It's been roughly half a year since Apple released the AirPods Pro 3 to the world, and I'm revisiting them to see how they've held up after months of near-daily use.
In my original review of Apple's latest earbuds, I largely praised them for improving audio quality, ANC, as well as adding new features. Now that the initial excitement has subsided, let's examine the changes that have stood out.
I went from the AirPods Pro 2 to the AirPods Pro 3. This wasn't a major jump by any means, but I felt it was worth it, especially since the battery life on my years-old pair had deteriorated, and I was able to pass them down to my partner.
At launch, I didn't think it was worth it for everyone to upgrade from the second-generation model. I still think that is the case, especially as rumors of future models start to swirl.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Design
I love the design of the AirPods Pro. I think the case is the best design on the market, and the stems make it easy to fit the earbuds into your ears.
Whenever I test stemless earbuds, I inevitably drop them while working on the reviews because they're much harder to hold. Unlike some who hate the stem look, I don't mind it at all.
For the third-generation buds, Apple introduced a new, smaller XS ear tip, which will help them fit more ears. They also added a foam interior to the earbuds, which aids in passively blocking noise.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: The case has a hidden LED on the front, touch gestures, and no more button on the back
The case is basically the same shape as before, though it no longer has a physical button on the back or an identifiable LED on the front. I've put my AirPods Pro 3 into pairing mode repeatedly over the past months using the new tapping gesture, and while I initially thought it would be fidgety, it works great.
These case changes likely help contribute to durability by eliminating moving pieces and ingress points. The earbuds are also more durable with IP57 water and dust resistance.
The earbuds can be controlled the same way as the prior model, by squeezing the Force Stems or sliding your finger up and down. This can adjust audio modes, playback, volume, or the camera.
AirPods Pro 3
You can use head gestures, too. A nod will act as an affirmative, while shaking your head is the negative, such as answering or declining a phone call.
These controls and interfaces remain easy to use and adequate. You can always customize these controls via the AirPods menu in Settings, which intelligently appears when your AirPods Pro are connected.
Inside the case, Apple has updated the tracking hardware. The accessory now relies on Apple's custom second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: The second-generation Ultra Wideband chip makes tracking even better
This increases the range significantly, and it pays off. They're so much easier to find, especially in our house, which is fairly sprawling, and it even manages to do well with all the old brick walls.
Find My support — complete with speakers in the case, Precision Finding, and left-behind alerts — remains one of my favorite features. I'm still surprised that only Belkin has chosen to integrate Find My into its earbuds.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Battery
If there is one change from my initial review, it is my opinion of the battery life. Apple increased the capacity of the earbuds, but they decreased the total battery life.
You can now go 8 hours listening to music uninterrupted — up from 6 hours — and use them for 24 hours, including the extra power in the case — which is down from 30. After a couple of weeks, that battery life seemed fine, and I appreciated the increase.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: The case has magnets to support MagSafe chargers
When flying cross-country, I could easily drain my AirPods Pro 2 earbuds between navigating both airports and the time actually flying. With AirPods Pro 3, this largely isn't an issue anymore.
That extra 30% increase was enough to make it through any traveling I've done in the last six months.
Unfortunately, after more extensive use, it also became clear that the 24-hour battery life for the case isn't enough. As a frequent traveler, I'd easily go on 3-day trips without having to worry about the case at all.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: The battery widgets display your AirPods Pro battery status
Now I'm getting charging alerts that my case is low, and I'm charging it way more than before. Even around the house, I have to charge the case noticeably more than I used to.
It's an odd trade-off for me, and if I had to choose, I think Apple made the right call in extending the earbuds' usage time. I don't understand why this had to be a binary option, and we couldn't keep the same capacity in the case.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Audio and ANC
After spending more time with the AirPods Pro 3, I remain happy with their performance. As I highlighted in my initial review, both the sound quality and ANC are excellent and better than the AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: The new AirPods Pro fit great
These changes come primarily from a redesigned acoustic architecture and the upgraded ear tips rather than new drivers. The foam does help seal the ear canal without adding any fatigue over prolonged use.
Over the last several months, I've taken several flights with AirPods Pro 3. Most of the background noise is cancelled out, though not quite all.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: AirPods Pro customization can be done in the Settings app
On one cross-country trip, I took my Apple Vision Pro, which was an amazing experience. Watching a 3D movie, in an immersive environment, with lossless spatial audio makes you completely forget you're crammed into a flying bus.
