AirPods Pro 3 Review: Apple's Best Earbuds Get a Meaningful Upgrade

Noise Cancellation: Best in Class

AirPods Pro 3 uses the H2 chip's improved computational audio to deliver ANC that rivals over-ear headphones in our testing. Low-frequency drone from aircraft engines is reduced by 2.5dB more than AirPods Pro 2, and the new Adaptive Audio mode's transition between ANC and Transparency is smoother and faster. The Transparency mode remains the most natural we've tested — you genuinely forget you're wearing earbuds while still getting noise isolation when needed.

Health Monitoring Features

The headline new feature is hearing health — AirPods Pro 3 can function as an FDA-registered hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss, a first for mainstream earbuds. The built-in hearing test in the Health app takes four minutes and calibrates a custom hearing profile. Conversation Boost, which amplifies speech in front of you while suppressing background noise, is now more natural-sounding than ever.

Sound Quality

Apple has tuned the Pro 3 for a more balanced sound signature compared to the slightly bass-heavy Pro 2. The low end is still present and satisfying, but midrange vocals are clearer and treble is more extended without becoming harsh. Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking remains the most convincing spatial audio on any earbuds, particularly for movies and immersive music.

Verdict

At $249, the AirPods Pro 3 are the best earbuds for iPhone users. The combination of class-leading ANC, hearing health features, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration is unmatched.