AirPods Pro 3 here, early impressions (vs AirPods Pro 2)

[NvidiaIntelPC]

So I’m just back from the Apple Store and picked up my AirPods Pro 3 (upgrading from the AirPods Pro 2).

I don’t have my Pro 2s with me at the moment, so I’m going off memory — I’ll do a side-by-side comparison in the next couple of days.

Early impressions: the ANC is definitely better and improved.I don't know about 3 times better, but noticeably better. At least 2x more effective and they completely silence a loud portable AC.

Sound quality is also better — the bass is noticeably stronger, and overall clarity and detail have improved.

The differences in both sound and ANC are far more noticeable than between the AirPods Pro 2 and the 1st generation.

The case and the AirPods themselves look pretty much identical — nothing special to note.

The fit is different, though. I found the Pro 2 (and Pro 1) very comfortable, and so far the Pro 3 feel comfortable during my 20 minutes of use, but they sit deeper in the ear canal and there’s noticeably more ear canal pressure. It’s not enough to make them uncomfortable yet, but it’s something you notice compared to the Pro 2. The Pro 2 felt like you weren’t wearing anything, while with these, you can feel them in your ear.

We’ll see how they feel over longer sessions!

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NEW UPDATE: The ANC and sound quality of the AirPods Pro 3 are clearly better than the Pro 2 (and this comes from someone who’s bought 20+ pairs of headphones in the last 2 years, currently owning 8 including $1000 model). Anyone denying this either hasn’t used them or doesn’t have the right fit.


The new tips go deeper into the ear canal, which can cause comfort issues. For me they’re okay, but definitely not as comfortable as the Pro 2. I went down to size S tips — going to XS feels slightly better, but then the ANC suffers (even if iOS shows a good seal). Comfort also seems to change with time of day: during the day they felt fine, but at night they can feel tight specially in my left ear. Not awful, but I prefer the Pro 2’s comfort 100%.


Still, the ANC is vastly better on the Pro 3, and the bass, density, and overall sound quality are undeniably superior.

 

[djrm]

I hear what youre saying about the difference in comfort between the 2’s and 3’s. Totally agree in that you forgot you were wearing the 2’s but thats not the case with the 3’s. Had them in for serval hours now and its a noticeable differnce

 

[Kylo83]

Sorry but this is just wrong; I have been comparing them both the pro 2 and the new one and the pro 2 sound much nicer, bass is stronger and cleaner. The pro 3 are to on the high end and don’t have anywhere near the bass the pro 2 have; it’s a downgrade in sound quality. Sorry but what are Apple thinking even the anc isn’t as strong. And trust me I used to work in audio mixing I know my sound. They don’t sound any better than the pro 2 but actually worse. I’ve had enough of Apple now. Every new product actually seems worse

 

[JCCL]

Sorry but this is just wrong; I have been comparing them both the pro 2 and the new one and the pro 2 sound much nicer, bass is stronger and cleaner. The pro 3 are to on the high end and don’t have anywhere near the bass the pro 2 have; it’s a downgrade in sound quality. Sorry but what are Apple thinking even the anc isn’t as strong. And trust me I used to work in audio mixing I know my sound. They don’t sound any better than the pro 2 but actually worse. I’ve had enough of Apple now. Every new product actually seems worse

Interesting conflicting posts. Do you think the discrepancy might be due to the fit? For instance, I have some Shure IEMs, and a good seal from a bad one can definitely make them sound significantly better or worse.

 

[ultratiem]

Edit: new APP3s I just picked up at the store has the exact same issue!!! W T F!

I got mine and will be returning them due to the left earpiece not charging. A shame. I wore them for all of 5 mins but didn’t notice a remarkable difference from my 2s.

I would honestly be shocked it gets 8h of life but will let the internet settle that one. I am trusting Cook’s Apple less and less.

To me, most of the gain comes from the upgraded tips. They are nice indeed. Smart design only infusing the tip of the tip with foam and leaving the leaf in tact. They fit beautifully. But the fit in my 2s is perfect for my ears so I hear far less improvement in sound if any. It’s the same processor in there so technically no processing power has been added. Not saying they can’t get better sound other ways. Just saying.

A shame mine were defective but they also made me rethink whether the battery life is worth it. The ANC did seemed improved but again, the chip remains the same so I suspect a lot of Apple’s claims stem largely from the upgraded tips.

I was impressed with the case tho. Very little wobble on the flip top. Seems like they finally fixed that giant customer painpoint or I got mad lucky.

I would have to say if anyone can get the 2s for cheap, get them. Unless battery life is essential to your life.