One flight in particular, where I sat near the rear of the plane, I could make out that residual drone between my music tracks. Ultimately, though, these earbuds remain top contenders in the price range, especially at the price point.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: H2 chip and the future
One thing that I've thought a lot about with the AirPods Pro 3 is its processor. Apple is still using the H2 chip, the same one found on the AirPods Pro 2.
This isn't a problem by any means and speaks volumes to Apple's work on silicon. With this tiny chip, Apple pulls off a crazy amount of features that can't be found in any other set of earbuds.
It's also the reason that the AirPods Pro 3 have so few exclusive features. Live Translation, as I mentioned, also came to the last-gen buds.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: AirPods Pro can automatically pause when you fall asleep
Same thing with the auto-pause as you fall asleep, hearing protection, and battery health features. Apple could have easily artificially limited these capabilities to the new earbuds, but instead kept making the older models better.
This has me thinking about what comes next. It raises the question of whether AirPods Pro 3 will see as many updates, or if the H2 chip is nearing its limits.
Since the H2 was new with the AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods Pro 3 may have ended up with a shorter overall lifespan. It also has me excited for what may be coming.
Rumors have swirled that Apple is wrapping up its work on the H3 chip and we may see a new set of AirPods Pro by the end of 2026. This new set would be a more premium set of earbuds with features and a price tag to match.
Nothing is final until a product starts shipping, but Apple Vision Pro-style gestures and Apple Intelligence integration are currently expected. If truly better audio and battery life are in the cards, you can sign me up.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Some features aren't for everyone
There are two features featured on the AirPods Pro 3 that feel like the most impactful. Those features are Live Translation and heart rate tracking, though the former also came to the AirPods Pro 2.
Unfortunately, while extremely impressive, I haven't used either of these since first setting up the new earbuds. The features are both fairly niche in their audience, and I apparently am not in that audience.
Live Translation requires someone speaking a different language, and while I travel quite a bit, it's rarely abroad. On the occasions when I have gone overseas, I haven't needed a tool like this.
To be clear, I don't want to underplay how cool this feature is. During my testing, I had a conversation with someone who spoke entirely in Spanish, and it was amazing.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Live Translation works on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3
I also love that this works locally, with no need to rely on internet connectivity, which isn't a guarantee while traveling. As long as you download the language package on your device ahead of time — at the hotel or at home — you're good to go.
On the other hand, heart rate tracking is most useful for those who don't use an Apple Watch. I say most useful because it technically does still have value for Apple Watch users.
During a workout, your devices will compare the heart rate data from both your Apple Watch and your AirPods Pro 3. Whichever of the two is producing more reliable, accurate-looking data will be the one saved to your workout and the Health app.
If you lack an Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3 let you see your heart rate data right on your Lock Screen while you complete your workout. It's a great implementation and unlocks Apple's fitness tracking features for more users.
Personally, I only do a few types of workouts. I either do a cycling workout at home while watching TV, or I'm outside doing a walk, jog, or bike ride with my other half.
In my younger years, I'd have used this constantly at my apartment complex's shared gym, but not right now. I'd rather talk to my partner when I can than listen to music or a podcast.
I know there are many, many AirPods Pro 3 users out there who get value from these features, but unlike something more broad — like audio quality — they have limited appeal.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Still worth it
After half a year of use, I still love AirPods Pro 3. Even testing out other earbuds, it's extremely hard to break free from Apple's software and features.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: I still love the AirPods Pro 3 after months of use
They're incredibly sticky and keep me habitually picking up the AirPods Pro because they work great and I never have to think about it. They automatically connect to my devices without question, alert me before my battery dies, and even warn me if I accidentally leave them somewhere.
Even when other, pricier earbuds sound better, they lack the sheer number of features and native integrations offered by AirPods Pro 3.
You may not use every new feature found on AirPods Pro 3, but for Apple users, they're still the gold standard for earbuds.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Pros
- Apple's H2 silicon has aged well
- Audio and ANC are still some of the best
- Live Translation is very cool & I want an excuse to use it
- Heart rate tracking appears to work well
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Cons
- Total battery life should be longer
- Polished case acquires micro scratches easily
- Not every "new" feature is for everyone
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review rating: 4.5 out of 5
Where to buy AirPods Pro 3
You can pick up AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon, where they are currently on sale for $219 from their full MSRP of $249.
