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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Huawei FreeBuds 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 7 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Huawei FreeBuds 3
HearWiki score
86
47
Sound
8.6
6.6
Noise cancelling
9.3
3.5
Battery
7.3
3.4
Calls
7.4
6.6
Value
8.3
2.2
Price (USD)
$180
$210

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?

Half a step newer

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Huawei FreeBuds 3 (2020). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.1. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Transparency mode, Companion app and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 320255 yr newer
  • FreeBuds 32020
What differsAirPods Pro 3FreeBuds 3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.1

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

Level on: Top codec, ANC type, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3FreeBuds 3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$210
HearWiki score
86
47
Released
2025
2020
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
14.2 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
14.2 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.1
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
-
190 ms
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
4 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
4 h
Battery incl. case
-
20 h
Full charge time
-
60 min
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
5.5 g
4.5 g
Case weight
44 g
48 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)

Huawei FreeBuds 3

The Huawei FreeBuds 3 are open-fit wireless earbuds that deliver surprisingly clear audio with deep bass, backed by a large dynamic driver and a compact case with fast charging. They feature adaptive active noise cancellation, though its real-world performance can be inconsistent and less effective in some environments. With a lightweight design and IPX4 rating, they offer solid value for their price point, especially for those prioritizing sound over top-tier noise isolation.

  • Pro:Clear, bass-rich sound quality
  • Pro:Compact case with fast charging and wireless support
  • Pro:Lightweight, comfortable open-fit design
  • Con:ANC is weak and inconsistent in many situations
  • Con:No transparency mode or app support
  • Con:Battery life is limited without the case

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 3Huawei FreeBuds 3