It’s been just over four months since Apple released AirPods Pro 3. When I posted my initial review, my takeaway was that AirPods Pro 3 are the “best getting even better.” Four months later, I still stand by that sentiment … but it’s clear I was wrong about at least one big thing.

• Buy AirPods Pro 3: $199 (Reg. $249)
• Buy AirPods 4: $119 (Reg. $179)

AirPods Pro 3: Here’s what I got wrong Comfort and fit

AirPods Pro 3 are more controversial than I expected. Some people just don’t like the fit and comfort as much as AirPods Pro 2. That’s a fair judgement, and everyone’s ears are different. For me, however, AirPods Pro 3 fit better than their predecessor.

In fact, I’d say that in the intervening four months since getting AirPods Pro 3 in September, the fit has only gotten better for me as the foam-infused ear tips have conformed to my ears.

Here’s what I wrote in my initial review:

Overall, AirPods Pro 3 aren’t a dramatic change in form factor. The overall structure and shape are still largely the same. Apple, however, has made enough subtle changes that most people will notice an improvement in fit, but not at the expense of comfort. I also don’t think the changes are dramatic enough that people who previously liked AirPods Pro won’t like the new design. The worst-case scenario is that you might not notice a difference. That’s the perfect balance.

I was flat out wrong about this. I clearly underestimated how people would react to what I thought were subtle but nice comfort changes. There are people who absolutely notice a huge difference and find AirPods Pro 3 significantly less comfortable than previous models.

That’s not the case for me, but again, it’s an example of how personal of a product AirPods are to people.

Battery life

One of the odd changes of AirPods Pro 3 is that overall battery life is actually slightly worse than AirPods Pro 2.

AirPods Pro 2 offered 24 hours of battery life from the case and six hours from the buds, for a total of 30 hours. The AirPods Pro 3 buds offer up to eight hours of battery life and the case offers an additional 16 hours, for a total of 24 hours.

In practice, I haven’t noticed the shorter battery life of the case at all, but I have noticed the longer battery life of the buds — especially on longer travel days where I basically have my AirPods Pro 3 in my ears all day.

Everyone’s charging routine is different, but I’m pretty good at just placing my AirPods Pro 3 on a Qi charger we have in the kitchen every night.

Heart rate sensor

One of the headlining features of AirPods Pro 3 is the heart rate sensor. In my initial review, I said that the data was “consistent and mostly in line with heart rate data from the Apple Watch.”

This is still true. I question how much utility I’m actually getting out of the AirPods Pro heart rate sensor, though, as someone who wears an Apple Watch for 23 hours a day. I know there is some intelligence in the background so AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch actually work together to get you the most accurate heart rate data possible.

I like to think that this is all just happening in the background and while I don’t notice anything, it’s actively making the heart rate data I view in the Health app more accurate and consistent.

This is an area I’d be curious to hear from readers about. Have you found the heart rate sensor useful? Do you also wear an Apple Watch? Sound off down in the comments.

Wrap up

It’s always been the case that AirPods are Apple’s most personal product, and AirPods Pro 3 make them even more personal. The comfort and fit can vary wildly from one person to another. That’s why Apple also offers AirPods 4 as another option.

For me, AirPods Pro 3 continue to be the best “bang-for-your-buck” product in Apple’s lineup. Even if you don’t utilize the heart rate features all that often, the improvement in ANC and comfort (for me) make them well worth the upgrade.

AirPods Pro 3 are currently on sale on Amazon for an incredible $199. That’s $50 off their list price.

• AirPods Pro 3 $199 (Reg. $249)
• AirPods 4 $119 (Reg. $179)

My favorite AirPods Pro accessories:

• Spigen AirPods Pro lanyard
• Native Union Leather Case for AirPods Pro 
• Belkin MagSafe Charger, 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
• Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe