True Wireless
Apple AirPods Pro 3
86Outstanding
$180
Full review dataApple AirPods Pro 3 vs JBL Live Flex: 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.
True Wireless
JBL Live Flex
63Good
$180
Full review dataScore 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
- JBL Live Flex
HearWiki score
86
63
Sound
8.6
8.0
Noise cancelling
9.3
4.5
Battery
7.3
7.5
Calls
7.4
7.0
Value
8.3
6.2
Price (USD)
$180
$180
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?
Same generation
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Apple AirPods Pro 3 adds Water resistance IP57 against IP54.
- AirPods Pro 320252 yr newer
- Live Flex2023
What differsAirPods Pro 3Live Flex
- Water resistance
- IP57
- IP54
Everyday features
Level on: Bluetooth, ANC type, Wireless charging, USB-C, Transparency mode, Companion app.
Specifications
AirPods Pro 3Live Flex
- Type
- True Wireless
- True Wireless
- Price (USD)
- $180
- $180
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 63
- Released
- 2025
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 10.7 mm dynamic
- 12 mm driver
- Driver type
- dynamic
- -
- Driver size
- 10.7 mm
- 12 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance
- -
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 110 dB/mW
- 101 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- 5.3
- Codecs
- SBC, AAC
- -
- Multipoint pairing
- Yes
- -
- Battery life
- 8 h
- 40 h
- Battery life (ANC on)
- 8 h
- 6 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 120 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 15 min → 4 h
- Wireless charging
- Yes
- Yes
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes
- Yes
- ANC type
- adaptive
- adaptive
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- Yes
- Companion app
- Yes
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- Yes
- -
- Controls
- touch
- touch
- Voice assistant
- Siri
- Yes
- Weight
- 5.5 g
- 10.4 g
- Case weight
- 44 g
- 52 g
- Water resistance
- IP57
- IP54
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Microphones
- 3
- 6
- Microphone type
- beamforming
- beamforming
- Call noise reduction
- -
- Yes
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)
JBL Live Flex
The JBL Live Flex are half-open true wireless earbuds that prioritize comfort and a sleek design, backed by a sturdy feature set including adaptive noise cancellation, wireless charging, and a robust companion app. While they deliver solid battery life and customizable sound, their open-back nature means ANC and bass response are less effective than sealed alternatives, making them a niche pick for those who dislike in-ear plugs. Overall, they offer good value for everyday use but may not satisfy those seeking top-tier isolation or audiophile-grade tuning.
- Pro:Comfortable half-open design that suits all-day wear
- Pro:Long battery life with wireless charging case
- Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode for flexibility
- Con:ANC is less effective due to open design
- Con:Bass response is compromised compared to sealed earbuds
- Con:Fit can be inconsistent for some ear shapes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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