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HearWiki

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sennheiser CX: 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
  • Sennheiser CX
HearWiki score
86
58
Sound
8.6
7.1
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
7.4
Calls
7.4
6.0
Value
8.3
5.3
Price (USD)
$180
$130

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 Sennheiser CX (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 Sennheiser CX answers with Top codec aptX against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 320254 yr newer
  • CX2021
What differsAirPods Pro 3CX

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Top codec
AAC
aptX
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

Level on: USB-C, Wear detection, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3CX
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$130
HearWiki score
86
58
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
7 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
7 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
5 Hz - 21 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
9 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
27 h
Full charge time
-
90 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 1 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
5.5 g
-
Case weight
44 g
37 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4
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)

Sennheiser CX

The Sennheiser CX True Wireless earbuds deliver solid audio performance with a punchy bass response, though the tuning leans slightly less airy than some predecessors. They offer excellent call quality, a comfortable IPX4 rating, and a strong 9-hour battery life per charge, with the case extending total playtime to 27 hours. While the design may not turn heads, the app support, customizable EQ, and reliable Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity make them a practical choice for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Excellent call quality
  • Pro:Long 9-hour battery per charge
  • Pro:IPX4 water resistance
  • Con:Sound tuning lacks sparkle
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Design feels plain

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 3Sennheiser CX