AirPods Pro 3 Review (UK): Better ANC, Built for Workouts
Quick verdict
AirPods Pro 3 are Apple's current flagship earbuds. Independent reviewers found the noise cancelling and sound a clear step up from AirPods Pro 2. They also add heart rate tracking and IP57 protection. The case holds less battery than before, and the new fit won't suit everyone, but for iPhone owners they're the AirPods Pro to buy.
Check current price on Amazon UKApple launched AirPods Pro 3 in September 2025 to replace the AirPods Pro 2, and they're still Apple's flagship earbuds in October 2026. The September 2026 Apple event brought new standard AirPods 5 but no new Pro model. AirPods Pro 3 keep the familiar white stem design, but Apple has reshaped them to fit more ears. They also get stronger noise cancelling, a heart rate sensor for workouts and longer battery life per charge.
Who are they for?
AirPods Pro 3 are for iPhone owners who want strong noise cancelling for commuting, flights and the office, with instant pairing and automatic switching between Apple devices. They also suit anyone who exercises with earbuds, thanks to the IP57 rating and built-in heart rate tracking that works with the Fitness app. The hearing health features carry over too. Android users miss out on much of what makes AirPods worth buying.
Key specs
- Chip: Apple H2 in the earbuds, second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the case
- Noise control: Active Noise Cancellation that Apple says removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2, plus Adaptive Audio, Transparency and Conversation Awareness
- Health: heart rate sensing during workouts, Hearing Test, Hearing Aid feature and Hearing Protection
- Battery: up to 8 hours with ANC (6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts), up to 24 hours in total with the case
- Durability: IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance for the earbuds and case
- Fit: five ear tip sizes from XXS to L, with foam-infused tips
- Case: MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker, lanyard loop and Precision Finding. No USB-C cable in the box
- Weight: 5.55g per earbud, 43.99g for the case
- Bluetooth: 5.3 with AAC and SBC codecs
Sound and noise cancelling
What Hi-Fi? tested AirPods Pro 3 at £219 and found them a step forward from the AirPods Pro 2 in almost every way. The sound is more spacious, powerful and dynamic, and the noise cancelling cuts more engine rumble and background chatter. It still rated Bose's QC Ultra Earbuds higher for total silence. TechRadar called them an otherwise near-perfect set of noise-cancelling earbuds, with stamina the only minor issue. If you want hi-res codecs such as LDAC or aptX, you won't get them here, though iPhones don't support those codecs either.
Fit, features and battery
The redesign divides opinion. What Hi-Fi?'s reviewers who liked the Pro 2's shallow fit felt the Pro 3 stick out more, while those who struggled with the Pro 2 found the Pro 3 more secure. Battery life is the main compromise. You get 8 hours per charge instead of 6, but the case now holds 24 hours of listening in total, down from 30 on the Pro 2. Live Translation needs an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone and isn't exclusive to the Pro 3.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stronger noise cancelling than AirPods Pro 2
- Spacious, dynamic sound
- Heart rate sensing for workouts
- IP57 earbuds and case
- 8 hours per charge with ANC
- Seamless with iPhone, iPad and Mac
Cons
- Total battery with case down to 24 hours
- New fit won't suit every ear
- No hi-res Bluetooth codecs
- Best features need an iPhone
- No USB-C cable included
UK price
AirPods Pro 3 cost £219 from Apple UK. They were about £200 on Amazon UK when we checked on 4 October 2026, and they've been cheaper during sales. Prices change often, so check the current price on Amazon UK before you buy.
Verdict
AirPods Pro 3 are the AirPods Pro to buy in 2026. Reviewers agree they sound better and block more noise than the Pro 2. Add heart rate tracking and IP57 protection, and they're one of the most complete pairs of earbuds an iPhone owner can buy. Just try the new fit if you can, and remember the case holds less charge than before.
FAQs
How much are AirPods Pro 3 in the UK?
Apple sells AirPods Pro 3 for £219 at apple.com/uk. Amazon UK often lists them for less. They were around £200 when we checked on 4 October 2026, but prices change often.
How long does the AirPods Pro 3 battery last?
Apple quotes up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancelling on and up to 24 hours in total with the MagSafe charging case. That's more per charge than AirPods Pro 2, which managed 6 hours, but less in total than the Pro 2's 30 hours.
Should I upgrade from AirPods Pro 2?
Only if you want the stronger noise cancelling, the heart rate sensor or longer battery life per charge. What Hi-Fi? says happy Pro 2 owners may not find much reason to upgrade. The new shape also fits some ears better and others worse, so try a pair first if you can.
Are AirPods Pro 3 waterproof?
They're rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water resistance, and so is the charging case. That's fine for workouts and rain, but they aren't made for swimming.
How we researched this review: we compiled this guide from Apple's official UK specifications and pricing (apple.com/uk) and independent hands-on reviews from What Hi-Fi? and TechRadar. We have not tested this product ourselves. AirPods Pro 3 replace the AirPods Pro 2 we previously covered.