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HearWiki

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Mpow X3: 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
  • Mpow X3
HearWiki score
86
55
Sound
8.6
6.7
Noise cancelling
9.3
4.0
Battery
7.3
4.8
Calls
7.4
5.2
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$160

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 Mpow X3 (2020). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0 and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging, Wear detection and Transparency mode.

  • AirPods Pro 320255 yr newer
  • X32020
What differsAirPods Pro 3X3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
ANC type
Adaptive
Hybrid

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX6

Level on: Top codec, USB-C.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3X3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$160
HearWiki score
86
55
Released
2025
2020
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
108 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
7 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
6 h
Battery incl. case
-
27 h
Full charge time
-
120 min
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
5.5 g
4.6 g
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
IPX6
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
4
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)

Mpow X3

The Mpow X3 true wireless earbuds deliver a well-rounded package with hybrid active noise cancellation, a robust IPX6 rating, and solid battery life—around 6 hours with ANC on and up to 27 hours with the case. They offer a balanced sound signature, touch controls, and USB-C charging, making them a practical choice for everyday use and workouts, though the ANC is not the strongest and the case feels a bit plasticky.

  • Pro:Good all-round performance with hybrid ANC
  • Pro:IPX6 water resistance suitable for workouts
  • Pro:Solid battery life with USB-C charging
  • Con:ANC is not very powerful
  • Con:Case feels somewhat cheap
  • Con:No wireless charging or transparency mode

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 3Mpow X3