Two premium true wireless earbuds, two different ecosystems, and a surprisingly close race. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 both aim for the top of the market, but they take different routes. This head-to-head uses recorded specs and published review consensus to help you decide which pair fits your priorities.
Price and positioning
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 cost $179, while the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 cost $199. That $20 gap is smaller than you might expect, but the positioning differs. Apple's pair is designed to vanish into the iOS ecosystem, with tight integration and a familiar fit. Huawei's pair asks a little more money and leans on Bluetooth 6.0 and LDAC support to justify it. Neither is a budget option; both sit firmly in the premium tier. If you already own an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 will feel like the natural choice. If you use an Android phone or a Huawei device, the FreeBuds Pro 5 may offer more flexibility.
The scores, side by side
HearWiki's headline buyability score for the AirPods Pro 3 is 88/100, against 83/100 for the FreeBuds Pro 5. That five-point gap is real but not enormous. It reflects price, availability, and review consensus, not a single decisive weakness. Look at the sub-scores and the picture gets more nuanced. Sound is a tie at 8.6/10 for both. ANC favours Apple at 9.3/10 versus 8.7/10. Battery favours Huawei at 8.2/10 versus 7.3/10. Calls also favour Huawei at 8.7/10 versus 7.4/10. Value is level at 8.3/10. The headline score is not a weighted average of these sub-scores; it is a separate buyability measure. So while Apple wins the overall number, Huawei wins three of the five categories.
Sound
Both earbuds score 8.6/10 for sound, which tells you they are closely matched in published reviews. The AirPods Pro 3 use a single 10.7 mm dynamic driver and support SBC and AAC codecs. The FreeBuds Pro 5 use a two-driver hybrid design and support LDAC, which can carry more detail if your source device supports it. Huawei also claims a wide 10 Hz to 48 kHz frequency range, though that spec is not recorded for the AirPods Pro 3. In practice, you are getting a well-balanced, detailed sound from either pair. The difference is more about tuning preference than outright quality. If you value codec flexibility, the FreeBuds Pro 5 have an edge on paper. If you are happy with AAC, the AirPods Pro 3 will not disappoint.
Noise cancelling and battery
Active noise cancellation is a headline feature for both. The AirPods Pro 3 score 9.3/10 for ANC, which is excellent, while the FreeBuds Pro 5 score 8.7/10, still strong. Apple's adaptive ANC is widely praised in reviews for handling variable noise like chatter and traffic. Huawei's adaptive cancellation is also effective, but it does not quite match Apple's consistency. Battery life is where the tables turn. The AirPods Pro 3 offer 8 hours per charge, while the FreeBuds Pro 5 offer 9 hours. However, Huawei's own notes say battery drops to 6 hours with ANC on, which is a significant hit. Apple does not record a separate ANC-on figure, so that comparison is not possible. Both support wireless charging, and both have IP57 water resistance, so they can handle sweat and rain.
Calls and everyday use
Call quality is a clear win for the FreeBuds Pro 5, scoring 8.7/10 against 7.4/10 for the AirPods Pro 3. Published reviews suggest Huawei's microphones handle wind and background noise better, which matters if you take calls on the move. The AirPods Pro 3 are not bad, but they are a step behind. Everyday use also depends on your ecosystem. The AirPods Pro 3 integrate seamlessly with iOS, with quick pairing and automatic device switching. The FreeBuds Pro 5 work well with Android and Huawei devices, and Bluetooth 6.0 is a future-proofing bonus. Fit is a personal thing, but some reviewers note the AirPods Pro 3 seal can be finicky, while the FreeBuds Pro 5 tend to sit more securely.
Which one should you buy?
If you are an iPhone user, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the safer bet. They offer slightly better ANC, a higher headline score, and seamless integration, all for $20 less. If you are on Android, or if call quality and battery life matter more than ANC supremacy, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 are the stronger pick. They cost more, but they deliver better calls, longer battery on paper, and LDAC support. For a full breakdown, see the comparison table. Neither pair is a bad buy; the right one depends on your phone and your priorities. For more options, browse our best true wireless and best ANC earbuds lists.
FAQ
Which earbuds have better noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 3 or FreeBuds Pro 5?
The AirPods Pro 3 score higher for ANC at 9.3/10, compared to 8.7/10 for the FreeBuds Pro 5. Published reviews consistently praise Apple's adaptive cancellation for handling a wide range of noises. Huawei's system is effective but not quite as consistent.
Are the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 compatible with iPhone?
Yes, the FreeBuds Pro 5 work with iPhone via standard Bluetooth, but you lose some features. LDAC codec support is not available on iOS, so you will be limited to SBC or AAC. Call quality and ANC still function, but the experience is better on Android or Huawei devices.
What is the battery life difference between AirPods Pro 3 and FreeBuds Pro 5?
The FreeBuds Pro 5 offer 9 hours per charge, compared to 8 hours for the AirPods Pro 3. However, Huawei's battery drops to 6 hours with ANC on. Apple does not record a separate ANC-on figure, so a direct comparison is not possible.
