Apple AirPods Pro (3) Review

If you use an iPhone and spend time commuting or flying, the AirPods Pro (3) are the best in‑ear ANC you can buy for the money — they score 8.2, cost £189, and add useful health and Live Translation features most rivals don’t.

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The quick answer

These are aimed at commuters, frequent flyers and iPhone users who want the quietest in‑ear experience without an extra wearable. At £189 you get stronger ANC than the previous gen, noticeably longer single‑charge playtime and unique extras like a built‑in heart‑rate sensor and Live Translation — worth it unless you’re an audiophile or already track fitness with an Apple Watch.

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What we tested

We evaluated the standard AirPods Pro (3) paired with an iPhone over multiple commutes, open‑office days and a long flight, using ANC, Transparency and workout tracking across iOS apps over several weeks.

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What it does well

Best in‑ear ANC for iPhone commutes — Apple says up to 2× noise reduction vs the previous generation, and in busy Tube and airplane cabins they keep voices and engine roar much quieter than the older AirPods Pro (2).

Longer single‑charge listening — you get up to 8 hours with ANC on (up to 10 hours in Transparency/Hearing Aid). That’s enough for several commutes or a long flight without reaching for the case.

Built‑in heart‑rate sensing that actually adds value — the optical sensor supports tracking for up to 50 workout types and records calories without a separate wearable, useful if you don’t own an Apple Watch.

Live Translation that works hands‑free — Apple Intelligence powers real‑time translation for conversations, which is genuinely handy on trips and calls where you can’t stop to type.

Durable fit and practical case features — five ear‑tip sizes and an Ear Tip Fit test improve seal and bass, while the MagSafe/USB‑C case includes a speaker and Precision Finding so you stop panicking over lost buds.

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Where it falls short

Intermittent static and connection problems with ANC on have been reported — if you rely on perfectly stable calls in noisy places (for work), you may run into occasional glitches.

Heart‑rate readings aren’t clinical‑grade — the sensor is fine for casual workouts but won’t match a chest strap or the Apple Watch; if you already use an Apple Watch the feature is mostly redundant.

Not for audiophiles seeking the last bit of fidelity — they favour a punchy, balanced sound tuned for general listening and convenience, not detailed studio‑level accuracy.

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How it compares

The closest competitor is the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — often sold at a similar or slightly lower price during sales. Pick the AirPods Pro (3) if you’re fully in Apple’s ecosystem and want the best iPhone integration, superior iOS features (Live Translation, Ear Tip Fit), and the heart‑rate sensor. Choose the Galaxy Buds2 Pro if you use Android/Samsung and prioritise Samsung’s codec support and occasional sharper discounts.