AirPods Pro 3: Review, opinion and do you really need to buy them?

What are the (real) news about the AirPods Pro 3

When Apple releases a new product, it often feels like our old gear is no longer useful. Let’s put aside the superlatives of the Apple brand and focus on the facts. What do these AirPods Pro 3 offer to justify a staggering price of around $250?

Here are the 6 major updates:

A refined sound, but not revolutionary for everyone

Apple has integrated its latest audio processor. On paper, this promises faster sound processing, better bass rendering, and improved vocal clarity during calls. In real life? If you’re coming from the original AirPods to the Pro 3, the sound upgrade will be massive. However, if you already own recent and high-performing earphones, the difference will be subtle to an untrained user.

Groundbreaking health sensors: the real innovation

This is where the AirPods Pro 3 truly stand out from their predecessors. They are no longer just music earbuds but have become true everyday health assistants. Features like the clinical hearing test (which adjusts sound to your minor hearing loss) and the in-ear sensors for tracking heart rate transform the product’s usage. If you care about your health, this technological advancement weighs heavily in favor.

Even smarter noise reduction (ANC)

With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple has taken active noise cancellation (ANC) to the next level, filtering out sudden and sharp noises more effectively. The Adaptive Transparency mode now perfects the ability to have conversations without removing your earphones.

The permanent switch to USB-C and a battery boost

Say goodbye to the exclusive Lightning cable from Apple! The AirPods Pro 3 charging case (which is still compatible with MagSafe wireless charging) now includes USB-C. The advantage? No need to buy or carry multiple cables.

In terms of autonomy, the new energy-efficient chip allows for a bit more endurance, easily exceeding 30 hours of total listening time with the case.

Enhanced ergonomics

Apple has slightly redesigned the design and fit of the earbuds to better conform to the ear canal. The sensation of earbuds slipping during exercise or sweating is gone. Additionally, the brand now includes a variety of silicone ear tip sizes directly in the box to cater to all ear sizes.

Improved touch controls

The AirPods Pro 3 refine touch controls on the stem. A simple swipe up or down allows for volume adjustment. The usual play and pause commands with a tap on the stem are still available.

Our verdict on the AirPods Pro 3

To provide a fully transparent review, away from Apple’s polished marketing speeches, we didn’t just read the technical specifications: we’ve tested these AirPods Pro 3 every day for a month. In crowded subways, noisy open spaces, windy streets, and even during workout sessions.

Crucial note to understand our verdict: I was previously using the 2nd generation standard AirPods without noise cancellation.

With a price close to $250, our expectations were high. So, what’s the verdict?

What we really loved in daily use:

Coming from the standard AirPods, the technological change is monumental. Switching to silicone ear tips creates formidable passive isolation. But when you activate the active noise cancellation (ANC), the magic truly happens. The dull noise of the subway early in the morning or the office chatter in open spaces instantly disappears. You find yourself immersed in a strangely quiet bubble at first, but you quickly get addicted to it.

The immense advantage in daily use is that you no longer need to crank up the volume to 80 or 90% to follow a podcast or listen to music on a busy street. Even at only 40%, the sound remains incredibly rich, and the bass is much more impactful than on my old earphones. As a result, you enjoy a better immersion while protecting your hearing and avoiding end-of-day headaches.

And then there’s the famous Transparency mode. On many competing earphones, this mode produces very robotic or unpleasant sound. Here, it’s simply the best on the market and it truly surprised me. The external microphones capture your environment and reproduce it with such naturalness that you forget you’re wearing earphones. You can pay for your coffee at the bakery, hear the shopkeeper’s voice with perfect clarity without ever having to remove the AirPods from your ears. It’s remarkably fluid.

Lastly, a detail radically changed my usage: the ear fit. Apple provides several sizes of silicone ear tips directly in the case. It’s a huge relief for those used to standard AirPods that constantly slip with the slightest breeze, when putting on a sweater, or during a run. Once you’ve chosen the right ear tip size, the earbud stays in place. You truly gain comfort.

