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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Technics EAH-AZ40M2: 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
  • Technics EAH-AZ40M2
HearWiki score
86
72
Sound
8.6
7.5
Noise cancelling
9.3
6.2
Battery
7.3
6.3
Calls
7.4
6.4
Value
8.3
5.7
Price (USD)
$180
$170

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 Technics EAH-AZ40M2 (2023). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings ANC type Adaptive against Feed-forward, while the Technics EAH-AZ40M2 answers with Top codec LDAC against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

  • AirPods Pro 320252 yr newer
  • EAH-AZ40M22023
What differsAirPods Pro 3EAH-AZ40M2

Platform

Top codec
AAC
LDAC
ANC type
Adaptive
Feed-forward

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IPX4

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3EAH-AZ40M2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$170
HearWiki score
86
72
Released
2025
2023
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
6 mm driver
Driver type
dynamic
-
Driver size
10.7 mm
6 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
4 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
3.5 h
Battery incl. case
-
18 h
Full charge time
-
120 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 1 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
feedforward
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
5 g
Case weight
44 g
35 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
1
Microphone type
beamforming
MEMS

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)

Technics EAH-AZ40M2

The Technics EAH-AZ40M2 are a stylish and feature-rich pair of true wireless earbuds that deliver a spacious soundstage and solid performance for their mid-range price. They offer a good set of specifications, including LDAC support and wireless charging, but fall short of top-tier rivals in terms of bass punch and overall noise cancellation strength.

  • Pro:Spacious, open soundstage
  • Pro:Attractive, compact design
  • Pro:Robust feature set including LDAC and wireless charging
  • Con:Lacks punch and drive in bass
  • Con:Noise cancellation is only average for the price
  • Con:Battery life is modest, especially with ANC on

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 3Technics EAH-AZ40M2