The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earned a B grade in HearAdvisor's lab testing. At $249.99, it represents Apple's latest entry into the hearing assistance market, building on the foundation of the AirPods Pro 2.
In our lab testing, the AirPods Pro 3 demonstrated notable strengths in music streaming quality, scoring 0.86 points above the OTC category average. Speech in noise performance was particularly impressive, measuring 1.50 points above average—a meaningful advantage for users who struggle in challenging listening environments. Speech in quiet also performed well, coming in 0.88 points above average. Feedback handling was excellent, with perfect scores in both fit conditions.
The device's primary weakness lies in own-voice comfort, scoring 0.61 points below the category average. This is attributable to the closed dome coupling, which can create an occluded sensation when speaking. Users sensitive to hearing their own voice differently may find this adjustment challenging.
The AirPods Pro 3 is best suited for tech-savvy consumers already invested in the Apple ecosystem who want hearing assistance integrated into familiar earbuds. Those prioritizing music streaming and speech clarity in noisy environments will find solid value here, though users requiring optimal own-voice comfort may want to explore alternatives like the Elehear Beyond, which scored higher overall in the same price range.
