Apple has increased the AirPods Pro 3’s likelihood of remaining firmly in your ears by redesigning the shape of the buds and tips to be more angled, for a snug fit. The tips are filled with foam that slightly expands in the ear, creating a better seal, and there’s a new XXS tip size to accommodate more ears. However, the tip is still mostly silicone, making it easy to clean and comfortable to wear. I snagged a pair myself (unfortunately, at full price) and have discovered they fit better than the AirPods Pro 2, especially when I twist them to secure them in place.

We evaluated the AirPods Pro 3’s active noise cancellation on a flight, in a conversation-filled room, and at a concert, and they performed well each time. They excel at reducing high frequency sounds, like voices, compared to earlier AirPods Pro versions. Regarding sound quality, the AirPods Pro 3 offer rich bass and improved performance for spatial audio in music and film soundtracks. Sound quality is subjective depending on your ear sensitivity, favorite music genres, and how the tracks are mastered. Impressively, the earbuds retained 27 percent battery after about six hours of continuous use with active noise canceling on, matching Apple’s eight-hour battery life claim.

A notable new feature of the AirPods Pro 3 is heart rate monitoring, with sensors integrated into the buds. Your heart rate data is tracked and stored in the Apple Health app. In our assessments, the results were comparable to those recorded by a chest strap, within five to 10 beats per minute, although accuracy depends on how well they fit. The earbuds have an IP57 rating, indicating they are sweat-resistant and suitable for workouts. Live Translation, a feature debuting with the AirPods Pro 3 but also available on the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, was fairly accurate, albeit not flawless. Read our review.