Our verdict on the Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Buy it if
- You use an iPhone and want the best all-round earbuds with strong noise cancelling, hearing health features and a secure fit.
- Skip it if
- You use Android; you lose most of the smart features.
- Best for
- iPhone owners
- Key feature
- Big ANC upgrade plus heart-rate sensing
- Typical price
- £219–£249
Key specifications
| Battery | Up to 8 hours with ANC |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | IP57 |
| Charging | USB-C, MagSafe, Qi |
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- use an iPhone and want the best all-round earbuds with strong noise cancelling, hearing health features and a secure fit
- value much stronger noise cancelling than before
- can spend around £219–£249
Skip it if you
- use Android; you lose most of the smart features
- mind that best features require an iPhone
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much stronger noise cancelling than before
- Heart-rate sensing for workouts
- Hearing aid and hearing protection features
- IP57 dust and water resistance
Cons
- Best features require an iPhone
- Case lacks the langarden loop of the previous model
What it is
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is a wireless earbud from Apple, typically £219–£249. Its headline feature is big ANC upgrade plus heart-rate sensing, and it is best for iPhone owners.
What stands out
- Much stronger noise cancelling than before
- Heart-rate sensing for workouts
- Hearing aid and hearing protection features
- IP57 dust and water resistance
What to know
- Best features require an iPhone
- Case lacks the langarden loop of the previous model
Is it worth it?
If you use an iPhone and want the best all-round earbuds with strong noise cancelling, hearing health features and a secure fit, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is a strong choice. If you use Android; you lose most of the smart features, look elsewhere. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (£229–£279) is the alternative for strongest noise cancelling. The Sony WF-1000XM5 (£179–£279) is the alternative for sound quality.
Alternatives worth considering
Bose · Wireless Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Buy it if You want the strongest noise cancelling you can fit in your pocket, on iPhone or Android.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Strongest noise cancelling
- Typical price
- £229–£279
Pros
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Comfortable stability bands
Cons
- Battery life is average
Sony · Wireless Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
Buy it if You care most about sound quality and want strong ANC on an Android phone or iPhone.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Sound quality
- Typical price
- £179–£279
Pros
- Rich, detailed sound
- Small and light buds
Cons
- Foam tips don't suit everyone
Frequently asked questions
Is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 worth it?
Yes. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 stands out for big ANC upgrade plus heart-rate sensing, and it suits you if you use an iPhone and want the best all-round earbuds with strong noise cancelling, hearing health features and a secure fit. Skip it if you use Android; you lose most of the smart features.
Who should skip it?
If you use Android; you lose most of the smart features, an alternative will suit you better.
Is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 worth it?
Yes. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 stands out for big ANC upgrade plus heart-rate sensing, and it suits you if you use an iPhone and want the best all-round earbuds with strong noise cancelling, hearing health features and a secure fit. Skip it if you use Android; you lose most of the smart features.
What are the downsides of the Apple AirPods Pro 3?
Best features require an iPhone. Case lacks the langarden loop of the previous model