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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

Score breakdown

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

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3
HearWiki score
86
78
Sound
8.6
8.4
Noise cancelling
9.3
8.3
Battery
7.3
7.1
Calls
7.4
8.0
Value
8.3
9.0
Price (USD)
$180
$140

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

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3 (2026) against Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025). The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3 and Top codec LDAC against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP57 against IP54.

  • AirPods Pro 32025
  • NeoBuds Pro 320261 yr newer
What differsAirPods Pro 3NeoBuds Pro 3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
Top codec
AAC
LDAC

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IP54

Level on: ANC type, Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3NeoBuds Pro 3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$140
HearWiki score
86
78
Released
2025
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
2-driver hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
10.7 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
92 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LHDC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
9 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
6 h
Full charge time
-
60 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
Yes
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
-
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
IP54
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
8
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)

Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3 are true wireless earbuds with adaptive active noise cancellation and a hybrid dual-driver setup for detailed sound. They support high-resolution codecs like LDAC and LHDC, offer multipoint connectivity, and have an IP54 rating for sweat and splash resistance. With around 9 hours of playback per charge (6 with ANC on), they're a solid mid-range option for versatile listening.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC tailors noise cancellation to your environment
  • Pro:Hybrid dual-driver design with LDAC and LHDC support for high-res audio
  • Pro:Multipoint allows seamless switching between two devices
  • Con:Battery life drops significantly with ANC enabled
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Limited codec support on some devices

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 3Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3