It’s been three months since Apple unveiled AirPods Pro 3, and despite a complicated first few weeks with the product, I’m happy to report that with more use it’s become an excellent upgrade.
Initial AirPods Pro 3 fit problems have faded away
AirPods Pro 3 have been an unusual upgrade for me. Initial reviews for the product were all extremely strong, indicating Apple has done exactly what I’d hoped: made everything great about AirPods Pro 2 even better.
But when I started using the new model myself, my experience was surprising.
As I wrote in my one-month review, AirPods Pro 3’s “improved fit” actually proved much worse for me personally. I’d found AirPods Pro 2 extremely comfortable, often forgetting they were in my ears. But AirPods Pro 3 were initially uncomfortable, even slightly painful on occasion.
I was happy to report weeks later that the fit issue improved over time.
And today, I can enthusiastically say that AirPods Pro 3 have become the upgrade I was hoping for.
Core features are better than ever, plus some nice-to-haves
The fit of AirPods is such a make-or-break feature for users. I know plenty of people who can or can’t use AirPods 4, or AirPods Pro, because of their ears. Hopefully Apple can mitigate the issue over time.
AirPods Pro 3 still aren’t as comfortable for me as AirPods Pro 2. But I rarely notice ‘discomfort’ anymore. It apparently took solid six weeks for the ear tips and my ears to cozy up to each other.
Another initial disappointment I had involved battery life.
Apple made an interesting trade-off with its latest model. AirPods Pro 3 offer 8 hours of battery per charge versus 6 hours on AirPods Pro 2. But overall max battery life with the charging case is now only 24 hours, down from the previous 30. Here’s what I wrote in October:
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.
My opinion hasn’t changed, but now that I’m in the habit of charging the case every night, it really doesn’t bother me. I consider battery life a wash overall.
However, with fit and battery now non-issues, I’ve been able to just enjoy the things that make AirPods Pro 3 so great.
The improved Active Noise Cancellation is a killer feature for me. I use ANC all day while I work, and Apple’s latest upgrades block out a lot more noise than before.
I’ve also found audio quality a noticeable improvement. I didn’t have any complaints before, but I love how much better music sounds to me now.
The combination of a tighter fit and next-gen Adaptive EQ are likely responsible for the audio improvements. With the latter, Apple says its new architecture: “transforms the bass response, widens the soundstage so users hear every instrument, and brings vivid vocal clarity to higher frequencies across music, shows, and calls.”
Heart rate monitoring, USB-C (my AirPods Pro 2 had Lightning), and improved water resistance are all nice-to-haves too.
AirPods Pro 3 after three months: wrap-up
Overall, after a mixed first few weeks, AirPods Pro 3 have become the upgrade I wanted from Apple. They build on the excellent foundation of AirPods Pro 2 and make the features I care about most—ANC and audio quality—better than ever.
I still hope future models can improve the fit experience, but I’m very relieved that fit is no longer the problem it was early on. I can now enjoy everything great about AirPods Pro 3 without compromise.
What has your experience with AirPods Pro 3 been like? Let us know in the comments.
Best AirPods deals and accessories
- AirPods Pro 3 (now only $219, down from $249)
- Belemay leather case for AirPods Pro
- AirFly SE for connecting AirPods to in-flight headphone jacks
- Memory foam AirPods Pro eartips for a more comfortable fit
- Magnetic strap neckband for preventing lost AirPods
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