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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.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Great overall at around $232.

Score breakdown

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

Apple AirPods Pro 3
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.5
Battery8.0
Calls8.5
Value7.5
Huawei FreeBuds 4
Sound6.5
Noise cancelling5.0
Battery5.5
Calls6.0
Value6.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Huawei FreeBuds 4
SpecApple AirPods Pro 3Huawei FreeBuds 4
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$230$160
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great66 / 100 · Good
Released20252021
Audio
Driverdynamic-
Driver size10.7 mm14.3 mm
Drivers per side11
Frequency response20 Hz - 20 kHz20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sensitivity110 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.2
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC
Multipoint pairingYesYes
Latency-90 ms
Wireless range-10 m
Battery
Battery life8 h4 h
Battery life (ANC on)8 h2.5 h
Battery incl. case24 h22 h
Full charge time-60 min
Quick charge5 minutes in case = about 1 hour listening time15 min = 2.5 h
Wireless chargingYesYes
Features
Active noise cancellingYesYes
ANC typeadaptivehybrid
Transparency modeYesYes
Companion appYesYes
Custom EQ-No
Wear detectionYesYes
Controlstouchtouch
Voice assistantSiriYes
Design
Weight5.3 g4.1 g
Case weight43.99 g38 g
Water resistanceIP57IPX4
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones33
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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