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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Noise Master Buds 2: 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Noise Master Buds 2
HearWiki score
86
76
Sound
8.6
7.8
Noise cancelling
9.3
7.3
Battery
7.3
6.5
Calls
7.4
7.5
Value
8.3
7.8
Price (USD)
$180
$120

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

Noise Master Buds 2 (2026) against Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025). The Noise Master Buds 2 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 6.1 against 5.3 and Top codec LHDC against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Wireless charging and Water resistance IP57 against IPX5.

  • AirPods Pro 32025
  • Master Buds 220261 yr newer
What differsAirPods Pro 3Master Buds 2

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
6.1
Top codec
AAC
LHDC

Everyday features

Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX5

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Master Buds 2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$120
HearWiki score
86
76
Released
2025
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
2× 10 mm driver
Driver type
dynamic
-
Driver size
10.7 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
6.1
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LHDC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
6 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
4 h
Battery incl. case
-
30 h
Quick charge
-
10 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
both
Voice assistant
Siri
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
5.5 g
5.2 g
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
6
Microphone type
beamforming
-
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
6-mic ENC

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)

Noise Master Buds 2

The Noise Master Buds 2 are true wireless earbuds with adaptive active noise cancellation and a dual 10mm driver setup, offering a balanced sound profile. They provide around 6 hours of playback per charge (4 hours with ANC on) and extend to 30 hours with the case. With Bluetooth 6.1, multipoint connectivity, and LHDC codec support, they are well-equipped for modern wireless use.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC with transparency mode
  • Pro:Multipoint pairing and Bluetooth 6.1
  • Pro:LHDC codec support for high-res audio
  • Con:Battery life drops significantly with ANC
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Average 10-meter wireless range

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 3Noise Master Buds 2