Why the AirPods Pro 3 Are My Favorite Earbuds Ever

When I first got my hands on the Merlin Craft Customized Apple AirPods Pro 3 (and by extension, the standard AirPods Pro 3 model), I didn’t expect to fall this hard. Over the past few weeks of intensive use—during workouts, on commutes, calls, travel, and quiet evenings—I’ve found them to be the most versatile, comfortable, and feature-rich earbuds I’ve ever owned.

But don’t take just my word for it—Apple made bold claims, reviewers have tested them, and real users are signaling their love (and some criticisms). Let’s dig into what makes them stand out, where they still have room for improvement, and whether they’re the right pick for you.

What’s New in AirPods Pro 3 — The Upgrades That Actually Matter

Apple’s official press release highlights several headline upgrades:“unbelievable sound quality, the world’s best in-ear active noise cancellation, improved fit and stability, heart rate sensing, and extended battery life.”

Here’s a breakdown of the most meaningful new features, and how they translate to real use:

A more moderate summary comes from SoundGuys, which calls the Pro 3 a “jack of all trades, master of some.”

Why These Became My Favorite Earbuds (Personal Experience)

Yes, specs are compelling. But what matters most is how they feel day to day. Here’s why I’ve fallen in love:

1. Effortless pairing & integration. Like all AirPods, pairing with my iPhone, MacBook, and iPad is seamless. Apple’s auto-device switching just works—no fiddling.

2. Comfort over long sessions. I can wear them for hours: on work calls, while editing, or listening to podcasts. The lighter design, better seal, and balanced weight reduce fatigue.

3. Versatility in environments. From gym to coffee shops to flights, the ANC + transparency toggling is smooth.

4. One device doing more. Having built-in heart rate and translation makes them not just audio gear—but a multipurpose wearable.

5. Battery peace of mind. No mid-day panic about battery dying. The boost to 8 hours (with ANC on) is real and meaningful.

Drawbacks & Things to Watch Out For

They’re not perfect. Here’s where they fall a bit short or require caution:

• Repairability is nearly zero. The AirPods Pro 3 are heavily glued and sealed. According to iFixit’s teardown, components are nearly impossible to repair.

• Walled-garden limitations. Many flagship features (live translation, heart rate, spatial audio) only work well (or at all) with recent iOS versions. Android or older devices won’t unlock full potential.

• Translation still imperfect. Live Translation sometimes struggles in noisy environments or with less common languages or accents.

• Sensor accuracy is variable. The heart rate readout is good for casual metrics, not medical-grade.

• Cost & upgrade justification. If you already have Pro 2 and battery is decent, it may be harder to justify the jump—though for me, it’s been worth it.

Verdict: Are They Worth It?

Yes—especially if you’re within Apple’s ecosystem. The AirPods Pro 3 strike a rare balance: excellent audio, strong noise control, workout and translation features, and day-to-day comfort. While not flawless, they represent Apple’s most rounded and ambitious earbuds yet.

If you use Android or want repairable gear, you might explore alternatives. But for iPhone users who want “one earbuds for everything,” these are among the best bets available in 2025.