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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro: 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.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) - Great overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

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

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery6.0
Calls7.0
Value9.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$125$115
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great78 / 100 · Great
Released20222021
Audio
Driverdynamichybrid
Driver size11 mm10.6 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz20Hz-40kHz
Impedance16 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity100 dB/mW105 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.2
Bluetooth version5.35.2
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life-8 h
Battery life (ANC on)-6 h
Battery incl. case30 h32 h
Full charge time-120 min
Wireless chargingYesYes
Features
Active noise cancelling-Yes
ANC typeadaptivehybrid
Transparency modeYesYes
Companion appYesYes
Custom EQNoYes
Wear detectionYesYes
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSiri-
Design
Weight10.6 g6 g
Case weight50.8 g56 g
Water resistanceIP54IPX4
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones-6

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

Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro

The Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro are feature-packed true wireless earbuds with hybrid ANC, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity. They deliver engaging sound with a customizable EQ, though battery life falls short of claims and the tuning may not appeal to everyone. Overall, they offer strong value for their price point.

  • Pro:Excellent sound quality with engaging tuning
  • Pro:Strong hybrid ANC and transparency mode
  • Pro:Rich feature set including LDAC, multipoint, and wireless charging
  • Con:Battery life is below advertised figures
  • Con:Sound signature may not suit those preferring neutral tuning
  • Con:Touch controls can be finicky at times

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

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