Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: A Solid Choice with Some Quirks

When I first got my hands on the Apple AirPods Pro 3, I was curious to see how they would hold up to the hype. They're packed with features that sound impressive on paper, but I wanted to see how they performed in real life. I'm an everyday user, so my perspective comes from regular, practical usage rather than tech-heavy analysis.

Right out of the box, the AirPods Pro 3 come with a MagSafe Charging Case and a set of silicone ear tips in five different sizes. The inclusion of these ear tips is a nice touch, allowing for a more personalized fit, which is crucial for earbuds that claim to offer the best-in-ear active noise cancellation.

One thing that intrigued me was the new heart rate sensing capability. I’m not a fitness junkie, but I do like to keep tabs on my heart rate during workouts, so this was a feature I was excited to test out. The Live Translation feature also piqued my interest, as I often work with international clients and language barriers can be a challenge.

Overall, my initial thoughts were positive, but as with any product, the true test comes from using them day-to-day, which I did for the next couple of weeks.

When it comes to value for money, the AirPods Pro 3 are a bit of a mixed bag. They are undoubtedly on the higher end of the price spectrum for wireless earbuds, which is expected given the Apple brand. For what they offer, they are decent, but you are paying a premium for the name and seamless integration with Apple devices.

If you own multiple Apple products, the automatic switching and audio sharing features are pretty neat and add to the value. However, if you're not all-in on the Apple ecosystem, you might find similar performance and features from less expensive alternatives.

The quality of sound, noise cancellation, and the extra features like heart rate sensing are all solid. Yet, if any of these features aren't a priority for you, there are other earbuds with similar performance for less money. The lack of a charging cable and adapter in the box is a bit of a letdown, considering the price point.

Ultimately, if you have the budget and are looking for earbuds that integrate seamlessly with your Apple devices, they're a good choice. But if you're looking purely for bang for your buck, there might be better options out there.

The design of the AirPods Pro 3 is pretty much consistent with what you'd expect from Apple—sleek and minimalist. They're white, which is classic Apple, and the charging case is compact enough to fit easily into a pocket or bag. I appreciate the simplicity, but it does make them look like a lot of other wireless earbuds in the market.

Where the design shines is in the fit. With five sizes of ear tips, you can get a more secure and comfortable fit. I tried several sizes before settling on the medium size, which provided a snug fit without being uncomfortable during extended wear. This is really important for effective noise cancellation.

The AirPods Pro 3 are sweatproof and water-resistant, which is essential for workouts and running errands in unpredictable weather. They held up well during a couple of light rain showers, so no complaints there. The touch controls are responsive, though it took some time to get used to them. I found myself accidentally pausing music when adjusting the earbuds initially.

In terms of build, they feel sturdy. After two weeks of use, including being tossed in a gym bag and dropped a couple of times, they still look and function like new, which speaks to their durability.

The battery life on the AirPods Pro 3 is pretty reliable. Apple claims you can get up to 8 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on, and from my experience, that's fairly accurate. I typically got around 7 hours, which is enough for a day at work or a long flight.

The case provides additional charges, so you can extend the usage without needing to find a power outlet. However, I did notice that the case drains battery when not in use, which is something to keep in mind if you're planning on using them for a long trip without frequent access to charging.

Charging is done via USB-C, which is a nice upgrade. It's quicker and more convenient than the older Lightning ports, especially if you have other USB-C devices. However, the fact that it doesn't come with a charging cable or adapter is a bit annoying. You'll need to have your own or buy one separately.

In summary, the battery performance is decent and should suffice for most users. It's not the longest-lasting on the market, but it's reliable enough for daily use.

The performance of the AirPods Pro 3 is where most people will either love or hate these earbuds. The Active Noise Cancellation is quite effective. In noisy environments like a coffee shop or a gym, it does a decent job of blocking out background noise. However, when compared to some other high-end earbuds, it wasn't mind-blowing but definitely gets the job done.

The Live Translation feature is handy, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything more than casual conversations. It's not perfect, but it's quick and easy to use for basic interactions. Pairing with Apple devices is seamless, as expected, but I noticed a bit of lag when switching between devices, which can be annoying.

When it comes to high-fidelity sound, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver solid audio quality. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are clear. I've used them for both music and calls, and while music sounds great, calls can be a bit hit-or-miss with background noise.

Overall, if you're looking for high-performance earbuds that do a lot of things well but don't excel in any one area, these might be for you. They're solid but not groundbreaking.