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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Xiaomi Mi Headphones 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Xiaomi Mi Headphones Pro
HearWiki score
86
58
Sound
8.6
7.2
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
-
Calls
7.4
6.5
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$150

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 Xiaomi Mi Headphones Pro (2020). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 brings Bluetooth 5.3 against 4.1 and ANC type Adaptive against None, while the Xiaomi Mi Headphones Pro answers with Top codec aptX against AAC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing.

  • AirPods Pro 320255 yr newer
  • Mi Headphones Pro2020
What differsAirPods Pro 3Mi Headphones Pro

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
4.1
Top codec
AAC
aptX
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Mi Headphones Pro
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$150
HearWiki score
86
58
Released
2025
2020
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
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 - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
4.1
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
10 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Wireless charging
Yes
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
touch
buttons
Voice assistant
Siri
-
Weight
5.5 g
17 g
Case weight
44 g
-
Water resistance
IP57
-
USB-C
Yes
-
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
3
1
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 Mi Headphones Pro

These Xiaomi wireless earbuds offer a versatile hybrid driver setup with a surprisingly long 10-hour battery life. They prioritize a solid, feature-rich experience at a reasonable price, though they lack active noise cancellation and use an older Bluetooth version. Overall, they are a good value option for those who want detailed sound without breaking the bank.

  • Pro:Hybrid 3-driver design for detailed sound
  • Pro:Long 10-hour battery life on a single charge
  • Pro:Supports aptX codec for better wireless audio quality
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Bluetooth 4.1 is outdated
  • Con:Only physical buttons for controls

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

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