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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Skullcandy Push Ultra: 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
  • Skullcandy Push Ultra
HearWiki score
86
45
Sound
8.6
3.8
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
5.0
Calls
7.4
3.8
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$90

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 Skullcandy Push Ultra (2021). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, Top codec AAC against SBC and ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • AirPods Pro 320254 yr newer
  • Push Ultra2021
What differsAirPods Pro 3Push Ultra

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Top codec
AAC
SBC
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Transparency mode
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IP67

Level on: Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging, USB-C, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Push Ultra
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$90
HearWiki score
86
45
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
12.5 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
12.5 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
6 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
40 h
Quick charge
-
10 min → 2 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
both
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
5.5 g
-
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
IP67
USB-C
Yes
Yes
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)

Skullcandy Push Ultra

The Skullcandy Push Ultra are rugged true wireless earbuds aimed at active users, offering IP67 dust and water resistance, a wireless charging case, and Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support. While they provide a secure fit and long total battery life, the sound signature, microphone performance, and lack of noise cancellation hold them back as a general-purpose option.

  • Pro:Dust-tight and waterproof IP67 rating
  • Pro:Long total battery life with charging case
  • Pro:Wireless charging case and USB-C support
  • Con:Mediocre sound quality with unbalanced tuning
  • Con:Below-average microphone clarity for calls
  • Con:Stiff physical buttons can be awkward to press

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 Push Ultra