Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Sony MDR-E9LP
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
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
Sony MDR-E9LP
The product receives mixed feedback. Some users praise its comfort, affordability, and reliability, especially for those who get headaches from other earphones. However, many complain about poor sound quality, poor fit, and durability issues like one ear failing after 13 months.
Pros
- Comfortable for long use
- Affordable price
- No charging needed
- Good for headache sufferers
- Simple and reliable design
Cons
- Poor sound quality
- Poor fit for some ears
- Durability issues
- No microphone or controls
- Flat and bassless sound
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Sony MDR-E9LP | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | wired |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | 2x earbuds |
| Weight | 0.09 kg | 0.02 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 13.5 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 18 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 104 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Sony MDRE9LP/BLU Earbud Headphones, Blue |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour | — |
| 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 MDR-E9LP
- Strong affordability (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong comfort (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (73rd percentile)
- Strong sound (68th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average mic (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average connectivity (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 35 specs.