AirPods Pro 3 Buying Guide
Everything you need to know before buying. We compare alternatives, recommend accessories, and give you our honest verdict.
Quick Verdict
Our take in 30 seconds.
The AirPods Pro 3 are the best wireless earbuds for Apple users. The H3 chip enables lossless audio, revolutionary hearing health features, and polished ANC. At $279, they're expensive but deliver genuine innovation — the clinical-grade hearing test and OTC hearing aid functionality alone justify the upgrade. For anyone in the Apple ecosystem, these are a no-brainer.
Buying Guide
Step-by-step breakdown to help you decide.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Should you upgrade?
The Pro 3 offers lossless audio, hearing health features, H3 chip, IP57 rating, and 8-hour battery. The Pro 2 remains excellent with great ANC and seamless ecosystem integration. Upgrade if you value audio quality, hearing health, or longer battery.
- Pro 3: Lossless, hearing health, H3, IP57
- Pro 2: Still great, more affordable at $199
- Who should upgrade: Audiophiles and hearing health users
Getting the most out of hearing health features
Take the 5-minute hearing test in a quiet environment. Use the audiogram to set up personalized hearing aid profiles. Enable Hearing Protection in loud environments. Review your hearing trends monthly in the Health app.
- Take test in quiet room for accuracy
- Enable Hearing Protection for concerts
- Review trends monthly in Health app
Best Alternatives
Other great options worth considering.
Sony WF-1000XM6
$279Sony's flagship earbuds with best-in-class ANC and LDAC.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
$299Bose earbuds with legendary ANC and spatial audio.
Recommended Accessories
Complete your setup.
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Dongle
For lossless audio on iPhone with wired connection.
Apple MagSafe Charger
Wireless charging puck for case and iPhone.
Still Have Questions?
We've got answers.
Yes. The AirPods Pro 3 include an FDA-registered over-the-counter hearing aid feature. You take a clinical-grade hearing test in the Health app, and if mild to moderate hearing loss is detected, the hearing aid functionality activates.