Sennheiser CX Plus
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
What Buyers Say
Sennheiser CX Plus
The Sennheiser CX Plus earbuds deliver excellent sound quality with crisp highs, deep bass, and good instrument separation, which many users consider premium. However, the ANC is underwhelming compared to competitors in the same price range, and the companion app has room for improvement. Battery life is solid at around 8 hours, and the earbuds are comfortable once the right ear tips are chosen. A few users reported connectivity quirks and one experienced a hardware failure after five months.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Good battery life (8 hours)
- Comfortable fit
- Good transparency mode
- Useful touch controls
Cons
- Underwhelming ANC
- App needs improvement
- Bulky case
- Volume control confusion
- Occasional connectivity issues
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
Scores
Specifications
| Sennheiser CX Plus | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.01 kg | 0.01 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 7 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 5 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 21 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 140 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB★ | — |
| Max SPL | 114 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | single mic ANC per earbud | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP | — |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 1.5 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10 Minutes for 1 Hour | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs | 24 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Capacity | 55 mAh★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Sennheiser Smart Control | Android & iOS |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP57 |
Pros & Cons
Sennheiser CX Plus
- Strong sound (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong mic (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
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 (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 91 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 3 of 41 specs.