Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)

A Worthy Upgrade for Everyday Listening

Earbuds have become an essential part of daily life, and Apple continues to refine its premium offering with the Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation). Building on the success of previous models, this latest version focuses on improved audio performance, smarter features, and a more immersive listening experience.

For users already within the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro line has long been one of the most convenient and capable wireless audio solutions. The third generation takes that foundation and enhances it in several meaningful ways.

A Personal Upgrade Journey

I first started using the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) back in 2020, and they quickly became my go-to earbuds for everyday use. Whether I was commuting (Covid permitting), listening to music while working, or taking calls on the move, they consistently delivered comfort, solid sound quality, and seamless integration with my Apple devices.

Upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3 has been a fantastic experience. Although the design looks quite similar at first glance, the improvements become obvious as soon as you start using them.

One of the standout additions is heart rate sensing, which allows the earbuds to track your heart rate during workouts and sync the data with the Apple Fitness app. Active Noise Cancellation has also seen a major boost, with Apple claiming it’s up to twice as effective as the previous generation and significantly better than the original AirPods Pro. Another impressive feature is live translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, enabling real-time translation of face-to-face conversations directly through the earbuds.

Battery life has improved as well, now offering up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, compared to 6 hours on the earlier model. The redesigned fit makes a noticeable difference too—the earbuds are slightly smaller and come with five sizes of foam-infused ear tips, including a new XXS option. This helps provide a more secure fit and better sound isolation. Durability has also been upgraded, with an IP57 rating that offers greater resistance to dust and water compared to the IP54 rating of previous versions.

That said, there is one small feature I still miss from older models, the ability to double-tap to skip to the next track. It was a simple, intuitive gesture that quickly became second nature. While the updated controls—using double and triple presses on the stems, work well, they feel slightly less convenient and require a bit more effort than before.

Refined Design and Comfort

Apple has maintained the familiar AirPods Pro design but made subtle refinements to improve comfort and usability. The earbuds remain lightweight and compact, making them comfortable for extended listening sessions.

The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes helps ensure a secure and personalised fit. Achieving a proper seal not only improves comfort but also plays an important role in maximizing sound quality and noise cancellation performance.

Overall, the design remains practical and minimalistic while maintaining the premium feel that users expect from Apple hardware.

Improved Sound Performance

One of the most important upgrades in the AirPods Pro 3 is the improvement in overall sound quality. Audio now feels more balanced and detailed, with clearer vocals, richer bass, and improved clarity across a wide range of music genres.

These improvements are particularly noticeable when combined with Spatial Audio, which expands the perceived soundstage and adds depth to the listening experience.

For everyday listeners, the result is a more engaging and immersive sound profile that works well for music, podcasts, and video content alike.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency

Noise cancellation continues to be one of the standout features of the AirPods Pro lineup. The AirPods Pro 3 further refines Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), helping reduce background noise more effectively in environments such as trains, offices, and busy streets.

At the same time, Apple’s Transparency Mode remains highly impressive. It allows outside sounds to pass through naturally when needed, making it easier to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds.

The ability to seamlessly switch between these modes makes the earbuds versatile for both focused listening and everyday awareness.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance remains strong and reliable for daily use. The earbuds are capable of lasting through long listening sessions, and the charging case provides multiple additional charges throughout the day.

The charging case also supports convenient charging options, ensuring the earbuds can be easily powered up whether at home, at work, or on the move.

Final Verdict

For users who began with the original AirPods Pro, the transition to the AirPods Pro 3 represents a clear and worthwhile upgrade. Improvements in sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, translation (although I have not used this option as yet) in my opinion is impressive.

Although the removal of the double-tap gesture for skipping tracks is a small drawback, it does little to diminish the overall strengths of the product.

Overall, the AirPods Pro 3 continue Apple’s tradition of refining its wireless earbuds with thoughtful improvements. For anyone seeking premium wireless audio—particularly those already using Apple devices—they remain one of the most compelling options on the market.