
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs OnePlus Buds Ace 3: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) | OnePlus Buds Ace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $125 | - |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 76 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 10.4mm woofer + 6mm tweeter dual drivers |
| Driver size | 11 mm | 12 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | - |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LHDC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Latency | - | 47 ms |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 13 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 6.5 h |
| Battery incl. case | 30 h | 54 h |
| Full charge time | - | 90 min |
| Quick charge | - | 5 min = 10 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | adaptive | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | No |
| Custom EQ | No | No |
| Wear detection | Yes | No |
| Controls | both | touch |
| Voice assistant | Siri | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 10.6 g | 4.8 g |
| Case weight | 50.8 g | 34.2 g |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP55 |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Model code | - | OnePlus Buds 3 |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 3 |
| Call noise reduction | - | AI noise reduction |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
- Pro:Decent battery life with case
- Con:No multipoint connection
- Con:Limited to AAC codec
- Con:No custom EQ in app
OnePlus Buds Ace 3
The OnePlus Buds Ace 3 are feature-packed true wireless earbuds that prioritize strong noise cancellation, long battery life, and low-latency gaming performance. With dual drivers, LHDC support, and a durable IP55 build, they offer a compelling package for users who want versatile everyday use without breaking the bank. The lack of app support and custom EQ may limit fine-tuning, but the core experience is solid and value-oriented.
- Pro:Powerful 55dB active noise cancellation
- Pro:Excellent total battery life of 54 hours with case
- Pro:Low 47ms latency ideal for gaming
- Con:No companion app for firmware updates or EQ
- Con:No wear detection sensor
- Con:Charging case adds noticeable weight
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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