 

[danny1305]

Sorry but this is just wrong; I have been comparing them both the pro 2 and the new one and the pro 2 sound much nicer, bass is stronger and cleaner. The pro 3 are to on the high end and don’t have anywhere near the bass the pro 2 have; it’s a downgrade in sound quality. Sorry but what are Apple thinking even the anc isn’t as strong. And trust me I used to work in audio mixing I know my sound. They don’t sound any better than the pro 2 but actually worse. I’ve had enough of Apple now. Every new product actually seems worse

It’s not wrong at all…it’s literally night and day. It really seems like you haven’t tried them at all, and are just trying to cope with now having the previous generation

 

[doogm]

The fit is different, though. I found the Pro 2 (and Pro 1) very comfortable, and so far the Pro 3 feel comfortable during my 20 minutes of use, but they sit deeper in the ear canal and there’s noticeably more ear canal pressure.

I'm looking forward to trying them out myself. The APP2 are ok when I am sitting on my couch, but once I get moving, they just don't feel secure in my ears. So what you're saying sounds good to me.

Once Amazon has their first sale on these (I know; could be a long time) I'll try them out. If they're better, I'll trade the APP2 in.

 

[Kylo83]

It’s not wrong at all…it’s literally night and day. It really seems like you haven’t tried them at all, and are just trying to cope with now having the previous generation

I dont need to prove anything to anyone, Mayne you do what I did and see, compare both

 

[aoaaron]

It’s not wrong at all…it’s literally night and day. It really seems like you haven’t tried them at all, and are just trying to cope with now having the previous generation

I own both. The APP3 have a few issues..

1. Transparency mode - has a loud background hiss/noise. It can be changed with the settings but default out of the box - not great. I can't find a setting to get rid of this on the Mac.
2. It has a lack of mid-bass fullness. This is in keeping with Dave 2D's readings
3. Its very bright (treble forward) which gives better detail in the treble but means the bass falls back
4. The fit is very different to APP2s, you need to shove them in your ear canal, which is no where near as comfortable. If you don't the sound quality is not great. With APP2s, it was far more forgiving.

The high treble was a big issue for me when on a phone call today with my sister.

2 and 3 could be dealbreakers for someone who likes a neutral headphone.

Overall, I'm enjoying them more and more. But it's really not a clear cut upgrade like APP1 to APP2 was. I personally think Apple dropped the ball with this one. I wanted a similar jump from APP1 to APP2 and there are IEMS on the market that are better than both APP2 & APP3.



My APP2 is battery case looks likes its on the way out so I'll probably keep these recluctantly but I'm not waiting for any other headphones from Apple. I'm going to explore other brands like Focal now.

 

[ArchEtech]

I own both. The APP3 have a few issues..

1. Transparency mode - has a loud background hiss/noise. It can be changed with the settings but default out of the box - not great. I can't find a setting to get rid of this on the Mac.
2. It has a lack of mid-bass fullness. This is in keeping with Dave 2D's readings
3. Its very bright (treble forward) which gives better detail in the treble but means the bass falls back
4. The fit is very different to APP2s, you need to shove them in your ear canal, which is no where near as comfortable. If you don't the sound quality is not great. With APP2s, it was far more forgiving.

The high treble was a big issue for me when on a phone call today with my sister.

2 and 3 could be dealbreakers for someone who likes a neutral headphone.

Overall, I'm enjoying them more and more. But it's really not a clear cut upgrade like APP1 to APP2 was. I personally think Apple dropped the ball with this one. I wanted a similar jump from APP1 to APP2 and there are IEMS on the market that are better than both APP2 & APP3.



My APP2 is battery case looks likes its on the way out so I'll probably keep these recluctantly but I'm not waiting for any other headphones from Apple. I'm going to explore other brands like Focal now.

1. Haven't tried Transparency mode, as I never use it. I hear less overall static with NS though.
2. I think the Pro 2 have more bass from an EQ standpoint, and more color from the bass, maybe that's your reference to fullness. That is simply an EQ thing. I find the Pro 3 to be tighter, with deeper bass (with slightly less of it) and more highs for sure. That fits my preference.
3. The Pro 3 have more clarity to me, and less color from the bass. I prefer it, not everyone will. It sounds less muddy to me on bass heavy tracks.
4. For sure. They seem harder to put in and take out because they kind of fit deeper. This is good for me because I have small ears, and I like them fit deep and tight. On the Pro 3 The stem is larger, but the housing of the drivers smaller.

See my post. I think the Pro 3 are definitely better sound quality, but its not a huge change and going to come down to preference in sound and fitment. I've been going back between my Pro 2 and Pro 3 for about an hour with lots of different music types.

