Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Better ANC, Heart Rate Sensing and Live Translation

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium wireless earbuds designed for iPhone users who want excellent noise cancellation, Spatial Audio, fitness tracking and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.

Major upgrades include stronger Active Noise Cancellation, heart rate sensing during workouts, Live Translation, improved fit and up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC enabled.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Specs

Apple says the new ANC can remove up to 2× more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2.

Sound Quality

AirPods Pro 3 use a redesigned acoustic architecture with Adaptive EQ.

Apple says the new design provides:

• Deeper bass
• Wider soundstage
• Improved vocal clarity
• Adaptive EQ
• Personalized Spatial Audio
• Dynamic head tracking

For music, movies and podcasts, they deliver a premium and immersive listening experience.

Active Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation is one of the biggest AirPods Pro 3 upgrades.

Apple claims up to twice the unwanted-noise reduction of AirPods Pro 2 and four times that of the original AirPods Pro.

The earbuds also include:

• Transparency Mode
• Adaptive Audio
• Conversation Awareness
• Voice Isolation
• Loud Sound Reduction

Conversation Awareness automatically lowers your media volume when you begin speaking to someone nearby.

Heart Rate Sensing

AirPods Pro 3 introduce a built-in heart rate sensor for workouts.

The sensor uses invisible light and works with motion sensors to track heart rate and calories burned during compatible workouts.

Apple says it can be used with up to 50 different workout types through the Fitness app.

This makes AirPods Pro 3 much more attractive for gym, running and fitness users.

Live Translation

AirPods Pro 3 support Live Translation for conversations across supported languages.

Speech can be translated into your preferred language through compatible Apple devices, while your translated response can be displayed on the iPhone.

Availability depends on language, region and compatible Apple software.

Battery Life

Battery life has improved.

Apple rates AirPods Pro 3 for:

Up to 8 hours with Active Noise Cancellation
Up to 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking
Up to 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts
Up to 24 hours total with the charging case and ANC enabled

A 5-minute charge provides around 1 hour of listening time.

Fit & Comfort

Apple redesigned the earbuds for a more secure in-ear fit.

AirPods Pro 3 include five ear-tip sizes, including a new XXS option, and Apple uses foam-infused microspheres inside the silicone tips to improve both fit and acoustic isolation.

This should be particularly useful during workouts.

IP57 Protection

Both the AirPods Pro 3 and charging case are rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water resistance.

That makes them better suited to:

• Running
• Gym workouts
• Outdoor use
• Sweat
• Light rain

They are water-resistant, not waterproof.

Charging Case

The MagSafe charging case supports:

• USB-C
• MagSafe
• Qi wireless charging
• Apple Watch charger

It also includes a speaker for Find My and Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for more precise locating.

Pros

✓ Excellent Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Up to 8-hour ANC battery life
✓ Heart rate sensing
✓ Live Translation
✓ Excellent Transparency Mode
✓ Personalized Spatial Audio
✓ Improved secure fit
✓ IP57 protection
✓ MagSafe and wireless charging
✓ Excellent integration with iPhone

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Best features require Apple devices
✗ Only 24 hours total battery with ANC and case
✗ Live Translation availability depends on language and region
✗ Heart-rate feature is mainly useful during workouts
✗ Less attractive for Android users

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Rating

Sound Quality: 9.4/10
Noise Cancellation: 9.8/10
Comfort: 9.3/10
Battery: 8.8/10
Fitness Features: 9.2/10
Features: 9.7/10
Value: 8.7/10

Overall: 9.3/10

Verdict

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are excellent premium wireless earbuds for iPhone users, especially for people who care about noise cancellation, fitness and Apple ecosystem features.

Improved ANC, heart rate sensing, Live Translation, IP57 protection and longer 8-hour earbud battery life make them a meaningful upgrade.

Their biggest downside is the price, while Android users will not get the same level of integration.

For Apple users looking for a premium pair of everyday and workout earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3 offer an impressive all-around package.