AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Apple's latest earbuds are great with one asterisk

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3: Six Months Later — Still the King of True Wireless, But Not Without Flaws

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.

The Upgrade That Feels Like a Sidegrade
When Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, the changes seemed incremental at best. A slightly redesigned case, better drivers, enhanced Active Noise Cancellation, and USB-C charging were the headline features. But as someone who used the AirPods Pro 2 daily for years, I wondered: was this really worth the upgrade?

After six months of living with the AirPods Pro 3, I can confidently say that the answer is… complicated.

The Good: Where Apple Nailed It
Let’s start with the positives, because there are plenty of them. The audio quality is noticeably better. Apple has fine-tuned the drivers to deliver richer bass, clearer mids, and more detailed highs. Whether I’m listening to lo-fi beats while working or diving into a high-energy playlist during my commute, the AirPods Pro 3 consistently impress.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is another area where these earbuds shine. The third-generation ANC is more effective than ever at blocking out the world around you. I’ve tested them in noisy coffee shops, bustling airports, and even during my partner’s loud conference calls (sorry, honey). The AirPods Pro 3 create a bubble of silence that’s hard to beat.

Battery life has also seen a meaningful improvement. I can now get through a full workday of intermittent use without needing to pop them back in the case. The case itself charges faster and holds more juice, which is a welcome upgrade for someone who’s constantly on the go.

The new touch controls are intuitive and responsive. I love being able to adjust volume with a simple swipe on the stem, and the ability to toggle between ANC and Transparency mode with a long press is a small but significant quality-of-life improvement.

The Bad: Where Apple Fell Short
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the design. While the AirPods Pro 3 are undeniably sleek, they’re also almost identical to their predecessors. If you already own the AirPods Pro 2, you might struggle to spot the differences at a glance. For a company that prides itself on innovation, this feels like a missed opportunity.

Another issue is the price. At $249, the AirPods Pro 3 are still expensive, especially when you consider that the AirPods Pro 2 are now available at a discounted price. If you’re on the fence, it’s worth asking yourself whether the incremental improvements justify the cost.

The fit is also worth mentioning. While the AirPods Pro 3 come with three sizes of silicone ear tips, I’ve found that they can still feel a bit loose during intense workouts or long listening sessions. Apple’s new “adaptive audio” feature, which blends ANC and Transparency mode, helps mitigate this somewhat, but it’s not a perfect solution.

The Verdict: Are They Worth It?
After six months of use, I can confidently say that the AirPods Pro 3 are the best true wireless earbuds on the market. They sound incredible, block out noise like a dream, and integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. If you’re an iPhone user looking for a premium audio experience, they’re hard to beat.

That said, if you already own the AirPods Pro 2, the upgrade might not be worth it unless you’re particularly bothered by battery life or crave the latest features. For everyone else, these earbuds are a no-brainer.

Apple has once again set the bar high, but with great power comes great responsibility. Here’s hoping the AirPods Pro 4 bring more revolutionary changes to the table. Until then, the AirPods Pro 3 remain the gold standard for true wireless earbuds.

Tags: AirPods Pro 3, Apple earbuds, true wireless earbuds, ANC, Active Noise Cancellation, USB-C charging, audio quality, battery life, Apple ecosystem, tech review, long-term review, wireless earbuds, premium earbuds, adaptive audio, touch controls

Viral Phrases: “The AirPods Pro 3 are the best true wireless earbuds on the market,” “Apple has once again set the bar high,” “Six months later, they still impress,” “The gold standard for true wireless earbuds,” “Incremental improvements or revolutionary changes?”

,