 

[VanXava]

I'm not convinced of my Pro 3 either. They seem to be getting louder overall and therefore seem "larger" in sound. For me, however, this is too loud and unpleasant. At normal volume, the bass seems a little stronger. But this is very subjective. For me, the biggest criticism is actually the advertised fit. I immediately noticed negatively how uncomfortable they sit in my ears, no matter which earphones I use. Due to the fact that the tips have to be pressed into the ear, they press too hard against the inside of the ear canal. This is very uncomfortable and unacceptable for me. Well, then I'll stick with my AirPods Pro 2. There is actually nothing to complain about here.

 

[Benito]

I don’t own the AirPods Pro 2 instead I have the Pro 1 and now the AirPods Pro 3. After wearing them around town for over 2 hours the airpods have about 76% charge left. That was listening to music and podcasts continuously with a mix of ANC with or without Adaptive Audio on. In comparison to the pro 1 the pro 3 has much richer, fuller cleaner sound. The ANC is so much better there is no comparison. Easy to justify the purchase of the pro 3 if you have the pro 1.

 

[Kylo83]

I'm not convinced of my Pro 3 either. They seem to be getting louder overall and therefore seem "larger" in sound. For me, however, this is too loud and unpleasant. At normal volume, the bass seems a little stronger. But this is very subjective. For me, the biggest criticism is actually the advertised fit. I immediately noticed negatively how uncomfortable they sit in my ears, no matter which earphones I use. Due to the fact that the tips have to be pressed into the ear, they press too hard against the inside of the ear canal. This is very uncomfortable and unacceptable for me. Well, then I'll stick with my AirPods Pro 2. There is actually nothing to complain about here.

yeah pro 2 are better in every way more comfy and better sound quality, apple cant do things rights anymore

 

[aoaaron]

1. Haven't tried Transparency mode, as I never use it. I hear less overall static with NS though.
2. I think the Pro 2 have more bass from an EQ standpoint, and more color from the bass, maybe that's your reference to fullness. That is simply an EQ thing. I find the Pro 3 to be tighter, with deeper bass (with slightly less of it) and more highs for sure. That fits my preference.
3. The Pro 3 have more clarity to me, and less color from the bass. I prefer it, not everyone will. It sounds less muddy to me on bass heavy tracks.
4. For sure. They seem harder to put in and take out because they kind of fit deeper. This is good for me because I have small ears, and I like them fit deep and tight. On the Pro 3 The stem is larger, but the housing of the drivers smaller.

See my post. I think the Pro 3 are definitely better sound quality, but its not a huge change and going to come down to preference in sound and fitment. I've been going back between my Pro 2 and Pro 3 for about an hour with lots of different music types.

1. Please check. Agreed, in Noice cancelling its awesome.
2. Agreed
3. Agreed
4. Agreed


I think the 3 also do have much better sound quality, Its just sad they haven't given us the option of more quantity of bass. Maybe the drivers just can't do it?

 

[ArchEtech]

1. Please check. Agreed, in Noice cancelling its awesome.
2. Agreed
3. Agreed
4. Agreed


I think the 3 also do have much better sound quality, Its just sad they haven't given us the option of more quantity of bass. Maybe the drivers just can't do it?

Just change the EQ on the headphones with apple music. I do 1000000% think that apple should have an app for the airpods, like they have for the apple watch, that has some simple settings for adjustment. All they need is a 10 band EQ and some sound modes. My guess is, that's a lot to throw into the bud, as apposed to controlling it at the source. **** even a simple bass level or 3 band Eq would be nice.

For other sources, my guess is, you will find some to be bass heavy and bass light simply because the recording and the source. The same exact song off the same album will sound different on Youtube, vs. Itunes, vs. Spotify. For me I was usually wanting to scoop the sound with the Pro 2, so the Pro 3 are good for my preference. People could get both and return the ones that don't like!

Don't forget the spatial audio profile will change things a lot if enabled.

 

[Corpuscle]

I got mine and will be returning them due to the left earpiece not charging. A shame. I wore them for all of 5 mins but didn’t notice a remarkable difference from my 2s.

"All of 5 minutes"??? Seriously. With all due respect, I give zero credibility to an opinion based upon 5 minutes of listening. I just spent the last 2 1/2 hours listening to all kinds of music and movies.

 

[ArchEtech]

"All of 5 minutes"??? Seriously. With all due respect, I give zero credibility to an opinion based upon 5 minutes of listening. I just spent the last 2 1/2 hours listening to all kinds of music and movies.

I think you missed the part where he said one of the ear pieces wouldn't charge.

 

[zakarhino]

On first listen I prefer APP2's sound, there's also a low end static hiss that I can hear on the APP3 in transparency mode. Strange, you would think the new microphones mean the APP3 transparency is better but apparently not.

I will continue evaluating but not impressed on initial impressions. Fit is better though.

 

[Kylo83]

On first listen I prefer APP2's sound, there's also a low end static hiss that I can hear on the APP3 in transparency mode. Strange, you would think the new microphones mean the APP3 transparency is better but apparently not.

