Choosing between the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the Technics EAH-AZ100 is a genuine dilemma, because both are excellent 2025 true wireless earbuds with different strengths. The AirPods Pro 3 lean on superb noise cancelling and iOS integration, while the Technics counter with longer battery life, LDAC support, and a more neutral sound. Neither is a clear winner on paper; the right pick depends on your phone, your listening habits, and what you value most.
Price and positioning
The AirPods Pro 3 ask $179, which is $71 less than the Technics EAH-AZ100 at $250. That price gap is significant, but it reflects different priorities. Apple's earbuds are positioned as the default premium choice for iPhone owners, with a polished ecosystem experience and a lower entry cost. The Technics are aimed at audiophiles and Android users who want high-resolution audio and longer runtimes, and they charge a premium for those extras.
Neither is a budget option, and both sit in the upper tier of the best true wireless category. If you are watching your spending, the AirPods Pro 3 give you more value for less money, but the Technics justify their higher price if you use LDAC or need the extra battery.
The scores, side by side
The HearWiki headline scores are close: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 score 88/100, and the Technics EAH-AZ100 score 86/100. That two-point gap is small enough that you should not treat either as a clear winner. The headline is a buyability score based on review consensus, price, and availability, not a weighted average of the sub-scores below.
Looking at the category summaries, the AirPods Pro 3 lead on noise cancelling (9.3/10 vs 8.6/10) and value (8.3/10 vs 8.1/10), while the Technics lead on sound (9.2/10 vs 8.6/10), battery (8.7/10 vs 7.3/10), and calls (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10). The differences are real but not huge, and the overall picture is that both are strong performers in their own ways.
Sound
Sound is where the Technics EAH-AZ100 pull ahead. They use a 10 mm dynamic driver and support LDAC, which allows higher-resolution audio over Bluetooth on compatible Android devices. The AirPods Pro 3, with their 10.7 mm driver and AAC-only support, are limited to Apple's codec, which is fine for most listeners but not for those chasing every detail.
Published reviews describe the Technics as having a richer, more detailed presentation with better instrument separation, while the AirPods Pro 3 offer a balanced, easy-going sound that works well across genres. If you listen to classical or jazz and want to hear subtle textures, the Technics are the safer bet. If you just want something that sounds good without fuss, the AirPods are still very capable, but they trail in this category.
Noise cancelling and battery
Active noise cancellation is the AirPods Pro 3's strongest suit. They score 9.3/10 for ANC, which reflects their ability to quiet low-frequency rumble like engines and air conditioning. The Technics score 8.6/10, which is still good, but they let through a bit more ambient noise in comparison. If you commute by train or plane and want the quietest possible experience, the AirPods are the pick.
Battery life flips the script. The AirPods Pro 3 give you 8 hours per charge, while the Technics EAH-AZ100 deliver 12 hours (10 with ANC on). That is a substantial difference, and it matters if you travel or forget to charge your case. The Technics also support multipoint pairing for up to three devices, which is handy if you switch between a phone, laptop, and tablet. The AirPods do not offer multipoint in the same way, so you will need to reconnect manually.
Calls and everyday use
Call quality is close, with the Technics scoring 7.8/10 and the AirPods 7.4/10. Both handle voice well in quiet settings, but the AirPods Pro 3 have a slight edge in noisy environments according to some reviews, thanks to their beamforming mics. The Technics are still clear, but they are not as aggressive at filtering background noise.
Everyday use favours the AirPods for iOS users: they pair instantly, integrate with Siri, and work seamlessly across Apple devices. The Technics are more platform-neutral, with support for LDAC and multipoint, making them better for Android users or people with mixed-device setups. Both have touch controls, though the Technics' are reportedly more finicky to master, and the AirPods' squeeze stems are more intuitive.
Neither includes ear tips in the box for the Technics, which is a minor annoyance, while the AirPods come with four sizes. The AirPods also have IP57 water resistance, which is better than the Technics' IPX4, so they are safer for workouts or rain.
Which one should you buy?
If you own an iPhone and prioritise noise cancelling, ease of use, and a lower price, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the obvious choice. They are also better for fitness due to their higher water resistance. If you use Android, value battery life, or want LDAC for high-resolution audio, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are worth the extra money. They are also the better pick for long-haul travel or all-day listening sessions.
There is no universal winner here. The two-point score gap is too small to decide, and the sub-scores show different strengths. Match the earbuds to your phone and your habits, not to a number.
For a full breakdown of every spec and sub-score, see the comparison table. You can also browse other options in the best earbuds under $100 or the best ANC earbuds if these are out of budget.
FAQ
Which earbuds have better noise cancelling, AirPods Pro 3 or Technics AZ100?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 have better noise cancelling, scoring 9.3/10 compared to the Technics' 8.6/10. They are more effective at blocking low-frequency sounds like engine rumble, making them the better choice for noisy commutes.
Do the Technics EAH-AZ100 support LDAC?
Yes, the Technics EAH-AZ100 support LDAC, along with SBC, AAC, and LC3. This allows higher-quality audio streaming on Android devices that also support LDAC. The AirPods Pro 3 only support SBC and AAC, so they are limited to standard quality.
How long does the battery last on each pair?
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 last 8 hours per charge, while the Technics EAH-AZ100 last 12 hours (10 with ANC on). The Technics also have a longer total battery life with the charging case, making them better for long trips.