Find out our review in video

The decisive test against the previous AirPods Pro 2

To get a clear view of the real evolution of this model, I also had these AirPods Pro 3 tested for several days by someone who uses the AirPods Pro 2 daily. Their verdict was clear: blindly, the difference in sound quality or noise cancellation is almost imperceptible in everyday life. Their conclusion? “They’re excellent, but I would never spend $250 to replace my current Pro 2 which does the same job.”

Radins.com’s verdict: 8/10

The AirPods Pro 3 are remarkably effective and flirt with perfection.

It’s a resounding “YES” if, like me, you’re switching from standard earphones (AirPods 1, 2, or 3) or wired to this Pro model. It’s a true comfort investment that will transform your daily life.

However, it’s a “NO” if you already own the AirPods Pro 2 in good condition. Keep your $250, or take advantage of the release of this new model to hunt for promotions on the previous generation!

AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 3

During Apple’s famed presentations, each new option is touted as an essential revolution. But once you scratch beneath the marketing gloss, what’s the reality in daily life? Is the price difference between the old and the new generation truly justified by major innovations, or are they just minor technical adjustments?

Should you splurge? Our buying guide

Should you spend close to $250 for the latest innovation? It all depends on your current setup. To avoid unnecessary spending, here’s our verdict:

Case #1: You have AirPods Pro 1 or earlier AirPods

If you own the first generation of AirPods Pro (released in 2019) or standard AirPods (generation 1, 2, or 3), the upgrade is completely justified.

Why? After 3 or 4 years of use, the battery in your earphones is likely at the end of its life. Moreover, the technological leap is immense: by switching to the AirPods Pro 3, you’ll discover a whole new level of active noise cancellation, much deeper bass, Spatial Audio, and the convenience of USB-C port.

It’s a significant investment that will drastically change your daily life. We highly recommend taking the plunge and purchasing the AirPods Pro 3.

Case #2: You have AirPods Pro 2

Let’s be very clear: keep your money!

Why? Unless you’re a compulsive tech enthusiast or have broken your earphones, the switch from Pro 2 to Pro 3 isn’t worth the $250 ask. The AirPods Pro 2 remain among the best wireless earphones on the market. The difference in sound quality or noise cancellation with the new generation is too subtle to justify such a dent in your budget. Keep enjoying them until their battery life runs out.

Case #3: Radins Tip: Opt for discounted AirPods Pro 2

It’s the golden rule of savvy tech shoppers: the release of a new model automatically drops the price of the previous one.

Why? Retailers aim to clear their stock. It’s the ideal time to get brand new AirPods Pro 2 at an unbeatable price. For those looking to get excellent noise-canceling earphones without paying top dollar for the latest model, this is unquestionably the best value for money option.

Selling your old earphones: How to lower the bill?

Nearly $250 for wireless earphones is a big hit to the budget. But the golden rule of a savvy consumer is to never let old devices gather dust in a drawer! The huge advantage of Apple products is that they depreciate much slower than the competition. Your old AirPods still have a significant market value, perfect for offsetting the purchase of the new generation.

Here’s how to get the best price:

The easy solution: trade-in platforms (refurbishers)

If you don’t want to deal with ads and ghost buyers, turn to platforms like Back Market or even Apple’s official Trade-In program. Fill out a brief questionnaire about the condition of your earphones, send them by mail for free, and receive money via bank transfer (or Apple store credit).

The most profitable solution: selling between individuals

If you have time, use platforms like Leboncoin or Vinted. By selling directly, you eliminate the refurbisher’s margin and can expect to sell your old earphones for 20-30% more.

Radins tip to sell for more (and faster): Nobody wants to buy dirty AirPods. Take 10 minutes to clean them thoroughly with a cotton swab and some 70°C alcohol. Put them back in their original box and specify in the ad that you provide new spare silicone ear tips. A clean ad with an original box automatically increases the selling price by about $15-20.

Financial balance: If the new AirPods Pro 3 cost $250 and you manage to sell your old AirPods Pro 1 for $80, your new high-tech equipment will cost you only $170. An upgrade much easier on your wallet!

Also read: Don’t miss out on Apple reconditioned offers