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AKG N400 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • AKG N400
  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
HearWiki score
59
86
Sound
8.7
8.6
Noise cancelling
5.2
9.3
Battery
3.9
7.3
Calls
4.8
7.4
Value
-
8.3
Price (USD)
$140
$180

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against AKG N400 (2020). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0 and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP57 against IPX7.

  • N4002020
  • AirPods Pro 320255 yr newer
What differsN400AirPods Pro 3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
ANC type
Hybrid
Adaptive

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Water resistance
IPX7
IP57

Level on: Top codec, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

N400AirPods Pro 3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$140
$180
HearWiki score
59
86
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
8.2 mm dynamic
10.7 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
8.2 mm
10.7 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
-
Sensitivity
96 dB/mW
110 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Battery life
6 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
5 h
8 h
Battery incl. case
12 h
-
Full charge time
120 min
-
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Siri
Weight
7.7 g
5.5 g
Case weight
65 g
44 g
Water resistance
IPX7
IP57
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
2
3
Microphone type
-
beamforming

What reviewers said

AKG N400

The AKG N400 delivers impressive, detailed sound that punches well above its price point, making it a strong contender in the budget true wireless market. It offers hybrid active noise cancellation, IPX7 water resistance, and wireless charging, though its battery life and codec support are modest compared to pricier rivals. Overall, it's a great choice for audio enthusiasts on a budget who prioritize sound quality over all-day endurance.

  • Pro:Excellent sound quality for the price
  • Pro:Hybrid ANC and transparency mode included
  • Pro:IPX7 water resistance for workouts
  • Con:Battery life is below average at 5 hours with ANC
  • Con:Only SBC and AAC codecs, no aptX
  • Con:Touch controls can be unreliable

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, secure fit. They deliver clear calls, robust battery life, and a balanced sound profile, all wrapped in an IP57-rated design that handles water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging, they offer a polished experience for Apple and non-Apple users alike.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality with beamforming mics
  • Pro:Strong battery life of 8 hours with ANC on
  • Con:Fit may be tricky for some ears
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonAKG N400Apple AirPods Pro 3