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HearWiki

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Status Pro X: 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
  • Status Pro X
HearWiki score
86
80
Sound
8.6
8.8
Noise cancelling
9.3
7.9
Battery
7.3
6.1
Calls
7.4
6.5
Value
8.3
8.8
Price (USD)
$180
$250

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

Both shipped in 2025. Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid, while the Status Pro X answers with Top codec LDAC against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP57 against IP55.

  • AirPods Pro 32025
  • Pro X2025
What differsAirPods Pro 3Pro X

Platform

Top codec
AAC
LDAC
ANC type
Adaptive
Hybrid

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IP55

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Pro X
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$250
HearWiki score
86
80
Released
2025
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
3-driver hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
10.7 mm
12 mm
Drivers per side
1
3
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Battery life
8 h
32 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
8 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
5.5 g
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
IP55
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
3
Microphone type
beamforming
beamforming
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

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)

Status Pro X

The Status Pro X are premium true wireless earbuds that put sound quality first, using a triple-driver hybrid setup and LDAC support to deliver detailed, high-resolution audio. They also bring hybrid active noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and a sturdy IP55-rated build, making them a well-rounded contender for audiophiles on the go. With a distinctive look and a polished feature set, they aim to rival top-tier models from bigger brands.

  • Pro:Excellent audio clarity from triple-driver design
  • Pro:Supports high-quality LDAC codec
  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC and transparency mode
  • Con:Battery life with ANC is modest at 8 hours
  • Con:Touch controls may take time to master
  • Con:Design may not appeal to everyone

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

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