AirPods Pro 3 Review: A Surprising Upgrade With One Major Flaw
▼ Summary
– The author initially hesitated to upgrade from AirPods Pro 2 but found their pessimism was unwarranted after trying AirPods Pro 3.
– AirPods Pro 3 offer a significantly better and more comfortable fit due to a new shape and foam-infused ear tips, making them ideal for extended wear.
– Transparency mode is clearer on AirPods Pro 3, which the author attributes to the improved seal and makes conversations while wearing them more natural.
– Sound quality is similar between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2, so audio performance is not a major upgrade for existing users.
– While the earbuds themselves have longer battery life, the charging case provides less total battery capacity, requiring more frequent charging compared to AirPods Pro 2.
The AirPods Pro 3 present a surprisingly compelling upgrade over their predecessors, delivering a noticeably more comfortable fit and enhanced transparency mode, though a reduced charging case battery life stands out as a significant trade-off. Initially skeptical about the need to upgrade from the excellent AirPods Pro 2, especially with features like Live Translation coming to the older model, my hands-on experience quickly changed that perspective.
Comfort and fit are where the new model truly excels. The difference is immediately apparent upon wearing them. The AirPods Pro 3 feel significantly lighter and more comfortable, to the point where you can easily forget they are in your ears. This improvement stems from a redesigned shape and new foam-infused ear tips, which make extended listening sessions far more pleasant. Apple’s claim that these are the most secure and best-fitting AirPods ever, backed by extensive user research, feels entirely accurate in practice.
Another area of unexpected improvement is the transparency mode. While Apple doesn’t heavily advertise this, the AirPods Pro 3 offer a clearer and more natural sound when this mode is activated. This enhancement is likely a direct result of the superior ear seal provided by the foam tips, which typically muffles external noise. For anyone who dislikes talking while wearing earbuds, this clarity is a game-changer, making conversations feel effortless.
When it comes to pure audio performance, the sound signature remains largely consistent with the AirPods Pro 2. If you already enjoy the audio quality of the previous generation, you will find the Pro 3 delivers a similar, high-fidelity listening experience. This is great news for fans of the existing sound profile, though those hoping for a dramatic leap in audio fidelity might find it slightly disappointing.
The most notable drawback is the charging case’s diminished battery capacity. While the earbuds themselves last longer, offering up to 10 hours of listening time compared to the Pro 2’s 6 hours, the total system battery life is shorter. The AirPods Pro 3 and their case combined provide 24 hours of power, a step down from the 30 hours offered by the AirPods Pro 2. In daily use, this translates to seeing the low-battery notification on your iPhone more frequently. You will need to be more mindful about charging the case, even if the earbuds themselves have never died during use.
Overall, the AirPods Pro 3 are a fantastic product. For owners of older AirPods models, the upgrade is well worth considering if your budget allows. The improvements in comfort and transparency are more impactful than they appear on a spec sheet. It’s highly recommended to try a demo at an Apple Store to feel the difference for yourself.
A couple of minor physical changes are also worth mentioning. The AirPods Pro 3 case is slightly larger than the Pro 2’s, and the entire package feels lighter. These are subtle differences that don’t affect functionality but are interesting to note. The AirPods Pro 3 are currently available for purchase on Amazon at a price of $249.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
