Apple’s third-generation AirPods Pro may look familiar at first glance, but beneath the surface lies a major evolution. With upgraded noise cancellation, improved sound, and new health-tracking features, the AirPods Pro 3 redefine what premium wireless earbuds can deliver.

Design and Comfort: If It Ain’t Broke…

Three years since their last refresh, Apple has stuck to its minimalist design philosophy. The AirPods Pro 3 retain the signature glossy white finish, with only subtle tweaks to their shape. The result? A more secure and comfortable fit — ideal for extended listening sessions of three hours or more.
With five sizes of silicone ear tips, most users will find a perfect seal. However, if you’ve never been fond of in-ear silicone designs, these may not change your mind.

Smarter Than Ever

Control remains intuitive — squeeze to play or pause, swipe to adjust volume, and removing an earbud automatically pauses playback. Apple has also expanded functionality, allowing users to use the AirPods as a remote shutter for iPhone cameras.

A particularly intriguing new feature is live translation via the Translate app. Though limited to select languages, it works well for straightforward conversations and one-way audio, such as public announcements or museum tours.

Perhaps the biggest upgrade lies in built-in heart rate sensors, a first for AirPods. These track your heart rate during workouts using Apple’s Fitness app or compatible third-party apps. Tests show readings comparable to the Apple Watch and Garmin devices. Combined with a new IP57 water-resistance rating, these earbuds are far more gym- and run-friendly than before.

Sound and Noise Cancellation: A Major Leap

The AirPods Pro 3 deliver a wider, more immersive soundstage. Bass is tighter and punchier, mids and highs are crisp, and the overall sound remains balanced across genres. Some may find Apple’s tuning slightly clinical, but few rivals match this level of clarity.

Apple’s spatial audio for films continues to impress, creating a surround sound experience that feels truly cinematic.

Noise cancellation is where these earbuds truly shine. Apple’s claim of “twice as effective” as the AirPods Pro 2 holds up — ambient street sounds, chatter, and even keyboard clicks fade into near silence. It’s performance approaching that of premium over-ear models like Sony’s WH-1000XM6.

Transparency mode remains best-in-class, offering natural, distortion-free awareness of your surroundings. Call quality, too, is excellent — voices remain clear and natural even in crowded settings.

Battery Life and Sustainability

Battery life has improved to eight hours on a single charge with ANC on, and the charging case provides an additional 16 hours — totaling 24 hours of playback. A quick five-minute charge gives an extra hour of listening.

Repairability remains a sore point, with iFixit rating the earbuds 0/10, though Apple’s battery service option partially offsets this concern. On the sustainability front, Apple uses 40% recycled materials in the AirPods and case, marking a meaningful environmental step.

Verdict: The Best AirPods Yet

At Rs 25,900, the AirPods Pro 3 represent a refined evolution rather than a radical redesign. They excel in nearly every area — comfort, sound, battery life, and water resistance. The addition of heart rate tracking and next-level noise cancellation pushes them firmly into the top tier of true wireless earbuds.

While their neutral sound signature might not appeal to all audiophiles, for most users — especially iPhone owners — the AirPods Pro 3 offer an unbeatable combination of performance, intelligence, and everyday convenience.