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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Shanling MTW100: 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
  • Shanling MTW100
HearWiki score
86
43
Sound
8.6
6.4
Noise cancelling
9.3
0.0
Battery
7.3
4.5
Calls
7.4
5.3
Value
8.3
3.8
Price (USD)
$180
$140

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 Shanling MTW100 (2019). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0 and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Wear detection, Companion app and Water resistance IP57 against IPX7.

  • AirPods Pro 320256 yr newer
  • MTW1002019
What differsAirPods Pro 3MTW100

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX7

Level on: Top codec, Wireless charging, USB-C, Transparency mode.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3MTW100
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$140
HearWiki score
86
43
Released
2025
2019
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
10.7 mm
6 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
20 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
113 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
6 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
21 h
Full charge time
-
90 min
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
4.7 g
Case weight
44 g
39.5 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX7
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)

Shanling MTW100

The Shanling MTW100 offers a hybrid driver setup that delivers detailed, lively sound with limited bass, making it a distinctive option among budget true wireless earbuds. With a comfortable fit, strong battery life, and IPX7 water resistance, it suits everyday use, though it lacks active noise cancellation and app support. Wireless charging and touch controls add convenience for its price point.

  • Pro:Detailed and lively sound quality
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with great battery life
  • Pro:IPX7 water resistance
  • Con:Weak bass response
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No app support or EQ customization

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 3Shanling MTW100