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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Huawei FreeBuds Lipstick: 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 Lipstick
HearWiki score
86
51
Sound
8.6
5.7
Noise cancelling
9.3
3.0
Battery
7.3
3.0
Calls
7.4
5.5
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$200

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

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Huawei FreeBuds Lipstick (2021). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and ANC type Adaptive against Feed-forward. It also adds Wireless charging and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 320254 yr newer
  • FreeBuds Lipstick2021
What differsAirPods Pro 3FreeBuds Lipstick

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
ANC type
Adaptive
Feed-forward

Everyday features

Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3FreeBuds Lipstick
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$200
HearWiki score
86
51
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
2× 14.3 mm driver
Driver type
dynamic
-
Driver size
10.7 mm
14.3 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
4 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
2.5 h
Battery incl. case
-
22 h
Full charge time
-
60 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 2 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
feedforward
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
5.5 g
4.1 g
Case weight
44 g
84.5 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 Lipstick

The Huawei FreeBuds Lipstick combine a striking, fashion-forward design with effective feedforward noise cancellation and a 14.3 mm driver for clear sound. They support Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint, and a custom EQ via the app, but their battery life is modest, especially with ANC on. The IPX4 rating and touch controls add everyday convenience, though the lack of wireless charging and unconventional fit may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Distinctive premium design
  • Pro:Effective noise cancellation
  • Pro:Customizable EQ via app
  • Con:Short battery life with ANC (2.5 hours)
  • Con:No wireless charging
  • Con:Fit may be awkward for some due to lack of tips

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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