Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Apple
86 Overall Score
vs
Sony IER-M500
Sony
39 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
72 out of 100 medium confidence 25 reviews
The AirPods Pro 3 receive high praise for their exceptional active noise cancellation, improved sound quality with deep bass and clear vocals, and comfortable secure fit. Users highlight the new heart-rate sensor, adaptive audio, and live translation as valuable upgrades. However, a few reviewers report discomfort due to the hard plastic shape or fit issues, and some note the case battery could be stronger. Overall, they are seen as a premium but worthwhile upgrade for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptional active noise cancellation
- Improved sound quality with deep bass
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Useful heart-rate sensor
- Adaptive audio and transparency mode
Cons
- Uncomfortable hard plastic shape for some
- Fit issues causing earbuds to fall out
- Case battery could be stronger
- High price point
- Different fit compared to previous generations
Active noise cancellation 8
Sound quality 7
Comfort and fit 9
Battery life 5
Heart rate sensor 3
Live translation 3
Sony IER-M500
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Commute
Travel
Calls
Fitness
Budget
Gaming
Music
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Sony IER-M500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | ear-hook |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.09 kg | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 5 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 10 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 103 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | — |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | 3.5mm |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | proprietary |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs★ | — |
| Case Charging | USB-C★ | proprietary |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Android & iOS | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP57 | — |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (34th percentile)
Sony IER-M500
- Strong comfort (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong sound (68th percentile)
- Below average affordability (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average connectivity (31st percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation0.290score per dollar
vs
Sony IER-M5000.228score per dollar
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Scores 86 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 13 of 35 specs.
