Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo connect AirPods Pro 3 to a laptop, turn on Bluetooth, put both earbuds in their case, open the lid, then double-tap the front of the case until its status light flashes white. Select the AirPods from the laptop’s Bluetooth device list. The menu for enabling Bluetooth and choosing the audio device differs between Mac and Windows.
Connect AirPods Pro 3 to a MacBook
- On your Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Put both AirPods Pro 3 earbuds in the charging case and open the lid.
- Double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white. This puts the AirPods into pairing mode.
- On the Mac, find the AirPods under Nearby Devices and click Connect.
- If sound still plays through the Mac’s speakers, open Control Centre > Sound and select the AirPods.
If the AirPods were already set up with an iPhone signed in to the same Apple Account as the Mac, they may connect automatically. If they do not, select them in Control Centre. Apple lists macOS Tahoe or later for pairing AirPods Pro 3 with a Mac.
Connect AirPods Pro 3 to a Windows laptop
- Open Windows Bluetooth settings and turn Bluetooth on. In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices; in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- With both earbuds in the charging case, open the lid.
- Double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white.
- In Windows Bluetooth settings, choose the option to add a Bluetooth device, then select the AirPods when they appear in the list.
- If Windows does not switch automatically, open the sound output and input selections and choose the AirPods for listening and talking.
Windows requires Bluetooth hardware to pair headphones. If your laptop has no built-in Bluetooth, connect a USB Bluetooth adapter, then try pairing again. Microsoft explains how to add a Bluetooth device to a Windows PC.
What to expect when using AirPods Pro 3 with a laptop
AirPods Pro 3 connect to a Mac or Windows laptop as Bluetooth headphones. Apple says AirPods can be used as a Bluetooth headset with a non-Apple device for listening and talking, but Siri is unavailable. Some Apple Account-based automatic connection behavior described for a Mac depends on the AirPods and Mac being set up with the same account; the Windows steps use Bluetooth pairing instead.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Fix common connection problems
The AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list
- Check that Bluetooth is enabled on the laptop.
- Keep both earbuds in the case and the lid open, then double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white.
- Return to the laptop’s Bluetooth device list and look again.
A Windows laptop has no Bluetooth option
Connect a USB Bluetooth adapter to add Bluetooth hardware, then retry the Windows pairing steps.
Mac audio still plays from its speakers
Open Control Centre > Sound and select the AirPods as the output device.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
AirPods connect, but the laptop uses another audio device
Choose the AirPods explicitly in the laptop’s sound settings. On Windows, check both output and input selections if you want to listen and speak through the AirPods.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Official setup instructions
For Apple’s guidance, see Set up AirPods with your Mac and other Bluetooth devices. For Windows Bluetooth setup, see Microsoft’s instructions for adding a Bluetooth device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatibility: only compatible with AirPods Pro 3 (2025) (USB-C Cable); earbuds and charging case not included；the weight of our airpods pro 3 case is only 32.6g (1.15 oz)
- Magnetic Locking Lid: precision fit combined with four strong magnets creates a secure, firm hold, so you never have to worry about the lid coming loose or your charging case popping open at the wrong time
- MagSafe Ready: strong magnets built into the back of the case ensure a secure lock on MagSafe chargers, letting you enjoy tap-and-go wireless charging for your earbuds
- Powerful Drop Protection: shock-absorbing polymer and Air Guard corners protect your charging case from even the worst drops and impacts
- Visible Status Light: precise cutout lets you check the charging status at a glance, whether you’re charging wirelessly or with a cable
Rank #4
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
