True Wireless
Apple AirPods 3
76Great
$84
Full review dataApple AirPods 3 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Great overall at around $232.
True Wireless
Apple AirPods Pro 3
84Great
$232
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Apple AirPods 3
Sound7.5
Battery7.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.5
Battery8.0
Calls8.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3 | Apple AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $84 | $232 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2025 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 10.7 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 0Hz-0kHz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | - | 110 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 h | 8 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 30 h | 24 h |
| Quick charge | - | 5 minutes in case = about 1 hour listening time |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | none | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | both | touch |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4.28 g | 10.1 g |
| Case weight | 37.91 g | 43.99 g |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP57 |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 3 | 3 |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods 3
The Apple AirPods 3 are a notable step up from earlier models, offering richer sound, longer playback, and a more secure fit, all wrapped in a familiar design. They excel at calls and integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, but their open fit and lack of noise cancellation mean they won't suit everyone, especially those seeking isolation or heavy bass. For Apple users upgrading from older AirPods, they're a solid choice, though competitors offer more features at similar prices.
- Pro:Improved sound clarity and detail
- Pro:Excellent call quality with multiple mics
- Pro:Comfortable, secure fit for many
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Open fit lets in ambient sound
- Con:Limited to Apple devices for full features
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that deliver top-tier active noise cancellation, clear call quality, and a well-balanced sound profile. They offer a robust feature set including adaptive ANC, wireless charging, and IP57 water resistance, though their higher price and somewhat finicky fit may give some buyers pause. Overall, they stand out as a polished, high-performance option for iOS users willing to invest in a premium experience.
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Clear call quality in noisy environments
- Pro:Strong battery life with the charging case
- Con:Fit can be finicky and may lose seal easily
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:Only supports AAC codec
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.