The advantages of Apple's AirPods 3 include an improved, water-resistant design with better fit, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive sound, longer battery life, MagSafe charging, seamless Apple device integration (pairing/switching), force sensor controls, and Adaptive EQ for balanced sound, making them great for everyday use and workouts despite lacking the Pro's top-tier ANC and lossless audio.
AirPods Pro 3 combine Active Noise Cancellation with next-level Transparency, which makes your voice and the world around you sound even more natural and vibrant, intelligently adapting to your environment to prioritize what you need to hear, when you need to hear it.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3, the third generation of its high-end in-canal noise-cancelling earphones, surpass the AirPods Pro 2 in every way. Apple has dialed in a fresh sound that improves the audio, redesigned the buds to fit more securely in your ear, and added foam to the eartips to create a better in-ear seal.
Are AirPods 3 noise cancelling? No, Apple AirPods 3rd generation do not contain any active noise cancelling features. Only the AirPods Pro series and Max contain noise cancelling.
The Airpods 3 are more similar to the Earpods in that they are open without the seal. The Airpods Pro are a more balanced sound because of the seal, but I personally love the Airpods 3 sound signature as it is fun and airy. You're not going to get as much low end in the Airpods 3, but the mids and highs are nice.
The AirPods 4 are better in terms of both sound quality and features. You get an upgraded H2 chip for cleaner sound, upgraded force touch controls, a new model with the best ANC on open earbuds, and features like Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, etc.
AirPods 3 are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and they are IPX4 rated. Sweat and water resistance are not permanent conditions. Size and weight vary by configuration and manufacturing process. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage, and many other factors.
The AirPods Pro 3 are our current favorite in the lineup and our Editors' Choice winners thanks to their crisp audio presentation, stellar noise cancellation, and durable design.
PINCH-PERFECT CONTROL — The force sensor lets you control your entertainment as well as answer, end, and mute or unmute yourself on calls. LONG BATTERY LIFE — Up to 6 hours of listening time with one charge, and up to 30 hours total listening time with the Lightning Charging Case.
The Apple AirPods 3rd Generation have been officially discontinued by Apple and are no longer available for purchase through authorized retailers or Apple's official website. The product, once a popular choice among consumers, has been phased out as part of Apple's transition to newer audio technology models.
The third-generation AirPods were released on October 26, 2021, and are priced at $179. In September 2022, Apple released a $169 variant with a charging case lacking Qi and MagSafe charging compatibility.
You've got the same recognizable design, great audio quality and foolproof connectivity that have made the AirPods Pro 2 such a staple, now with the promise of a better fit, longer battery life and active noise cancellation (ANC) that's twice as strong.
Reasons to buy
As I said, these buds are significantly improved in the four most important areas: fit, sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life. The result is that you don't feel like you're making any compromises when buying the AirPods Pro 3 if you're an Apple user.
A clinical‑grade Hearing Aid.
AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 provide the world's first software-enabled Hearing Aid feature 1 that is remarkably easy to use throughout the day.
The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3, offering superior sound with better bass, the H2 chip for advanced features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, and USB-C charging (with MagSafe on the ANC model), making them a significant upgrade for most users seeking improved audio and modern tech in an open-ear design, though the AirPods Pro 3 offers superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) if a sealed fit and top-tier noise blocking are priorities.
The top 5 earbuds for 2026 often include the Apple AirPods Pro 3 (best for iPhone), Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (top noise cancellation), Sony WF-1000XM5 (great all-around/audiophile sound), and the Technics EAH-AZ100 (premium sound/performance), with options like Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE or OnePlus Buds 3 offering excellent value or Android integration, depending on the reviewer's focus. These picks balance premium features like ANC, sound quality, and ecosystem integration, as highlighted by reviewers from CNET, PCMag, and RTINGS.
Quick Look
AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and AirPods 4 (both models) are sweat and water resistant, but they are not waterproof or sweatproof. They aren't designed for use in water sports like swimming, or for showering.
However, the AirPods 3 — while lacking ANC — still delivers solid sound quality and reliable battery life. So, if you're all about advanced features and noise cancellation AirPods 4 is the way to go. But if you prefer a simple, proven pair of earbuds, the AirPods 3 will still hold up.
Gen 4 (ANC): A3056, A3055, A3057. Gen 4: A3053, A3050, A3054. Gen 3: A2565, A2564. Gen 2: A2032, A2031.
For water-resistant models like the AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd Generation), a little sweat or a light sprinkle of rain probably won't cause any harm. But if they get soaked or submerged, they could be damaged and stop working.