Two capable true wireless earbuds, two different price points, and a surprisingly close race on paper. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Huawei FreeBuds Neo both offer active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and a comfortable fit, but they ask for different budgets and deliver different trade-offs. Here is how they stack up, using published reviews and recorded specifications only.
Price and positioning
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 cost $179, placing them firmly in the premium tier of true wireless earbuds. The Huawei FreeBuds Neo cost $109, which puts them in the mid-range bracket. That $70 gap is significant, and it buys you a few extra features on the Apple side, but the Huawei pair is not simply a budget imitation.
Apple positions the AirPods Pro 3 as a polished all-rounder with strong ANC and tight ecosystem integration. Huawei aims for value, offering a lighter build and longer battery life with the case, though some specifications are not listed. You are paying for the Apple name and its refinement, but the Huawei pair undercuts it without sacrificing core functionality.
The scores, side by side
The headline HearWiki scores are close. The AirPods Pro 3 score 86/100, while the FreeBuds Neo score 85/100. That is a one-point gap, which is effectively a tie. Neither earbud clearly outclasses the other in overall buyability, so your decision should rest on specific priorities rather than a single number.
Sub-scores tell a more detailed story. The AirPods Pro 3 lead on sound (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10) and ANC (9.3/10 vs 8.0/10). The FreeBuds Neo counter with better battery (8.0/10 vs 7.3/10) and value (9.0/10 vs 8.3/10). Calls are close: 7.4/10 for Apple, 8.0/10 for Huawei. These are separate category summaries, not a weighted average, so treat them as guidance rather than a formula.
Sound
The AirPods Pro 3 use a 10.7 mm dynamic driver and support SBC and AAC codecs. Published reviews describe a balanced sound profile that works well across genres, with clear mids and controlled bass. The FreeBuds Neo also use a dynamic driver but support LDAC, which can carry higher-resolution audio if your source and phone support it. However, the Huawei pair's sound sub-score is lower at 8.0/10, suggesting a livelier but less refined tuning.
Neither earbud is aimed at audiophiles seeking specialised tuning, but the AirPods Pro 3 have a slight edge in overall fidelity. If you listen to lossless files on an Android phone, LDAC on the FreeBuds Neo might appeal, but the practical difference in daily listening is modest.
Noise cancelling and battery
Both earbuds have active noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro 3 are the clear winner here. Their ANC sub-score of 9.3/10 reflects strong adaptive cancellation that handles consistent noise like aeroplane hum and office chatter well. The FreeBuds Neo score 8.0/10, which is respectable but not class-leading. If ANC is your top priority, the Apple pair is the safer bet.
Battery life flips the picture. The AirPods Pro 3 deliver 8 hours per charge with ANC on, and HearWiki has no figure for total battery with the case. The FreeBuds Neo offer 10 hours per charge without ANC and 6.5 hours with ANC, plus 40 hours total with the charging case. That with-case figure is a total, not a per-charge number, so do not confuse it with the earbuds' own runtime. For long trips where you cannot recharge the case, the Huawei pair gives you more margin.
The AirPods Pro 3 have an IP57 rating, meaning they handle dust and water immersion. The FreeBuds Neo are IP55, which covers dust and water jets but not full submersion. Both are fine for workouts and rain, but Apple's rating is more robust.
Calls and everyday use
The AirPods Pro 3 use three microphones and score 7.4/10 for calls, with published reviews noting clear voice pickup in quiet settings. The FreeBuds Neo use four microphones and score 8.0/10, suggesting slightly better handling of background noise. Neither is a dedicated headset, but both will serve for calls and video meetings.
For everyday convenience, the AirPods Pro 3 include multipoint, wireless charging, and wear detection. The FreeBuds Neo have none of these listed, so you should not assume they have them. Transparency mode is present on both. The AirPods Pro 3 weigh 5.5 g per earbud, while the FreeBuds Neo are lighter at 4.8 g, which may improve comfort over long sessions. Bluetooth version is listed as 5.3 for Apple, but not listed for Huawei.
Which one should you buy?
If you want the best active noise cancellation, a more balanced sound, and do not mind paying extra, choose the Apple AirPods Pro 3. They also add multipoint, wireless charging, and a higher IP rating, making them the more complete premium package.
If you are on a tighter budget, want longer battery life with the case, and prefer a lighter fit, the Huawei FreeBuds Neo are the sensible pick. They lose on ANC and sound refinement, but they win on value and runtime. For most people, the $70 saving is worth giving up a few features you may rarely use.
For a full spec-by-spec breakdown, see the comparison table. You can also browse other true wireless earbuds or ANC earbuds to see how these two fit into the wider market.
FAQ
Do the AirPods Pro 3 work with Android phones?
Yes, they connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and support SBC and AAC codecs. You lose some Apple-specific conveniences like quick pairing and spatial audio controls, but basic playback and calls work fine.
How long does the Huawei FreeBuds Neo battery last with ANC on?
They last 6.5 hours per charge with ANC enabled. Without ANC, you get 10 hours per charge, and the case adds up to 40 hours total. That total is with the case, not a per-charge figure.
Which earbuds have better noise cancelling?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 have a clear advantage, scoring 9.3/10 for ANC compared to 8.0/10 for the Huawei FreeBuds Neo. If cancelling background noise is your priority, the Apple pair is the stronger choice.
