AirPods Pro 3 Review: Clinical-Grade Hearing Health Features Arrive

The AirPods Pro 3 represent a significant evolution for Apple's premium earbuds. Released in September 2025, they introduce features that transform these earbuds from audio accessories into legitimate health devices.

The FDA-cleared hearing aid functionality is groundbreaking. After taking a hearing test through your iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 can actively compensate for hearing loss by amplifying specific frequencies in real-time. For the millions with mild to moderate hearing loss, this could replace expensive dedicated hearing aids.

The new H3 chip enables the hearing health features while also improving core audio performance. Active Noise Cancellation is approximately 30% more effective than the previous generation, with better handling of voices and irregular sounds. Transparency mode sounds more natural than ever.

Audio quality has been refined with new custom-designed drivers. The low end has more punch without bleeding into mids, while highs are crisp without harshness. Spatial Audio with head tracking continues to impress for video content.

The Conversation Awareness feature has been improved. When you start speaking, the AirPods automatically reduce media volume, enhance the voice in front of you, and reduce background noise. It's remarkably intuitive in practice.

Battery life reaches 7 hours with ANC enabled and 34 hours total with the case—a meaningful improvement over the Pro 2. The case now supports USB-C, MagSafe, Qi wireless, and the new Qi2 standard.

The fit system uses the same silicone tips in four sizes. The improved vent system reduces pressure buildup during extended wear. For workouts, the IP54 rating provides sweat and water resistance.

At $249, the AirPods Pro 3 are priced the same as their predecessors. The hearing health features alone make them worth considering, even if you already own the Pro 2. For anyone in the Apple ecosystem, these remain the earbuds to beat.