I’m an Android user testing the AirPods Pro 3 — and I’ve got opinions

I’m an Android guy, and have been since the mobile operating system came into existence. That doesn’t mean I’m fully committed to Google’s ecosystem. Like most consumers, I appreciate a good tech product, no matter the manufacturer or platform. Enter Apple.

The MacBook Pro serves as my work machine. An Apple TV media player is set up in my living room. I’m also an AirPods Pro owner. However, pairing the AirPods Pro buds with my Android phone has always been impractical. They work for listening to music and noise cancellation, but that’s all.

When the AirPods Pro 3 were announced, I figured Apple might just be ready to develop flagship buds that played nicely with Google hardware. The company has Beats’ platform-neutral technology at its disposal. Furthermore, the AirPods Pro 3 are designed to share biometric data with third-party workout apps. 

So, are these buds a solid match for Android users?

Let’s just say that while some things changed, others certainly didn’t. Here are my thoughts on the AirPods Pro 3 after testing them for three weeks on an Android device.

I can’t deny their sonic greatness

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

These are easily the best-sounding AirPods to date. They have a more refined soundstage with deeper bass response. 

The drums and synths of contemporary bangers like Kaytranada’s "Drip Sweat" sound prominent. I always felt these elements were tame on the AirPods Pro 2. You can hear how well-balanced the low end is once the bouncy bassline and monstrous drums come on. R&B bops like Shalamar’s "A Night to Remember" showcase the AirPods Pro 3’s frequency range. The track’s crystal-clear mids and sharp highs blend beautifully with punchy bass. 

Despite the AirPods Pro 3’s lack of hi-res audio codecs, they produce satisfying sound quality when streaming music over Bluetooth via an Android device. I could hear the details and subtle nuances on most recordings.

Personalized Spatial Audio hasn’t changed much. It remains a terrific feature for lively listens. The results show when watching live-action movies and performances. Sound effects are more immersive and properly placed in the soundscape when moving your head. 

Apple’s active noise cancellation has improved. It is supposed to be twice as strong as the previous version on the AirPods Pro 2. I don’t believe that. Nonetheless, these buds neutralize ambient noise at a surprisingly high level. Nearly all low- and mid-frequency sounds are muted. Many high-frequency sounds are either silenced or greatly minimized. Occasional disruptors such as crying babies and emergency vehicle sirens are audible, but they won’t break your concentration. The updated Transparency mode is just as effective for increasing ambient awareness without compromising sound quality.

Why can’t Apple just embrace Android optimization?

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Every new AirPods launch infuriates me more. How is Apple seven models in and can’t make its wireless earbuds easily pairable with Android devices? Seriously. The company has Beats’ proprietary chipset, which integrates native Android features like Google Fast Pair and Find My Device, while also granting access to 80 percent of the features tied to Apple’s H2 processor. The Powerbeats Pro 2, Fit Pro, and all other current Beats releases employ this technology. It is the simplest fix for what has felt like an infinite inconvenience. 

Some Apple fans will argue that the company has made attempts to simplify Android pairing, such as replacing the setup button from the charging case with a touch pad on the front that enables pairing mode when tapped twice. Here’s the problem: the touch pad is finicky. It takes multiple attempts to activate the feature. Once you get it working, you still have to enter the Bluetooth settings to manually pair the buds.

Fast Pair would get the AirPods Pro 3 running on an Android phone in less than 3 seconds. 

Are Android users really losing out on Apple’s true wireless audio experience?

Simply put, yes. That’s because many of the AirPods Pro 3’s best features are kept exclusive to iOS. These include all-new additions like heart rate monitoring and real-time Live Translation, along with standard H2 perks (like auto switch, Conversation Boost, and “Hey Siri” voice activation). Some of these may not seem like deal-breakers. At the same time, you’re not splurging to settle on hallmarks such as adaptive noise cancellation and high-quality sound, which you can get from other similarly priced rivals, even the less expensive AirPods Pro 2.

Are the AirPods Pro 3 worth it?

As an Apple user — iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, MacBook, iMac, whatever — the AirPods Pro 3 are absolutely worth the investment. Android users must look elsewhere for a premium true wireless experience. 

Apple’s restricted feature set makes these buds less appealing to Android device owners. It’s a shame, too, considering how great they sound, both from an audio and noise-canceling perspective.

The better value lies in Beats wireless earbuds, which are ideal options for those who constantly swap between iOS/macOS and Android devices, such as yours truly. Consider looking over the best Beats headphones if you need recommendations. If not Beats, then Sony’s most popular earbuds are the way to go, specifically the class-leading WF-1000xM5, which deliver excellent sound, powerful ANC, and versatile multiplatform support.