Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Sony WF-C500
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 WF-C500
Users are overwhelmingly positive about these Sony earbuds, praising their comfort, battery life, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. The sound quality is considered good for the price, though not audiophile-grade. A few issues were noted, such as a non-functional charging case and accidental button presses when sleeping, but overall satisfaction is high.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Good battery life
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Tactile button controls
- Good sound quality for price
Cons
- Charging case malfunction
- Accidental button presses while sleeping
- Sound not audiophile-grade
- Best sound requires specific app
- No noise cancellation in some models
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Sony WF-C500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | s, |
| Weight | 0.09 kg | 0.09 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 5.800000190734863 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 5★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | 18 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 100 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Wireless, Replaceable Ear Tips, Water-Resistant, Call functions, Waterproof, Rechargeable Battery, Noise Isolation, Stereo, Sweat-Proof, Bluetooth Multi-point, Built-in Microphone |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | 360 Reality Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.0 |
| Profiles | — | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | Yes |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 10 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time | 10 min for 60 min playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs★ | 20 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2★ | 1 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | Android & iOS | Sony | Headphones Connect |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP57 | IPX4 |
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 WF-C500
- Strong sound (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong connectivity (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong build (79th percentile)
- Below average affordability (22nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 6 of 38 specs.