
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Huawei FreeBuds 4: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Huawei FreeBuds 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $230 | $160 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 66 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2025 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | - |
| Driver size | 10.7 mm | 14.3 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 20 Hz - 40 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Latency | - | 90 ms |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | 4 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 2.5 h |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 22 h |
| Full charge time | - | 60 min |
| Quick charge | 5 minutes in case = about 1 hour listening time | 15 min = 2.5 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| ANC type | adaptive | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 5.3 g | 4.1 g |
| Case weight | 43.99 g | 38 g |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IPX4 |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 3 | 3 |
| Call noise reduction | - | call noise cancellation |
What reviewers said
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that deliver top-tier active noise cancellation, clear call quality, and a well-balanced sound profile. They offer a robust feature set including adaptive ANC, wireless charging, and IP57 water resistance, though their higher price and somewhat finicky fit may give some buyers pause. Overall, they stand out as a polished, high-performance option for iOS users willing to invest in a premium experience.
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Clear call quality in noisy environments
- Pro:Strong battery life with the charging case
- Con:Fit can be finicky and may lose seal easily
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:Only supports AAC codec
Huawei FreeBuds 4
The Huawei FreeBuds 4 are open-fit true wireless earbuds that prioritize lightweight comfort and modern connectivity, featuring a 14.3 mm driver, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint, and hybrid active noise cancellation. While they offer decent sound and useful features like wireless charging and transparency mode, their battery life is modest—especially with ANC active—and their open design limits noise isolation, making them a niche choice for those who value breathability over endurance.
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable open-fit design
- Pro:Supports multipoint connection and quick charging
- Pro:Includes wireless charging and IPX4 sweat resistance
- Con:Battery life is short, especially with ANC on
- Con:Noise cancellation is weak due to open-fit style
- Con:Lacks custom EQ and offers only SBC/AAC codecs
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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