Quick Verdict
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds with Apple’s H2 chip, upgraded active noise cancellation, heart rate sensing, Live Translation, and IP57 protection. If you use an iPhone, they are an easy recommendation, because the best features work together with Apple devices. The trade-offs are that several features need an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, and they are premium-priced.
Check AirPods Pro 3 price on Amazon
Torn between these and Samsung’s earbuds? See our AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds4 Pro comparison.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This review is based on the manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews.
Table of Contents
AirPods Pro 3 Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Apple AirPods Pro 3 (MFHP4LL/A) |
| Type | True wireless in-ear earbuds |
| Chip | Apple H2 in the earbuds; Apple U2 in the case |
| Noise cancelling | Active Noise Cancellation, which Apple says removes up to 2x more noise than AirPods Pro 2 |
| Battery per charge | Up to 8 hours with ANC (7.5 with Spatial Audio and head tracking) |
| Battery with case | Up to 24 hours with ANC; 5 minutes in the case gives about 1 hour |
| Water and dust resistance | IP57 for the earbuds and the case |
| Case | MagSafe USB-C charging case with a speaker and a lanyard loop |
| Ear tips | Five sizes |
| Health features | Heart rate sensing, hearing test, and Hearing Aid feature |
| Other features | Live Translation, Adaptive EQ, automatic device switching, Audio Sharing |
| Compatibility | Best with iPhone; works on other devices for basic use |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Up to 8 hours of listening with ANC on, and up to 24 hours with the case
- Heart rate sensing for workout tracking
- Live Translation and hearing health features
- IP57 protection for the earbuds and the case
- Five ear tip sizes for a more secure fit
- Seamless switching between Apple devices
Cons
- Live Translation and other features need an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone
- The best experience is limited to Apple devices
- Premium price
- Heart rate tracking shortens battery to about 6.5 hours per charge
Performance and Real-World Use
Noise cancelling and sound
Apple says the AirPods Pro 3 remove up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2, and they use a new acoustic design and Adaptive EQ that tunes the sound to your ears. Inward-facing microphones measure what you hear and adjust in real time.
Fit and battery
The ear tips now come in five sizes for a more secure fit. Apple lists up to 8 hours per charge with ANC and up to 24 hours with the case, and 5 minutes in the case adds about an hour.
Health and translation
The earbuds add heart rate sensing for up to 50 workout types, a home hearing test, and a Hearing Aid feature. Live Translation works when the earbuds are paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later.
Who Should Buy the AirPods Pro 3?
A great fit if you…
- use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- want strong ANC plus fitness and hearing-health features
- want a long total battery life with fast case charging
Look elsewhere if you…
- use an Android phone and want every feature
- do not need premium extras
- want the cheapest ANC option
Alternatives to Consider
- Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro: a strong rival for Galaxy owners. Read our review.
- AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: a lower-priced Apple option.
- Sony WF-1000X series: well-known noise-cancelling earbuds that work across phone brands.
Browse more audio gear in our gear review hub or see our comparison hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the AirPods Pro 3 work with Android?
They connect over Bluetooth for basic listening, but features such as Live Translation and automatic switching need Apple devices.
How long does the battery last?
Apple lists up to 8 hours per charge with ANC and up to 24 hours with the case. See Apple’s tech specs for details.
Are the AirPods Pro 3 waterproof?
They have an IP57 rating for the earbuds and the case, which means dust, sweat, and water resistance, not swimming.
What does Live Translation need?
An Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later.
Final Verdict on the AirPods Pro 3
For iPhone users who want premium noise cancelling, health features, and a long battery life in a small case, the AirPods Pro 3 are among the best earbuds you can buy. Android users will get more from earbuds built for their phones.