Apple AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 score 84/100 — the highest in our AI Earbuds category — and it's not hard to see why Apple is absolutely dominating the premium earbud space right now with this generation.

2x stronger ANC than the previous generation (4x versus the original AirPods Pro), heart rate tracking during 50+ workout types, Live Translation for face-to-face conversations in multiple languages, and an FDA-approved hearing aid feature that's genuinely life-changing for those who need it. Performance scores a blistering 94/100. Build quality at 92/100 is Apple's typical precision engineering. Eight hours of battery with ANC active is class-leading, and the 30+ hour case means you can go days without a charge.

They're the best earbuds money can buy — if you own an iPhone. On Android, they become basic Bluetooth earbuds with none of the AI magic. No Gemini, no Galaxy AI, no Live Translate. That compatibility score of 65/100 tells the story clearly: Apple ecosystem or bust. Android users are paying $249 for a fraction of the experience.

At $249, with a lowest recorded price of $249, you're at floor pricing right now. The "Fair price" momentum label with yellow signal suggests no urgency to buy — these will almost certainly see modest holiday discounts. Apple rarely offers deep cuts, but $220-230 during Black Friday isn't unrealistic.

Bottom line: Buy without hesitation if you're an iPhone user — these are the best earbuds available today, period. Android users should look at Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Galaxy Buds 4 Pro instead.