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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sennheiser CX SPORT: 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
  • Sennheiser CX SPORT
HearWiki score
86
47
Sound
8.6
6.6
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
3.5
Calls
7.4
5.0
Value
8.3
2.5
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 SPORT (2018). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 4.2 and ANC type Adaptive against None, while the Sennheiser CX SPORT answers with Top codec aptX against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Wireless charging.

  • AirPods Pro 320257 yr newer
  • CX SPORT2018
What differsAirPods Pro 3CX SPORT

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
4.2
Top codec
AAC
aptX
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Wireless charging
Yes
No

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3CX SPORT
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$130
HearWiki score
86
47
Released
2025
2018
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
17 Hz - 21 kHz
Impedance
-
28 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
112 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
4.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
8.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Full charge time
-
90 min
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
15 g
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
1
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 SPORT

The Sennheiser CX Sport true wireless earbuds offer a bass-forward sound and a secure, lightweight fit that makes them a dependable workout companion. They support multipoint connectivity and aptX Low Latency for versatile use, though their price may be harder to justify against newer budget competitors. Battery life falls a bit short of the official estimate in real-world use, and the lack of ANC is expected at this level.

  • Pro:Secure, stable fit during exercise
  • Pro:Lively, bass-heavy sound signature
  • Pro:IPX4 water resistance for workouts
  • Con:Pricier than many capable rivals
  • Con:Real-world battery life trails the 8.5-hour claim
  • Con:No active noise cancellation

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

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