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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9, 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 7 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
8.6
-
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
-
Calls
7.4
-
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$300

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 Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 (2022). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 320253 yr newer
  • ATH-TWX92022
What differsAirPods Pro 3ATH-TWX9

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
ANC type
Adaptive
Hybrid

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3ATH-TWX9
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$300
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2025
2022
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
5.8 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
5.8 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
10 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
102 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Battery life
8 h
6 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
18.5 h
Full charge time
-
150 min
Wireless charging
Yes
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Alexa, Google Assistant
Weight
5.5 g
5.4 g
Case weight
44 g
55.9 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
2
Microphone type
beamforming
MEMS
Mic sensitivity
-
-38 dBV
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
cVc

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)

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9

The ATH-TWX9 are premium true wireless earbuds that blend hybrid active noise cancellation with high-resolution 5.8 mm dynamic drivers for detailed sound. They offer robust wireless features like multipoint pairing, a comfortable IPX4-rated build, and a charging case with built-in UV sterilization for added hygiene. With a compact design and solid battery life, they aim to deliver a versatile listening experience.

  • Pro:Hybrid ANC effectively reduces ambient noise
  • Pro:Supports multipoint for seamless device switching
  • Pro:IPX4 water resistance for workouts and light rain
  • Con:Battery life is modest at 6 hours per charge
  • Con:Limited codec support without aptX or LDAC
  • Con:Touch controls may be finicky for some users

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

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New comparisonApple AirPods Pro 3Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9