When Apple unveiled the latest iteration of its popular wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, it prompted an immediate pre-order from this reviewer. While the untimely demise of a previous pair accelerated the decision, the allure of new features made the purchase feel inevitable.
Priced at £219, these earbuds represent a significant investment. However, with promises of superior noise cancellation, enhanced sound transparency, and the introduction of adaptive audio alongside the new iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence, the potential for buyer's remorse seemed low.
Performance and Sound Quality
Putting new headphones through their paces requires patience, and a proper assessment of sound quality often takes a couple of weeks as the earbuds settle in. The most immediately noticeable upgrade in the AirPods Pro 3 is the bass. It is punchier, cleaner, and more controlled than in previous models, creating an enveloping listening experience that was sometimes lacking in earlier AirPods, including the premium Max model.
While it's true that few earbuds can truly rival over-ear headphones for bass depth, the AirPods Pro 3 come impressively close, arguably setting a new standard for in-ear audio. The overall soundscape feels bigger and more impressive than the previous generation, even giving rivals like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds a run for their money.
Acoustic tracks sound remarkably clear, revealing subtle notes and instrumental details that were previously missed. A key feature that continues to impress is Spatial Audio, which makes listening to music, audiobooks, and watching films a deeply immersive experience, offering a personal surround sound setup on the go.
Testing with a classic like Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain' confirmed the crisp and clear delivery across guitar, vocals, and the iconic bassline. However, the performance was less stellar with classical pieces like Max Richter's 'Spring 1', which felt underwhelming and lacked depth even at maximum volume, a slight disappointment for classical music enthusiasts.
Standout Features and Daily Use
Apple has long been a leader in active noise cancellation, and the AirPods Pro 3 solidifies that position, arguably outperforming even the AirPods Max. Engaging this mode creates a perfect bubble of silence, ideal for intense gaming sessions or deep work focus, even without any music playing.
For daily life, however, Transparency mode is where most time is spent. It allows for full awareness of your surroundings—like a colleague speaking or the doorbell ringing—without compromising audio quality. The innovative Adaptive mode intelligently blends noise cancellation and transparency, adjusting to your environment. For instance, it can mute the general white noise of traffic while letting you hear individual cars or people walking past, a feature that enhances a sense of safety while out and about.
Another practical addition is Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers media volume and reduces background noise when you start speaking, proving invaluable in an office setting.
Battery life is reliable, with Apple's claim of eight hours on a single charge holding true in daily use, requiring a case charge only two to three times a week with constant use during work hours.
Health Tech and The Future of Translation
Aligning with modern trends, the AirPods Pro 3 incorporate health and wellness features. They include a built-in heart rate monitor for fitness tracking and introduce new Hearing Health tools. These allow you to set volume limits to protect long-term hearing and even function as a hearing aid, boosting surrounding voices and sounds. Remarkably, you can take a hearing test directly from your phone for instant feedback.
The most talked-about feature is the beta version of Apple's Live Translation. Requiring iOS 26, a recent iPhone model, and Apple Intelligence, it promises real-time conversation translation directly through the earbuds, with a written transcript on your phone. In its current form, it's a bit clunky, suffering from significant delays and requiring a clear accent for accuracy. While the potential is game-changing, the execution still needs refinement through future updates.
Design, Value, and Verdict
The earbuds themselves are slightly smaller than their predecessors, but the case is larger, which may frustrate owners of older protective cases. They come with five sizes of silicone ear tips and an acoustic seal test to ensure a perfect, secure fit that stays put during runs or commutes.
At £219, these are undeniably premium earbuds. The value for money, however, is excellent for those who prioritise top-tier sound quality, industry-leading noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. For iPhone users who want the best, they are hard to beat.
The final verdict? For Android or Windows users, the sound quality alone isn't enough to justify the cost when excellent alternatives like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra exist. Similarly, the base model AirPods don't offer comparable value. But for a shopaholic embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 3 are a million percent worth it. They are a clear, significant upgrade that delivers a richer, more immersive audio experience, making them a compelling purchase for the right user.
