AirPods Pro 3 Review: Still the Best Earbuds for iPhone?
Short answer: 9.0 out of 10
If you use an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 are the earbuds to buy. Testers measured some of the best noise cancelling available, the sound and fit are better than before, and iOS 27 fixed the missing EQ. At $179 on sale they're excellent value; at $249, they're still a safe choice.
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Best earbuds for iPhone
Apple AirPods Pro 3
From $249
What we like
- Among the strongest noise cancelling in any earbuds
- Fuller, more spacious sound than AirPods Pro 2
- Better fit, with a new XXS ear tip
- Heart-rate tracking and FDA-authorised hearing aid features
- Custom EQ added in iOS 27
What could be better
- Case battery fell to 24 hours, from 30 on Pro 2
- No charging cable in the box
- Best features need an iPhone
- Live Translation lags a second or two
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Ratings
Score breakdown
Noise cancelling
Sound
Comfort & fit
Battery
Features
Value
How we put this review together
This review draws on Apple’s specs and on published reviews and measurements from SoundGuys, Tom’s Guide, CNET, What Hi-Fi and TechRadar, credited throughout and listed at the end. Our scores are an editorial judgement of that evidence.
A year on, still the default choice
Apple released the AirPods Pro 3 in September 2025 at $249. A year later they’re still Apple’s top earbuds, and they’ve got better since launch. The iOS 27 update in September 2026 added custom EQ and more Adaptive Audio controls (9to5Mac), which fixes the most common complaint in early reviews. They also dropped to $179 at Amazon in early October, matching their lowest price so far (MacRumors).
Noise cancelling
This is the headline. Apple claims noise cancelling up to twice as effective as the AirPods Pro 2. SoundGuys measured about 90% average reduction in outside noise and scored it 9.0/10, ahead of 99% of earbuds it has tested. Tom’s Guide called it “incredibly effective”, and CNET put it level with Bose and Sony.
Against Sony’s WF-1000XM6, reviewers split. TechRadar gave the AirPods the edge on noise cancelling, while What Hi-Fi preferred the Sony. Either will quiet a plane cabin.
Sound and fit
What Hi-Fi gave the sound 5 out of 5, calling it “well-balanced, enjoyable and intuitive”, and CNET noted tighter, better-defined bass. SoundGuys rated the sound 4.5/5. The new foam-infused tips come in five sizes, including a new XXS, which helps people with smaller ears get a seal. CNET points out there’s no XL size.
Battery life
Apple rates the earbuds at up to 8 hours with noise cancelling, and SoundGuys measured 8 hours 42 minutes, against 5 hours 43 minutes for the Pro 2 in the same test. The trade-off is the case. Total battery with the case dropped to 24 hours, down from 30 on the Pro 2 (What Hi-Fi, CNET). Five minutes in the case gives about an hour of listening. The case charges by USB-C, MagSafe, Qi or an Apple Watch charger, but there’s no cable in the box.
Health and hearing features
The AirPods Pro 3 have a heart-rate sensor that works with 50 workout types in Apple’s Fitness app. CNET found it within 1 to 2 bpm of another tracker on bike rides, while Tom’s Guide found readings a little high. They also include a hearing test, hearing protection and an FDA-authorised Hearing Aid mode. CNET found the hearing aid helped less in a noisy bar, but for many people these features add real value.
Live Translation is in beta and needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone. CNET, SoundGuys and Tom’s Guide all noticed a 1 to 2 second lag.
Which AirPods should you buy?
If you want strong noise cancelling, the Pro 3 are the ones to get. Apple’s new AirPods 5 ($129, or $149 with a wireless case) have an open design without silicone tips. They’re comfortable and cheaper, but they can’t seal out noise the same way, and they don’t have heart-rate tracking, IP57 or hearing aid features.
The AirPods Pro 3 pair well with Apple’s first foldable. If you’re thinking about one, read our iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8 comparison. To time a purchase like this, our free tech buying checklist covers when prices usually drop.
Sources
- Apple: AirPods Pro 3 announcement, tech specs and AirPods 5 announcement
- SoundGuys: review
- Tom’s Guide: review
- What Hi-Fi: review and vs Sony WF-1000XM6
- CNET: review
- TechRadar: vs Sony WF-1000XM6
- MacRumors: $179 deal; 9to5Mac: iOS 27 features
Specifications
Key specs
| Price (US) | $249 list; often $179–$199 on sale |
|---|---|
| Released | 19 September 2025 |
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| Battery (earbuds) | Up to 8h with ANC, 10h in Hearing Aid mode |
| Battery (with case) | Up to 24h |
| Water resistance | IP57 (earbuds and case) |
| Ear tips | 5 sizes, XXS to L |
| Health | Heart-rate sensor, Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection |
| Charging | USB-C, MagSafe, Qi, Apple Watch charger |
| Weight | 5.55g per earbud |
Our verdict
Apple AirPods Pro 3: 9.0 / 10
If you use an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 are the earbuds to buy. Testers measured some of the best noise cancelling available, the sound and fit are better than before, and iOS 27 fixed the missing EQ. At $179 on sale they're excellent value; at $249, they're still a safe choice.
Buy it if…
- You use an iPhone and want the easiest pairing and switching
- You want strong noise cancelling for commuting or flights
- You'd use heart-rate tracking or the hearing health features
Skip it if…
- You use Android
- Sound quality matters more to you than noise cancelling (look at Sony's WF-1000XM6)
- You only need basic earbuds (AirPods 5 start at $129)
Questions people ask
Are AirPods Pro 3 worth it in 2026?
Yes, for iPhone owners. They're still Apple's best earbuds, iOS 27 added custom EQ, and they regularly sell for $179 at Amazon, down from $249.
How long does the AirPods Pro 3 battery last?
Apple rates them at up to 8 hours with noise cancelling and 24 hours with the case. SoundGuys measured 8 hours 42 minutes with ANC on, against 5 hours 43 minutes for AirPods Pro 2 in the same test.
AirPods Pro 3 or Sony WF-1000XM6?
Reviewers disagree. TechRadar picked the AirPods Pro 3 for iPhone owners and for noise cancelling, while What Hi-Fi preferred the Sony overall for sound and features. The AirPods are cheaper ($249 vs about $329) and more comfortable for most people.
Do AirPods Pro 3 work with Android?
They work as Bluetooth earbuds, but you lose most of what makes them special, including automatic switching, the hearing features, heart-rate tracking and easy settings.
Are AirPods Pro 3 waterproof?
They're rated IP57, earbuds and case, so they handle sweat, rain and a brief drop in water. They aren't made for swimming.
