Philips TAE5008/38
Apple AirPods Pro 3
What Buyers Say
Philips TAE5008/38
The Philips TAE2146BK/00 in-ear headphones receive mixed feedback. Many users praise the sound quality, comfort, and value for money, especially for spoken content like audiobooks and meetings. However, a significant minority report very poor sound quality, cheap build materials, and misleading product descriptions regarding the connector type and cable. Overall, sentiment is positive but tempered by notable quality control and accuracy issues.
Pros
- Superb sound quality for spoken content
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Great value for money
- Good microphone for calls
- Durable cable resists bending
Cons
- Very poor sound quality for some users
- Cheap plastic build and thin wire
- Misleading product description (connector, cable)
- Lack of bass despite advertised
- Weak microphone quality
Apple AirPods Pro 3
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
| Philips TAE5008/38 | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | in-ear | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | three sizes of interchangeable rubber ear tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | — | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | — | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 140 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Philips Wired Earbuds USB C with Microphone, in Ear Type C Headphones with mic, Powerful Bass, Lightweight, USB-C Wired Earphones, 3-Button in-line Remote Ear Buds (Black) | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | Adaptive Audio |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 8 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 24 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 2★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | voice assistant | Siri |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Android & iOS |
| Bone Conduction | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IP57 |
Pros & Cons
Philips TAE5008/38
- Below average connectivity (27th percentile)
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
- Below average sound (31st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- 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 (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Philips TAE5008/38 offers 1.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 32 specs.
