Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sennheiser CX 400BT: 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

Apple AirPods Pro 3

86Outstanding

$180

Full review data

True Wireless

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 7 of 7 measures.

Apple AirPods Pro 3
Sennheiser CX 400BT

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

7.9

Noise cancelling

9.3

Battery

7.3

5.5

Calls

7.4

6.0

Value

8.3

2.0

Price (USD)

$180

$210

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 400BT (2021). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.1 and ANC type Adaptive against None, while the Sennheiser CX 400BT 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).

AirPods Pro 320254 yr newer
CX 400BT2021

What differsAirPods Pro 3CX 400BT

Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.1
Top codec: AAC; aptX
ANC type: Adaptive; None
Multipoint pairing: Yes; No
Wireless charging: Yes; No
Water resistance: IP57; Not rated

Level on: USB-C, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3CX 400BT

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $180; $210
HearWiki score: 86; 59
Released: 2025; 2021
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
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: -; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW; 107 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.1
Codecs: SBC, AAC; SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing: Yes; No
Battery life: 8 h; 7 h
Battery life (ANC on): 8 h; -
Battery incl. case: -; 20 h
Full charge time: -; 90 min
Quick charge: -; 10 min → 1 h
Wireless charging: Yes; No
Active noise cancelling: Yes; No
ANC type: 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; 6 g
Case weight: 44 g; 37 g
Water resistance: IP57; none
Detachable cable: -; No
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Pad material: -; silicone
Connector: -; USB-C
Balanced connection: -; No
Microphones: 3; 2
Microphone type: beamforming; -

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sennheiser CX 400BT
Spec	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Sennheiser CX 400BT
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$180	$210
HearWiki score	86 / 100 Outstanding	59 / 100 Average
Released	2025	2021
Audio
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	-	28 Ω
Sensitivity	110 dB/mW	107 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	5.1
Codecs	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing	Yes	No
Battery
Battery life	8 h	7 h
Battery life (ANC on)	8 h	-
Battery incl. case	-	20 h
Full charge time	-	90 min
Quick charge	-	10 min → 1 h
Wireless charging	Yes	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	No
ANC type	adaptive	-
Transparency mode	Yes	Yes
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	Yes	-
Controls	touch	touch
Voice assistant	Siri	Yes
Design
Weight	5.5 g	6 g
Case weight	44 g	37 g
Water resistance	IP57	none
Detachable cable	-	No
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Pad material	-	silicone
Connector	-	USB-C
Balanced connection	-	No
Calls
Microphones	3	2
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 400BT

The Sennheiser CX 400BT deliver a warm, detailed sound signature that punches well above their current price, making them a strong pick for audio-focused listeners. They offer solid battery life, good call quality, and broad codec support, though their chunky design and lack of premium features like ANC or water resistance keep them from being a complete package. With a simple feature set and comfortable fit, they're best for those who prioritize sound over extras.

Pro:Excellent, warm sound quality
Pro:Good battery life with charging case
Pro:Reliable Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX support

Con:Bulky, less compact design
Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:No water or splash resistance

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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