Skip to content
HearWiki

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Xiaomi Buds 5: 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
  • Xiaomi Buds 5
HearWiki score
86
69
Sound
8.6
7.8
Noise cancelling
9.3
4.8
Battery
7.3
5.8
Calls
7.4
5.9
Value
8.3
7.4
Price (USD)
$180
$110

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 Xiaomi Buds 5 (2024). The Xiaomi Buds 5 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3, Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Wireless charging and Water resistance (IP57).

  • AirPods Pro 320251 yr newer
  • Buds 52024
What differsAirPods Pro 3Buds 5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
Top codec
AAC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
Not rated

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Buds 5
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$110
HearWiki score
86
69
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
11 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
16 Hz - 40 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX, LC3, aptX Adaptive
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
-
73 ms
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
8 h
6.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
3.5 h
Battery incl. case
-
39 h
Full charge time
-
90 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 2.5 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
both
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
8.4 g
Case weight
44 g
36.6 g
Water resistance
IP57
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
3
Microphone type
beamforming
-
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
AI ENC

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)

Xiaomi Buds 5

The Xiaomi Buds 5 are wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, an 11mm dynamic driver, and a frequency response reaching up to 40 kHz. They offer a comfortable fit and solid call quality, though their ANC performance and touch controls leave room for improvement. With Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint, and support for multiple codecs including aptX Adaptive, they aim to be a versatile budget option.

  • Pro:Immersive sound with wide frequency range
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening
  • Pro:Reliable call quality with three microphones
  • Con:ANC performance is underwhelming
  • Con:Touch controls feel sluggish
  • Con:Battery life with ANC is short at 3.5 hours

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonApple AirPods Pro 3Xiaomi Buds 5