Apple AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 have the best in-ear ANC we've ever tested, plus deep bass, a useful heart-rate sensor, and effortless Apple integration. Fit is the big wildcard, with some users finding the hard plastic uncomfortable. If you're an iPhone owner and can find them near the USD 170 low end, they're a no-brainer.

The ANC is the headline act here, landing in the 97th percentile of our database and reducing up to 2x more noise than the AirPods Pro 2. Sound quality sits in the 91st percentile, with deep bass and clear vocals that make the music score of 76.8 feel a bit harsh, honestly. The 8-hour earbud battery is solid, and the 5-minute quick charge for an hour of playback is a lifesaver. Connectivity is best-in-class at the 100th percentile, with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint that just works. The mic quality is strong but not class-leading, landing in the 82nd percentile, which is fine for calls but not a standout.

Against the Sony WF-1000XM6, the AirPods Pro 3 win on ANC and Apple integration, but Sony fights back with better sound customization and a more universal fit. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the closest rival for pure noise cancellation, but they're bulkier and don't have the heart-rate sensor or live translation. The Technics EAH-AZ100 are a sleeper pick with excellent sound, but they can't match Apple's easy pairing and adaptive audio. If you want the best all-around package and you own an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 are the clear winner. If you're on Android or want more sound tweaking, the Sony or Technics are better bets.

Pricing is all over the place right now, with USD listings ranging from USD 170 to USD 260 across 12 vendors. That's a USD 90 spread, which is wild. If you're hunting for a deal, Amazon has the lowest price at USD 170, and that's a steal for what you're getting. At the high end, USD 260 feels steep unless you absolutely need the Apple logo. For iPhone users, the value is undeniable at the low end of that range. For Android folks, you're paying a premium for features you can't fully use.

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 are the best in-ear noise cancellers we've tested, period. The ANC is so aggressive it makes a crowded subway sound like a library, and the new adaptive audio actually works without you having to fiddle with settings. Apple also threw in heart-rate sensing and live translation, which sounds gimmicky until you use them.

But this is still an Apple product, which means the fit is a love-it-or-hate-it situation. The hard plastic shape bugs some ears, and if the previous Pros didn't fit you, these probably won't either. That said, for iPhone owners who want the most polished wireless earbuds on the market, there's nothing close.

Android users should skip these entirely, you're paying for Apple features you can't use. If you had fit issues with previous AirPods Pro models, the hard plastic shape here probably won't fix that. And if you're on a tight budget, the Soundcore P31i or EarFun Air Pro 4+ deliver solid ANC for a fraction of the price.

If you own an iPhone and want the best noise cancellation, the most effortless experience, and a few genuinely useful health features, buy these. The heart-rate sensor is a nice bonus for workouts, and live translation is surprisingly handy for travel. Just make sure you try the fit before committing, because the hard plastic shape is a dealbreaker for some ears. For everyone else, especially Android users, there are better values out there.