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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs FiiO FW5: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs FiiO FW5, 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
  • FiiO FW5
HearWiki score
86
-
Sound
8.6
-
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
-
Calls
7.4
-
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$100

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?

Mixed generations

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against FiiO FW5 (2022). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and ANC type Adaptive against None, while the FiiO FW5 answers with Top codec LHDC against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 320253 yr newer
  • FW52022
What differsAirPods Pro 3FW5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Top codec
AAC
LHDC
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

Level on: USB-C, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3FW5
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$100
HearWiki score
86
Not scored
Released
2025
2022
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
3-driver hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
10.7 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
3
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
108 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
aptX Adaptive, LHDC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
7 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
21 h
Full charge time
-
100 min
Wireless charging
Yes
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
buttons
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
6.4 g
Case weight
44 g
44.4 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
-
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)

FiiO FW5

The FiiO FW5 are true wireless earphones designed for audiophiles, featuring a hybrid triple-driver setup with a dynamic driver and dual balanced armatures for detailed sound. They offer high-quality wireless audio via aptX Adaptive and LHDC codecs, along with IPX4 sweat and water resistance, but lack active noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity. With about 7 hours of playback per charge and 21 hours total using the case, they are a solid choice for critical listening on the go.

  • Pro:Hybrid triple-driver design for detailed, layered sound
  • Pro:Supports high-resolution wireless audio via aptX Adaptive and LHDC
  • Pro:IPX4 rating for sweat and light rain resistance
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No multipoint connection for switching between devices
  • Con:Battery life per charge is modest at 7 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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