Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Panasonic RZ-S500W
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
Panasonic RZ-S500W
Overall, users are quite satisfied with these earbuds, praising the excellent noise cancelling, sound quality, and battery life. However, a significant issue is that they tend to fall out of ears during movement or talking, which is a major drawback for some. The value for money is highlighted as exceptional, with features like touch controls and multiple ear tip sizes being appreciated.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Great sound quality
- Long battery life
- Multiple ear tip sizes
- Intuitive touch controls
Cons
- Earbuds fall out of ears
- Bulky design
- Large charging case
- Uncomfortable for some
- Sound quality not impressive for some
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Panasonic RZ-S500W | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | 0.02 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 8 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | dual hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.0 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs★ | 6.5 hrs |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour | 15 min for 70 min playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs★ | 19.5 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Android & iOS | Panasonic Audio Connect |
| 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 (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Panasonic RZ-S500W
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong connectivity (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic RZ-S500W offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 36 specs.
