Apple released AirPods Pro 3 to much praise from critics last month. Since upgrading to AirPods Pro 3 on the first day, my experience has been more complicated.
AirPods Pro 3, after a month, have not been as I expected.
Apple’s AirPods product was the least controversial upgrade among the three products it released last month: the new iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.
Chance’s AirPods Pro 3 Review summarized the early sentiments well: “The Best Get Even Better.”
Although I love my AirPods Pro 2 and Apple’s new version is superior on paper, it’s not a unanimous opinion. In some ways, this has been proven true.
Active noise cancellation and improved audio quality have been highlights for me. Both features are definitely better than my AirPods Pro 2!
This is important because audio quality and ANC features are the two AirPods features that I care about most.
Unlike AirPods Pro 2, that were better than their predecessor in every aspect, the story of AirPods Pro 3 is more complicated for me.
This is mainly due to issues with two areas:
- Comfort and fit
- Batteries
AirPods Pro 3 – Upgrade and downgrade at the same time
AirPods Pro 3 have a new design that Apple says that “fits even better”. I’m sure that many users will agree.
The fit is much worse for me than AirPods Pro 2 – a major downgrade.
AirPods Pro 3 are still uncomfortable despite trying all the ear tips. When I pay attention to my ears, I notice that they are not feeling great.
Currently, I use ‘M’ eartips because they are the only size to pass Apple’s acoustic test without hurting my eardrums. ‘L’ also cause pain, but pass the test. All smaller sizes, although slightly more comfortable than “M”don’t achieve a good enough seal. Herein lies the problem. Apple says that you should use the tips which are most comfortable for you. But also, one of AirPods Pro 3’s best features–improved noise cancellation–depends on getting a good seal.
I could either reduce the size of the tips to make them more comfortable, but lose some noise cancellation benefits, or accept a mild amount of discomfort. So far, I have chosen the latter.
Another hallmark upgrade of AirPods Pro 3—extended battery life—has very much felt offset by the overall reduced battery capacity of the charging case.
AirPods Pro 3 offer 8 hours of battery on a single charge versus 6 hours on AirPods Pro 2. But overall battery with the case is only 24 hours compared to 30 hours on the last model.
It’s nice to get more juice out of a single charge, but if I could trade that benefit for the old charging case’s battery, I absolutely would.
Instead, my AirPods Pro 3 charging case has become yet another device I charge every night. Not because I have to, but because if I don’t, I get low battery indicators far more frequently than I’d like.
AirPods Pro 3: Wrap-up after a month
I’m more mixed than I expected about AirPods Pro 3. AirPods Pro 2 was one of my favorite Apple products, and it’s hard to follow.
The audio quality is much improved, and the active noise cancellation is now very impressive. Other features, like the heart-rate sensor, haven’t been very useful to me yet. However they are nice to have. Overall, I’m not regretting my decision to upgrade.
Despite my reservations, I would still recommend AirPods Pro 3 without hesitation. They’re not as perfect as I thought AirPods Pro 2 was, but they are still excellent. If you don’t experience fit issues, they’ll be even more appealing.
Due to the fit issue, AirPods Pro 3 aren’t the upgrade I hoped for.
Have you upgraded to AirPods Pro 3? If so, how was it? Tell us in the comments.
Best iPhone Accessories
- AirTag 4 pack (now only $65, instead of $99)
- MagSafe car mount for iPhone
- AirPods Pro 3
- 10-year AirTag Battery Case 2-pack
- USB-C 100W fast charging power adapter.
FTC: we use auto affiliate links that earn us income. More.
