Apple AirPods Pro 3
Best True Wireless Earbuds
Electronics Girl Score
Based on 12 criteria
The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple's most significant earbuds update in years. The addition of Hearing Aid mode — FDA-cleared and genuinely effective — transforms these from premium earbuds into a health device that happens to sound exceptional.
DESIGN & BUILD
The AirPods Pro 3 look nearly identical to the second generation, but the stem is slightly shorter and the case is more compact. The USB-C case supports MagSafe charging and the new Precision Finding feature makes locating lost earbuds much easier.
PERFORMANCE
The H2 chip powers the best ANC in any earbuds we've tested. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends transparency and noise cancellation based on your environment — it's the kind of feature that sounds gimmicky until you use it daily and can't imagine going back.
BATTERY LIFE
6 hours per charge with ANC enabled, 30 hours total with the case. The 5-minute quick charge delivering 1 hour of playback is genuinely useful. Battery life is slightly shorter than the Sony WF-1000XM6, but the seamless Apple ecosystem integration compensates.
VERDICT
The AirPods Pro 3 are the best earbuds for iPhone users. The Hearing Aid mode alone is worth the upgrade for many users, and the combination of Adaptive Audio, H2 chip performance, and Apple ecosystem integration is unmatched.
PROS & CONS
Pros
- FDA-cleared Hearing Aid mode
- Adaptive Audio is genuinely transformative
- Best ANC in any earbuds
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Compact case with MagSafe
- Conversation Awareness is excellent
Cons
- $249 is expensive for earbuds
- Apple ecosystem only for full features
- Ear tips can loosen during intense workouts
- No ear fin for sports use