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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Soundcore Life P3: 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 Life P3
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery7.0
Calls7.0
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs Soundcore Life P3
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)Soundcore Life P3
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$120$80
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great74 / 100 · Good
Released20222021
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size11 mm11 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance16 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity100 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.x
Bluetooth version5.35.0
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Wireless range-15 m
Battery
Battery life-7 h
Battery life (ANC on)-6 h
Battery incl. case30 h35 h
Full charge time-180 min
Quick charge-10 min = 4 h
Wireless chargingYesYes
Features
Active noise cancelling-Yes
ANC typeadaptivehybrid
Transparency modeYesYes
Companion appYesYes
Custom EQNoYes
Wear detectionYes-
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSiri-
Design
Weight10.6 g4.9 g
Case weight50.8 g49.8 g
Water resistanceIP54IPX5
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 Life P3

The Soundcore Life P3 are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that pack a surprising amount of value, offering robust sound, effective multi-mode noise cancellation, and a solid feature set for around $80. They come with wireless charging, app-based EQ adjustments, and touch controls, though some quirks like a slightly heavy bass response and occasionally finicky touch inputs keep them from being flawless. Overall, they're a strong pick for everyday listening and commutes without breaking the bank.

  • Pro:Strong, engaging sound with customizable EQ
  • Pro:Effective multi-mode noise cancellation for the price
  • Pro:Good battery life with wireless charging case
  • Con:Bass can be heavier than some may prefer
  • Con:Touch controls can be inconsistent at times
  • Con:Battery life drops noticeably with ANC enabled

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

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