If you live in Apple’s ecosystem and have been waiting for a detailed AirPods Pro 3 review, this upgrade looks irresistible on paper. Stronger ANC, smarter software, heart rate tracking, longer battery life and new hybrid foam ear tips all read like a checklist of user requests. We spent a few days with them, and one realises the AirPods Pro 3 deliver spectacular quiet, with boombastic sound.
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Design
From a distance, nothing has changed. The glossy white stalks and pebble-shaped case are as instantly recognisable as ever. Look closer, and you notice the earbud nozzle now points more directly into your ear, the bulb is smaller, and the foam-infused silicone tips sit deeper for a tighter seal. You get five tip sizes now, including a new XXS option that finally makes a Pro model workable for very small ears.
The case has grown a touch, shed a few grams and gained an IP57 rating to match the buds. It still supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, and the physical pairing button has been replaced by a double-tap under the front LED. The shiny finish continues to collect micro scratches and smudges quickly, which feels very familiar to long-time AirPods users.
Comfort is where the design gets divisive. The foam inserts are great for isolation and AirPods Pro 3 ANC performance, but they keep expanding gently against the ear canal. Dropping a tip size helps comfort but loosens the seal, so you hear more of the outside world. AirPods Pro 3 comfort will depend heavily on your ear shape and the tip size you settle on.
Performance
This is where the AirPods lean hard into ecosystem magic. Pairing with iPhone, iPad or Mac is instant, and the buds hop between devices on their own. Once connected, you unlock a long list of AirPods Pro 3 features inside the OS: personalised volume, conversation awareness, adaptive audio, hearing tools, precise Find My, heart rate tracking and beta Live Translation. For Apple users, it all feels impressively native rather than app-driven.
Sound is more polarising than before. Apple has shifted from a gentle neutral tuning to a bold V shape. Bass is much stronger with real sub bass slam, treble is bright and busy, and the mid range is pushed back. It is fun for pop and workouts, but the AirPods Pro 3 sound can become tiring with long, critical listening, especially on brighter tracks where treble energy dominates.
Noise cancelling is the true showstopper. Switch ANC on, and low-frequency rumble, AC hum, and most office chatter simply fade away. It feels like someone is turning down the world on a smooth volume slider. Transparency mode is just as impressive and sounds uncannily close to having nothing in your ears. For commuters and frequent fliers, the AirPods Pro 3 ANC and transparency duo is easily one of the strongest reasons to buy these earbuds.
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Microphone quality is excellent for calls and video, with clear voices and stable connectivity. Latency is low enough for casual gaming on Apple devices, and you can happily watch fast-paced content without distracting delay. Battery life sits around eight hours per charge with ANC on and roughly 24 hours including the case, so the AirPods Pro 3 battery life is good enough for work days and most trips, even if you now get fewer full refills than on the previous model.
Verdict
The AirPods Pro 3 are brilliant if you want the best in class in-ear noise cancelling, tight Apple integration and a pocketable case loaded with smart tricks. For travel, open plan offices and city commutes, they feel almost unfair to rival earbuds and are an easy everyday choice for iPhone and Mac owners.
Yet they are also more polarising than any Pro AirPods to date. The foam-heavy fit will not suit every ear, and the bold tuning will not please listeners who love a relaxed, neutral presentation. If your priorities are silence, convenience and ecosystem magic, the AirPods Pro 3 make a lot of sense. If you care more about all-day comfort and audiophile-friendly tuning, it is worth shortlisting alternatives before tapping that buy button.
Price: Rs 25,900
You can buy Apple AirPods Pro 3 here.
Pros
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Stunning ANC and transparency for in-ear buds
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Packed with smart and accessibility focused features
- Brilliant audio
Cons
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Fit and comfort are very ear-dependent
