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When Apple quietly dropped the AirPods Pro 3, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) wasn’t even planning to review them. It’s “techtober,” after all—iPhones, Watches, foldables, and laptops are flying in from every direction. But after taking Apple’s latest earbuds on a cross-country flight, Marques realized something important: these might just be the first AirPods Pro that truly fix all the little issues that came before.
So, what’s new? What’s hype? And are these finally the all-day earbuds Apple users have been waiting for? Let’s break it down.
Sound: Louder, Cleaner, Bassier
Marques did a back-to-back comparison with the AirPods Pro 2 (we reviewed here) and noticed an immediate bump in sound quality. The bass digs deeper, the highs stay crisp, and distortion is minimal even at louder volumes. Apple pulled this off with slightly larger vents for better airflow, redesigned internals, and new hybrid ear tips with built-in foam.
The result? A seal that finally keeps the buds in place—even for someone like Marques, who’s struggled for years to keep AirPods from wiggling out.
Fit: The Game-Changing Ear Tips
Apple now offers five sizes of tips, including a double-extra-small for those who found the old ones awkward. The new angled fit combined with foam-reinforced silicone makes them the most secure AirPods yet. For casual listening or daily use, MKBHD says these are finally “the first AirPods that have ever stayed in my ears.”
Durability: IP57 for Both Buds and Case
This is a first. The AirPods Pro 3 and their charging case are now IP57 rated—which means they can withstand dust, sweat, heavy rain, and even short submersion. A major step up from the IPX4 splash rating of the past.
Noise Cancellation: Apple’s Boldest Claim Yet
Apple went on record calling these the “world’s best active noise cancellation” for in-ear wireless buds. Claiming 2x the noise cancelling power of the previous generation. And surprisingly, Marques thinks they may have a point.
In the studio, background chatter and keyboard clacks vanished at half volume. On a plane, the roar of jet engines nearly disappeared. Compared to rivals like the Bose QC Ultra 2, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the AirPods Pro 3 came out ahead—better fit, stronger seal, and more effective ANC.
Battery Life: Workday Ready
Battery life finally got a boost. With ANC on, the Pro 3 now last 8 hours (up from 6). Transparency mode stretches that to 10. Enough to zone out your coworkers for a full 9-to-5.
And while Apple didn’t include a USB-C cable in the box, these buds charge via MagSafe, Apple Watch chargers, or any modern USB-C brick—assuming, correctly, that iPhone users already have one.
Smart Features: Heart Rate & Live Translation
A new heart rate sensor hides in the bud’s back window. Data plugs directly into the Apple Fitness app, making these surprisingly good workout companions—especially for users without an Apple Watch.
And yes, Apple demoed live translation with AirPods Pro 3, though that feature isn’t exclusive. Still, it runs offline with downloaded languages, powered by Apple Intelligence. Marques predicts 2025 may be the year translation tech finally becomes mainstream.
The Verdict: No Weaknesses (If You’re an iPhone User)
For the first time, Marques gets why people wear AirPods all day. The AirPods Pro 3 are more comfortable, more durable, sound better, and cancel more noise—all at the same price as the last generation.
The only caveat? They’re still best paired with an iPhone. And if you’re like Marques—someone who prefers over-ear Sonys on flights and Powerbeats for workouts—you may not switch. But if you want one pair of do-everything earbuds, Apple nailed it this time.
Final Thoughts
The AirPods Pro 3 aren’t revolutionary in design, but they are the most complete version of Apple’s true wireless vision so far. Better fit, better sound, longer battery, and ANC that legitimately beats the competition. For iPhone users, these might just be the perfect earbuds.
Well played, Apple. Well played.
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