despite the slightly larger case, it still slips into pockets with ease.
While the glossy plastic exterior looks excellent when new, it quickly loses its shine, and it still easily picks up microscratches.
The earbuds themselves have been subtly reshaped to accommodate a new heart-rate sensor and better airflow. They still look like AirPods, but they now sit more securely and feel more premium in hand.
The AirPods Pro 3 fit far better than their predecessors. They now feel snug, soft, and secure without creating ear fatigue. Apple’s redesigned ear tips now feature a memory foam core wrapped in silicone, giving a cushioned yet stable feel. While the version 2s were slightly more comfortable for me, the Pro 3s are more secure.
The inclusion of a new extra-extra-small size is great news for those who previously struggled to find a comfortable fit. Even during the head-shake test, the 3rd generation stayed put without causing any pressure points.
Apple has added a clever new heart-rate monitoring feature to the AirPods Pro 3. The built-in optical sensor measures your pulse directly from your ear, syncing directly with the Fitness app and Apple Watch. You can even start a workout using just your AirPods, and heart-rate data appears in Fitness+ and on your iPhone’s lock screen via Live Activities.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has been upgraded, too, and is now rated twice as effective as before. I’ve used them on several recent trips, and while I used to bring over-ear headphones for their top-notch ANC, Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 have become my go-to. They’re far smaller yet offer noise cancellation that rivals many class-leading over-ear models.
It’s not just hardware; new microphones and adaptive software combine to isolate unwanted sounds more naturally. Transparency mode is also improved, eliminating the slightly “robotic” tone of the AirPods Pro 2 and producing more realistic ambient sound.
Apple’s long-missing Live Translation is finally coming to AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation in the EU. The delay was due to regulatory requirements under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), but it will now be accessible via a software update to iOS 26 in December 2025. Using the updated AirPods, you should hear near-instant German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, Portuguese and English conversions spoken straight into your buds.
Battery performance is solid and consistent. Apple claims up to eight hours of listening with ANC or Transparency on, and around 30 hours with the charging case, and those numbers hold up.
Suppose you use the AirPods Pro 3 for hearing enhancement via Apple’s accessibility features. In that case, battery life extends to around 10 hours, which is a nice touch for those relying on them as everyday hearing aids. Wireless charging remains standard, and the case supports USB-C.
Apple’s control integration remains one of the AirPods’ biggest strengths. There’s no standalone app; instead, everything from EQ to ANC modes is accessible through iOS Settings or Control Centre. Pairing remains effortless, and switching between devices on the same Apple ID is seamless.
You also get spatial audio, adaptive EQ, and support for Siri voice commands. The heart-rate data syncs automatically with the Health app, and firmware updates arrive quietly in the background. It’s all very Apple — simple, polished, and designed to “just work”.
The sound tuning has been tweaked to deliver a richer bass and cleaner detail without becoming muddy or harsh. Apple has struck a superb balance between precision and warmth. I found that music feels more alive and immersive than before.
The low end has noticeably more punch, vocals sound more forward and natural, and the overall soundstage feels more open. Even with no major chip upgrade, Apple’s acoustic tweaks and adaptive algorithms make a big difference. Whether listening to orchestral music, podcasts, or pop tracks, these earbuds consistently impressed me with their clarity and control.
Microphone quality is also improved, and now calls sound crisper, background noise is better suppressed, and recording voice memos or videos using the AirPods delivers surprisingly clear results.
The AirPods Pro 3 bring meaningful improvements where it matters most – comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellation. They’re not revolutionary, but they’re easily Apple’s most refined and versatile earbuds yet, perfect for iPhone users seeking everyday excellence, and all without a price hike.
€249 apple.ie
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