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HearWiki

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Moondrop Sparks: 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Moondrop Sparks
HearWiki score
86
56
Sound
8.6
7.3
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
6.8
Calls
7.4
3.8
Value
8.3
4.0
Price (USD)
$180
$90

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?

Mixed generations

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Moondrop Sparks (2021). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and ANC type Adaptive against None, while the Moondrop Sparks answers with Top codec aptX Adaptive against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance (IP57).

  • AirPods Pro 320254 yr newer
  • Sparks2021
What differsAirPods Pro 3Sparks

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Top codec
AAC
aptX Adaptive
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
Not rated

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Sparks
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$90
HearWiki score
86
56
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
6 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
6 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
48 h
Wireless charging
Yes
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
5.5 g
5 g
Case weight
44 g
46 g
Water resistance
IP57
none
USB-C
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)

Moondrop Sparks

The Moondrop Sparks are an audiophile-oriented true wireless earphone with a compact 6 mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver, offering a balanced and smooth sound signature with good clarity. They provide solid battery life and support high-quality codecs, though they lack ANC, water resistance, and multipoint connectivity, and their fit and build quality may not appeal to everyone.

  • Pro:Balanced, smooth sound with good clarity
  • Pro:Strong battery life (8 hours, 48 with case)
  • Pro:Supports aptX Adaptive and other high-quality codecs
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or water resistance
  • Con:Reduced treble detail
  • Con:Fit and appearance in ear may be awkward

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 3Moondrop Sparks