Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Sony LinkBuds Open WFL910/W
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 Open WFL910/W
The Sony LinkBuds Open are praised for their unique open-ear design that provides exceptional comfort and situational awareness, making them ideal for all-day wear. Users love the lightweight build and clear mids/highs, but consistently note the lack of bass response as a major drawback. Battery life is solid at around 7-8 hours, and the charging case offers quick top-ups. Overall, these earbuds excel for those prioritizing comfort and ambient sound over noise isolation and deep bass.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for all-day wear
- Lightweight and compact design
- Clear mids and highs
- Excellent situational awareness
- Stable Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Lack of bass response
- Not secure for strenuous exercise
- Significant ambient noise intrusion
- Fingerprint magnet charging case
- Only supports SBC and AAC codecs
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Sony LinkBuds Open WFL910/W | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | open-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | Extra small, Small, Medium, Large |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 33 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | 7.1 Virtual Surround |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | — | 2.5999999046325684 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour | 3-minute quick charge gives you up to 60 minutes of play time |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs★ | 22 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Android & iOS | Sony | Sound 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)
Sony LinkBuds Open WFL910/W
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong sound (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong build (79th percentile)
- Below average comfort (29th percentile)
Pricing
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation offers 1.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 5 of 36 specs.
