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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Skullcandy Method® 540 ANC: 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
  • Skullcandy Method® 540 ANC
HearWiki score
86
66
Sound
8.6
6.4
Noise cancelling
9.3
6.3
Battery
7.3
7.9
Calls
7.4
6.3
Value
8.3
4.8
Price (USD)
$180
$96

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?

Half a step newer

Skullcandy Method® 540 ANC (2026) against Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds Wireless charging and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 32025
  • Method® 540 ANC20261 yr newer
What differsAirPods Pro 3Method® 540 ANC

Platform

Top codec
AAC
SBC

Everyday features

Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Method® 540 ANC
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$96
HearWiki score
86
66
Released
2025
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
12 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
12 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
11 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
9 h
Battery incl. case
-
40 h
Full charge time
-
10 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 2 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
buttons
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
11 g
Case weight
44 g
72 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)

Skullcandy Method® 540 ANC

The Skullcandy Method 540 ANC earbuds offer adaptive noise cancellation and a secure fit, but their higher price over previous models brings only modest upgrades. Battery life is decent for the class, though the bulky charging case and sparse feature set may disappoint some users. Overall, they're a functional wireless option with solid ANC and multipoint connectivity.

  • Pro:Secure, comfortable fit
  • Pro:Good battery life with case
  • Pro:Adaptive ANC included
  • Con:Bulky charging case
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC only)
  • Con:Pricey for the feature set

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 3Skullcandy Method® 540 ANC