I will continue evaluating but not impressed on initial impressions. Fit is better though.

yeah AirPods Pro 2 sound much better, with any blind test everyone would say the pro 2 are the new ones with better sound and bass

 

[Corpuscle]

I think you missed the part where he said one of the ear pieces wouldn't charge.

I didn't miss it at all. He made two statements. One, he was returning because of a defective component. Fine. But Number Two, he said he didn't hear a remarkable difference from his app2 after 5 minutes. Come on, man. How can make an honest evaluation in 5 minutes?

I'm very used to the sound and fit of my APP2. I love them. I put the new 3 in and immediately heard a difference. Treble was sharper and the bass was more pronounced. It was different from the 2 and sometimes our brain initially prefers something we're used to over something that may be better.

I listened for at least 45 min before I was able to get used to the new sound. And then it just became obvious how much better the 3 sounds compared to the 2. I listen almost exclusively to classical music. To hear it well, you need really high quality sound devices that will bring forth all the subtlety and clarity that is needed to really "hear" classical. As good as the 2 Pro is, the 3 is better, significantly, IMHO. Much clearer definition of the sound, a broader more spacious environment, beautiful highs, and really good base.

I'm thrilled with these. They come with the middle size tip on. I'm used to the very comfortable fit I have with the Pro2, where you hardly notice they in your ears. Initially, the 3 felt a bit tight with the medium tips. I then tried the small tip, and voila. Perfect. Comfortable. Could barely tell they were in my ear. Same great sound. Spent the next few hours really enjoying them. Had to finally, stop and charge them (they came charged about 20%).

I certainly don't expect everyone to have the same opinions. Some certainly may not ending up liking the 3. That's fine. BUT at least give yourselves more than 5 minutes to come to any conclusions.

 

[Corpuscle]

On first listen I prefer APP2's sound, there's also a low end static hiss that I can hear on the APP3 in transparency mode.

I just tried to reproduce your findings and I have no static or hiss in transparency mode. You have a defective device. Return them.

 

[Kylo83]

I didn't miss it at all. He made two statements. One, he was returning because of a defective component. Fine. But Number Two, he said he didn't hear a remarkable difference from his app2 after 5 minutes. Come on, man. How can make an honest evaluation in 5 minutes?

I'm very used to the sound and fit of my APP2. I love them. I put the new 3 in and immediately heard a difference. Treble was sharper and the bass was more pronounced. It was different from the 2 and sometimes our brain initially prefers something we're used to over something that may be better.

I listened for at least 45 min before I was able to get used to the new sound. And then it just became obvious how much better the 3 sounds compared to the 2. I listen almost exclusively to classical music. To hear it well, you need really high quality sound devices that will bring forth all the subtlety and clarity that is needed to really "hear" classical. As good as the 2 Pro is, the 3 is better, significantly, IMHO. Much clearer definition of the sound, a broader more spacious environment, beautiful highs, and really good base.

I'm thrilled with these. They come with the middle size tip on. I'm used to the very comfortable fit I have with the Pro2, where you hardly notice they in your ears. Initially, the 3 felt a bit tight with the medium tips. I then tried the small tip, and voila. Perfect. Comfortable. Could barely tell they were in my ear. Same great sound. Spent the next few hours really enjoying them. Had to finally, stop and charge them (they came charged about 20%).

I certainly don't expect everyone to have the same opinions. Some certainly may not ending up liking the 3. That's fine. BUT at least give yourselves more than 5 minutes to come to any conclusions.

The new ones don’t sound better they sound like tiny, the pro 2 has full sound with good highs and lows where alas the new ones you have to shove them deep in the ear to get the same fit and it sounds good on the highs but the mids and lower end are lacking, if you play same song and compare both you will see the pro 2 have the over all better sound, something is really off with the pro 3

 

[Rob9874]

yeah AirPods Pro 2 sound much better, with any blind test everyone would say the pro 2 are the new ones with better sound and bass

Don't be so sure. I A/B'd with my APP2's today and have the opposite opinion. For me, it's more of an objective fact, not opinion. My APP3's sound MUCH better than my APP2's. After reading your and the post you quoted's definitely statements, I got my APP2's out again to see if there was something I'm missing. Nope, they sound horrible compared to the APP3's. Not saying you're wrong, but I think everyone's ears are different. I'm very happy with the APP3.

 

[Wizec]

Just tried out my new AirPods Pro 3.

Best AirPods I’ve ever had.
They fit better and sound much better than the 2s.

• Bass is much stronger
• Frequencies are much more balanced
• The fit is much improved over the 2s

 

[SammyNad]

I own AAP2s with foam tips, and never was able to get a good seal. I've been using APP3s for the past 4-5 hours, the seal is great, the sound is fantastic... worth every dollar I spent.