Best AirPods of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Why we similar them: The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple's astir precocious headphones, offering proceeding wellness features, in-ear bosom complaint monitoring, effectual progressive and adaptive noise-cancelation, and Apple's superb transparency mode. The AirPods Pro 3's caller earbud and receptor extremity plan should assistance astir radical execute a amended seal, resulting successful improved dependable immersion and noise-canceling performance.

Also: AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: I compared the 2 models, and here's who should upgrade

The AirPods Pro 3's noise-cancelation is tangibly improved implicit its predecessor, though Bose's noise-cancelation inactive has an borderline astatine canceling little frequencies. Additionally, the earbuds' bosom complaint sensor and upgrades to the iOS Fitness app marque the Pro 3 much than simply a vas for canceling sound and playing euphony -- they're a existent companion to your iPhone and tin connection much worth to your mundane needs. 

Who they're for: These AirPods are perfect for iOS users looking for a small, easy pocketable brace of AirPods with advanced, "pro"-level features. The AirPods Pro 3 are perfect for individuals who similar earbuds alternatively of over-ear headphones and tendency a much discreet enactment for mundane use. 

The AirPods Pro 2 diagnostic an IP57 rating, making them much resistant to dust, sweat, and h2o than the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C). The stronger h2o absorption makes the AirPods and their charging lawsuit virtually waterproof -- some tin past h2o immersion up to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. I don't urge intentionally dunking your AirPods, but if an mishap happens, they should beryllium fine.

Working professionals, predominant flyers, and radical connected the determination tin admit the Pro 3's compatibility with their iPhone, which enables them to power Siri, marque and person telephone calls, and adhd events to their calendars hands-free.

Who should look elsewhere: Although the AirPods Pro 3 are our favourite AirPods for their versatility and performance, see the AirPods 4 if the Pro 3 are excessively precocious for your needs, oregon if you similar a much accepted fit. If you're looking for over-ear headphones that service arsenic an auditory companion to your Apple devices, see the AirPods Max.

The lone large bundle upgrade the Pro 3 has implicit the Pro 2 is the summation of bosom complaint tracking. The AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 each utilize Apple's H2 chip, which enables each earbuds to diagnostic Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Mode, and more.

Like each AirPods, you should see different headphones and earbuds if you person an Android smartphone oregon tablet, oregon a Windows oregon ChromeOS laptop. You'll overpay for these earbuds and miss retired connected their champion features, should you brace them with a non-Apple device.

AirPods Pro 3: Type: In-ear | Chip: H2 | Battery life: 8 hours; up to 24 with charging lawsuit | Water-resistant: IP57 (dust, sweat, and h2o resistant)