Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Sony LinkBuds Clip
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 LinkBuds Clip
The Sony LinkBuds Clip open-ear earbuds receive generally positive feedback for their comfort, sound quality, and call clarity, especially for office and casual use. Users appreciate the open-ear design for situational awareness, though some note limited bass and volume compared to sealed earbuds. Battery life and iOS compatibility receive mixed reviews, with some users reporting low volume on iPhones. The Sony Sound Connect app with EQ customization is a highlight, but the lack of wireless charging and some control quirks are minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Good sound quality with EQ customization
- Clear call quality with noise reduction
- Open-ear design for situational awareness
- Useful Sony Sound Connect app
Cons
- Limited bass and volume compared to sealed earbuds
- Low volume on iOS devices reported
- Battery life around 3 hours for some users
- No wireless charging
- Control customization grouped into arbitrary sets
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Sony LinkBuds Clip | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | open-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | Air Fitting Cushions |
| Weight | 0.09 kg | 0.05 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 10 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | 360 Reality Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 9 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time | 3-minute charge gives up to an extra hour of listening |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs | 37 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Google Gemini |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Android & iOS | Sony | Sound Connect |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| 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 LinkBuds Clip
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong sound (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong battery (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average affordability (8th percentile)8th %ile
Pricing
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
No current pricing available
Sony LinkBuds Clip
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 5 of 7 usage categories and 5 of 38 specs.
