Apple launched the AirPods Pro 3 last month to widespread praise, and after using them daily since launch, my experience has been both impressive and unexpectedly complicated.
When Apple unveiled its new lineup of iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods, the AirPods Pro 3 seemed like the most straightforward upgrade—an easy win. Early reviews echoed that sentiment. My colleague Chance summed it up best: “The best get even better.”
On paper, that’s completely true. I loved my AirPods Pro 2, and the third generation improves upon them in several key ways.
Audio and Noise Cancellation
The upgrades to audio quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) are immediately noticeable. The sound feels richer and more detailed, and the ANC does an even better job isolating me from background noise. Since these are the two features I value most, that’s a major plus.
But while AirPods Pro 2 were a slam-dunk upgrade from the original, the story this time is more nuanced.
Fit and Comfort
Apple claims the new design “fits even better,” and for many users that’s likely true. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them. Despite experimenting with all ear tip sizes, the AirPods Pro 3 have been less comfortable than their predecessors.
The medium tips are the only ones that pass Apple’s acoustic seal test without hurting my ears. The large tips seal well but cause pain, while the smaller ones feel better but result in poor noise isolation. That leaves me choosing between mild discomfort or reduced performance—a frustrating trade-off.
Apple suggests using whatever size feels most comfortable, but comfort and sound quality are deeply linked here. A good seal is essential for the new ANC to work properly, and finding that balance hasn’t been easy.
Battery Life
Battery life is another mixed bag. The AirPods themselves now last up to 8 hours per charge, compared to 6 on the previous generation—a clear improvement. However, the case’s total battery capacity has dropped from 30 hours to 24.
That means while I can go longer between earbud charges, the case itself needs recharging more often. I now plug it in nightly, not out of necessity, but to avoid the low-battery warnings that pop up more often than I’d like. It feels like trading one convenience for another.
Final Thoughts
After a month of use, my feelings about AirPods Pro 3 are mixed. The audio and noise cancellation upgrades are undeniable—some of the best I’ve experienced in any pair of earbuds. But the fit and case battery life have made the upgrade less straightforward.
Despite those drawbacks, I don’t regret upgrading. The improvements in sound and ANC make daily listening more immersive, and new features like the heart rate sensor are welcome extras, even if they’re not must-haves for me.
If you’ve never used AirPods Pro, or if the new fit works better for your ears, AirPods Pro 3 are an easy recommendation. But if the AirPods Pro 2 already fit you perfectly, know that this upgrade might come with a few unexpected compromises.
Have you upgraded to AirPods Pro 3? I’d love to hear what your experience has been in the comments.
