Is the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro worth the upgrade from the Apple AirPods Pro 3?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro actually scores 15.1 points below the Apple AirPods Pro 3, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (7.5 to 8.0). You do give up ground on noise cancelling (9.5 to 7.0) and calls (8.5 to 7.0). On paper: codecs SBC, AAC to SBC, AAC, LDAC, drivers per side 1 to 2 and microphones 3 to 6. Worth checking: weight goes 5.5 g to 12 g and bluetooth goes 5.3 to 5.2. It is at least $62 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.58.0
- Noise cancelling9.57.0
- Battery8.07.0
- Calls8.57.0
- Value7.58.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Weight | 5.5 g | 12 g | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IPX4 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 6 h | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Microphones | 3 | 6 | |
| ANC type | adaptive | hybrid | |
| Driver | 10.7 mm dynamic | 2-driver hybrid | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 20 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "AirPods Pro 3 to Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.