AirPods Pro 3 Evaluation: A Month On – Examining the Intricate Enhancements

AirPods Pro 3 Evaluation: A Month On - Examining the Intricate Enhancements

AirPods Pro 3 Evaluation: A Month On – Examining the Intricate Enhancements


# AirPods Pro 3: An In-Depth Evaluation After a Month of Usage

Last month, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 3, which garnered significant praise from critics. Nonetheless, my individual experience with the latest version has been more varied since I made the switch on launch day.

## Exceptional Sound Quality and ANC Are Key Features

At first glance, the AirPods Pro 3 seemed like a simple upgrade, particularly after the unveiling of new iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods models. Numerous reviews, including one from my colleague Chance, conveyed the idea that “the best just got better.”

While I have enjoyed my AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods Pro 3 claimed to offer enhanced features on paper, and this has held true in certain respects. The enhanced audio quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) are notable improvements. These elements play a vital role in my listening pleasure, and I certainly value the progress compared to the earlier model.

However, my transition to AirPods Pro 3 has not been as smooth as I expected, largely due to two main concerns: fit and comfort, as well as battery longevity.

## AirPods Pro 3: A Simultaneous Upgrade and Downgrade

The revamped design of the AirPods Pro 3, which Apple asserts improves fit, has not been beneficial for me. Despite testing all available ear tip sizes, I find the fit to be less comfortable than that of the AirPods Pro 2. At present, I am using the medium ear tips, which offer the best acoustic seal without discomfort. The large tips achieve the acoustic seal requirement but are painful, while the smaller ones, although comfier, fail to provide an adequate seal for optimal noise cancellation.

This creates a conundrum: I can opt for a more comfortable fit but sacrifice noise cancellation, or tolerate slight discomfort for enhanced audio quality. Up to now, I have chosen the latter.

Moreover, even though the AirPods Pro 3 advertises an extended battery life of 8 hours per charge compared to 6 hours for the AirPods Pro 2, the total battery life with the charging case has dropped from 30 hours to 24 hours. This implies that, despite the increased duration per single charge, I find myself recharging the case every night to prevent frequent low battery notifications, which represents a decline in convenience.

## AirPods Pro 3 After One Month: Summary

In summary, my opinions regarding the AirPods Pro 3 are mixed. The AirPods Pro 2 set a high benchmark, making it difficult for the new variant to fulfill my expectations. I value the enhanced audio quality and impressive ANC, and while features like the heart rate sensor are nice to have, they haven’t substantially influenced my overall experience.

I would still recommend the AirPods Pro 3 to others. They may not be as universally outstanding as the AirPods Pro 2, but they continue to be a great option, particularly for users not facing fit challenges. For me, however, the fit issues have hindered the upgrade from being as satisfying as I had anticipated.

Have you made the switch to the AirPods Pro 3? Share your thoughts in the comments.