AirPods Pro 3: Sound Subpar, Features Shine

AirPods Pro 3: Sound Subpar, Features Shine

Apple’s latest iteration of its premium true wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, has landed, and while they boast a suite of impressive upgrades, a critical aspect – audio quality – has left some users, including myself, wanting more. Despite a slightly recessed bass and an unusual peak in the mids, the AirPods Pro 3 excel in nearly every other category, from active noise cancellation and microphone performance to comfort and battery life. But does that make them an essential upgrade for existing AirPods Pro 2 owners?

Audio Quality: A Step Backwards?

The most contentious point with the AirPods Pro 3 is undoubtedly its sound profile. During blind listening tests conducted with my wife, we both consistently preferred the audio output of the older AirPods Pro 2. The AP3’s sound, while detailed, felt artificially enhanced, as if the tracks were being stretched to create an illusion of extra clarity. This subjective experience was further supported by objective measurements taken with an ear-tube apparatus. The AP3s exhibit more sub-bass, which is beneficial for extremely low frequencies, but a noticeable dip in the mid-bass region, likely an intentional tuning to make the sub-bass pop more. Additionally, a peculiar 2.5 kHz peak, absent in the AP2, was observed on both channels of the AP3s. While these characteristics don’t render the AP3’s sound ‘bad,’ they certainly don’t make it ‘obviously better’ than the AP2, which I rated a 9/10 for sound. The AP3, for me, lands at an 8.8/10, a slight downgrade based on personal preference.

Comfort and Fit: A Notable Improvement

Where the AirPods Pro 3 truly shine is in their design and comfort. Apple has redesigned the earbuds with a subtle protrusion before the ear tip, causing the bud to sit slightly further away from the ear canal. This seemingly minor change significantly enhances long-term wearability compared to the AP2, which sat more flush and could become less comfortable over extended periods. The new foam-infused silicone tips, now available in five sizes (including an extra-extra small), further contribute to a secure and comfortable fit, catering to a wider range of ear sizes, even down to younger users. While the AP3s are fractionally heavier, the difference is imperceptible. However, for intense physical activity like sports, the fit, while improved, still might not be secure enough for some, and I’d still lean towards earbuds with ear hooks.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode: Best-in-Class

Apple has pushed the boundaries with active noise cancellation (ANC) on the AirPods Pro 3. Building upon the already impressive ANC of the AP2, the new models offer a demonstrably more powerful noise-canceling experience. This is attributed to the improved foam-infused seals, enhanced computational audio, and, crucially, the upgraded microphones. These microphones are nothing short of excellent, capable of recording high-quality audio for calls or even content creation in a pinch. The transparency mode is equally remarkable, sounding incredibly natural and making it feel as though you’re not wearing earbuds at all. Voices come through with remarkable clarity and a natural tone, a significant improvement over the AP2.

Microphone Performance: A Standout Feature

The microphones on the AirPods Pro 3 are a significant leap forward. While they may not be ideal for eliminating all environmental noise (a hairdryer was still audible during testing), their performance for voice calls and general audio capture is top-tier. In fact, they are noticeably better than the microphones found on the AirPods Pro 2. This enhanced microphone quality is particularly relevant for the new live translation feature.

New Features: Live Translation and Heart Rate Monitoring

The AirPods Pro 3 introduce two compelling new features. The first is an on-device live translation function, currently in beta. This feature works by downloading language packs in advance and translates conversations in real-time without sending data to the cloud. While there’s a slight delay as the system captures context, it’s generally fast enough not to disrupt conversation flow and proves incredibly useful. It’s worth noting that this feature will also be coming to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 via software updates, though the impact of their microphone quality on the experience remains to be seen.

The second new addition is a heart rate sensor, similar to the one found on the Power Beats Pro 2. This sensor, situated in the ear canal, has proven surprisingly accurate in testing. However, it requires the earbuds to be near your phone or watch to function, meaning you can’t just go for a run untethered without your primary device. It also currently only supports specific workouts within the Fitness app, making it feel somewhat redundant for users who already own a smartwatch. Nevertheless, it offers a viable alternative for those who prefer not to wear a watch during workouts.

Battery Life and Case Capacity

Battery life on the AirPods Pro 3 sees a welcome improvement. Apple claims up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on, an increase from the AP2’s 6 hours. My testing yielded nearly 9 hours with ANC on at moderate volume, a substantial gain. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of battery life, bringing the total to 32 hours. This contrasts with the AP2’s case, which offered 30 hours total. It’s important to note the reality of battery degradation; my 3-year-old AP2s, originally offering 6 hours, now barely last 4 hours. This highlights the potential for similar degradation in the AP3s due to their small battery size.

Price and Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

Priced at $250, the AirPods Pro 3 remain at the premium end of the true wireless earbud market. While there are capable alternatives for significantly less (e.g., Nothing Ear at $150), the AP3s offer a compelling package of features. The key question for existing AirPods Pro 2 owners is whether the upgrade is justified. If your primary use case is simply listening to music and you’re satisfied with the AP2’s ANC, the AP3 may not be a necessary purchase. The audio quality, in my opinion, is not a clear step up and may even be a slight downgrade for some. However, if you are drawn to the advanced features, particularly the significantly improved microphone system for calls or content creation, or if you value the enhanced comfort and advanced ANC, then the AirPods Pro 3 present a strong case. They are, in many respects, best-in-class, but the audio experience leaves room for improvement.

Specs & Key Features

• Audio: Enhanced bass with sub-bass extension, mid-bass dip, 2.5 kHz peak (vs. AP2)
• Comfort: Redesigned fit, foam-infused silicone tips (5 sizes including XXS)
• ANC: Enhanced active noise cancellation
• Transparency Mode: Natural-sounding
• Microphones: Significantly improved for calls and audio capture
• New Features: On-device Live Translation (beta), Heart Rate Sensor
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours listening (ANC on), 32 hours total with case
• Price: $250

Source: AirPods Pro 3 Review – Awesome (YouTube)