Skip to content
HearWiki

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro: 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
  • Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro
HearWiki score
86
68
Sound
8.6
6.9
Noise cancelling
9.3
7.8
Battery
7.3
8.2
Calls
7.4
7.4
Value
8.3
5.1
Price (USD)
$180
$220

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

Both shipped in 2025. The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3, Top codec aptX Lossless against AAC and LE Audio (LC3). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP57 against IP54.

  • AirPods Pro 32025
  • Buds 5 Pro2025
What differsAirPods Pro 3Buds 5 Pro

Platform

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

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IP54

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Buds 5 Pro
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$220
HearWiki score
86
68
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
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
3
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
15 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
-
50 ms
Battery life
8 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
40 h
Full charge time
-
70 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 4.5 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
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
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
11.2 g
Case weight
44 g
40 g
Water resistance
IP57
IP54
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
6
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)

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro are premium true wireless earbuds offering adaptive noise cancellation and a hybrid three-driver setup for rich sound. With Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint support, and a long-lasting case, they're built for versatile, high-quality listening. Their IP54 rating and touch controls add practicality for everyday use.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC effectively reduces ambient noise
  • Pro:Hybrid 3-driver system delivers detailed audio
  • Pro:Long total battery life with wireless charging case
  • Con:Battery life per charge is modest at 8 hours
  • Con:Requires compatible devices for aptX Lossless
  • Con:Touch controls may be sensitive for some users

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 Pro