STEREO GUIDE verdict
The new Apple AirPods Pro 3 impress with improved ANC, precise sound and integrated heart rate measurement - perfect for the Apple world. But only for the Apple world.
Pros
- surprisingly humanely tuned, almost British
- crisp, clear, powerful bass, but without show
- magnificent panorama
- Hearing health meets joy of playing and powerful noise-canceling
Cons
- the live translation is not (yet) available in Europe
- works perfectly only in the Apple world, an Android user would be foolishly advised
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Tonal Balance / transparency9.1
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Bass / Dynamics9.3
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Usability / Connectivity9.6
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Price/Performance8.6
The cult brand from Cupertino dominates the world of its loyal followers without much competition. The new Apple AirPods Pro 3 are also likely to be bought by them after a long queue in front of the brand store, without first checking the sound quality or the new functions for their usefulness.
As STEREO GUIDE , we naturally have to fill the gap. The manufacturer is largely silent on technical improvements in favor of sound quality. However, what the advertising promises (and makes the reviewer curious): the world’s best active noise canceling (ANC) in the TWS segment, as well as some innovations in the B-notes: Health features such as heart rate monitoring, an
Is that enough to amaze Apple disciples in the queue?
From ridiculed accessory to sound standard
One fact should never be forgotten: The best-selling sound converters of the present day are … ? Most probably the in-ears from Apple. You can either celebrate or criticize this. In the past, every iPhone came with wired earphones – later came the first Bluetooth AirPods, which were initially ridiculed. Today, nobody laughs anymore, especially not the competition.
Apple has consistently developed the AirPods further – in terms of sound, ergonomics and technology – while keeping the price stable. The new AirPods Pro 3 now mark the biggest step since the series was introduced.
New health features: heart rate measurement and IP57 protection
One of the most striking innovations: The AirPods Pro 3 measure the heart rate directly in the ear for the first time. Two LEDs per earpiece flash 256 times per minute – invisible but precise.
This not only makes sports nutrition or running tracking easier, but also increases safety in everyday life: The system warns of sudden palpitations or irregularities.
The new AirPods are also IP57-certified for the first time – meaning they are protected against dust, sweat and short-term submersion. This significantly increases their suitability for everyday use.
Improved wearing comfort and new fittings
The AirPods Pro 3 are slightly smaller than their predecessors. An additional ear insert is new – five sizes (XXS to L) are now available. The surface is made of silicone, with a foam-like filling underneath to ensure a better fit and seal.
The result: a perfect fit, rich bass and high wearing comfort – and Apple reduces the market for third-party ear tips at the same time.
Noise-canceling and 3D audio on a new level
Apple calls it the “world’s best active noise cancellation for in-ear headphones”. In fact, the ANC of the AirPods Pro 3 is much more efficient – with noticeably less background noise and faster response times.
The limits of the Apple world: no live translation in the EU
One of the most exciting software innovations – live translation in real time – is currently not available in the EU. The reason: legal requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) are preventing the activation of Apple Intelligence. Apple promises to deliver the function as soon as the regulatory issues have been clarified. Incidentally, the official wording is: “Due to the interoperability requirements of the DMA for iOS, this feature is currently not available to users in the EU.”
Sound quality: Precise, musical, without harshness
The H2 chip once again provides the computing power, but it is the software and optimized tuning that make the difference. The result: a precise, clear and yet humane sound, free from aggression or exaggerated brilliance.
The punch, dynamics and spatiality of Taylor Swift’s new album are impressive. The bass remains tight, vocals are focused, hi-hats shine – without being too sharp.
Compared to a Beyerdynamic DT 990 with a high-quality D/A converter, the difference is smaller than expected: The in-ear sounds surprisingly mature, controlled and powerful.
Sound and music tip: Tristan Brusch with his new album “Am Anfang.” It tends to be quiet and sad. Like “The long night”. There’s a piano in the big reverb, the voice has a lot of dynamics and clear breathing phrases. This is critical, especially for in-ears – how much quietness is possible, how precise is the reproduction, does it really sound musical with the long phrases? The Pro 3s are clearly ahead of the Pro 2s in this respect. As luck would have it, we had to/wanted to jet off to the high-end trade fair in Warsaw to test them in the Airbus. With the two Apple InEars in our luggage. There was still a little background noise from the engines on the 2s, which completely disappeared on the 3s.
Poetic German songwriter in high resolution above the clouds? That’s what the AirPods Pro 3 achieved like a really big over-ear. In case you haven’t heard it between the lines: this is the best way to listen via iPhone with a small design. I wouldn’t even have dared to think about it four or five years ago.
Conclusion: A must-have for Apple users
The AirPods Pro 3 are the best in-ears Apple has ever made. Sound, ANC and comfort have clearly improved. However, they make little sense for users outside the Apple world – they only develop their strengths in the ecosystem of iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
If you own the
Technical data: Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Manufacturer’s recommended retail price: 249 euros
- Type: In-Ear
- Transducer principle: dynamic
- Weight: 4.28 grams each
- Special features: 5 silicone ear tips with foam structure (“foam-infused ear tips”). With activated ANC plus spatial audio / head tracking: approx. 7.5 hours playing time. Hearing test, protection against harmful volume levels. Sweat, water and dust resistance according to protection class IP57
- More at www.apple.com
