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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Beats X: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Beats X, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Beats X
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
8.6
-
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
-
Calls
7.4
-
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$150

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 Beats X (2017). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 4.0 and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing and USB-C.

  • AirPods Pro 320258 yr newer
  • X2017
What differsAirPods Pro 3X

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
4.0
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3X
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$150
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2025
2017
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
4.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Quick charge
-
5 min → 2 h
Wireless charging
Yes
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Siri
Siri
Weight
5.5 g
-
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
-
USB-C
Yes
No
Microphones
3
1
Microphone type
beamforming
-

What reviewers said

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)

Beats X

These wireless in-ear headphones offer a secure, cable-connected fit with Bluetooth 4.0 and Apple's W1 chip for seamless pairing. They provide up to 8 hours of playback and a quick-charge feature that delivers 2 hours of use from just 5 minutes of charging, along with an inline mic and remote for calls and controls. Lacking active noise cancellation, they focus on straightforward, reliable performance for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Fast Fuel quick charge gives 2 hours from a 5-minute charge
  • Pro:Stable wireless connection with Apple's W1 chip
  • Pro:Lightweight, flexible neckband design for comfort
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Bluetooth 4.0 is older and less stable than newer versions
  • Con:Battery life is modest at 8 hours

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

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