Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740
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
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740
Users generally appreciate the sound quality, comfort, and features like touch controls and multiple audio modes for the price. However, there are significant reliability concerns, with one reviewer reporting that the right earbud consistently fails within the warranty period, and another noting missing accessories like the charging cable. The touch sensitivity is also a common complaint, as it can cause accidental shutdowns.
Pros
- Great sound quality for the price
- Comfortable fit
- Touch controls
- Multiple audio modes (bass, podcast, music)
- Sleek design
Cons
- Right earbud fails within warranty
- Missing charging cable in package
- Touch sensitivity too high causing accidental shutdowns
- Not true noise cancelling
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | 0.04 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 6 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 104 dB★ |
| Max SPL | — | 104 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | — | 1 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour | 10 min = 2 hrs |
| 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 | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Other |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Android & iOS | Skullcandy app |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP57 | IP55 |
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)
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong connectivity (78th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds S2TAW-R740 offers 8.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 7 of 38 specs.
