Apple AirPods Pro 3
H2 chip, ANC, hearing-health and fitness features, Find My.
- iPhone
- USB-C
- Hearing Aid feature
Audio
Are AirPods Pro 3 worth it?
Yes, if you use an iPhone: AirPods Pro 3 pair instantly, track in Find My, and add hearing-health features, heart-rate sensing and Live Translation on top of strong noise cancelling. They aren’t worth it on Android, where the Sony WF-1000XM6 or the cheaper Soundcore P40i make more sense.
AirPods Pro 3 (model MFHP4LL/A) use Apple’s H2 chip, charge over USB-C and include five ear-tip sizes including XXS. Features include ANC, Transparency, heart-rate sensing, Live Translation, and Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features in supported regions. Much of that depends on an up-to-date iPhone.
Based on RTINGS · Sony Electronics · Apple +1 more
Which one should you buy?
Sony WF-1000XM6
Excellent adaptive ANC, LDAC and multipoint.
- Android & iPhone
- LDAC
- Multipoint
Soundcore P40i
Adaptive ANC and up to 60 hours with the case.
- IPX5
- 60 h with case
- Budget
We don't list prices because they change daily; Amazon shows the current price and stock when you click. We earn a commission on purchases, which never decides a pick. How we choose.
The short answer: Worth it for iPhone, iPad and Mac users who want the most integrated earbuds. Android users, or anyone who wants LDAC and deep app EQ, should pick the Sony WF-1000XM6. On a budget, the Soundcore P40i covers the basics.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best wireless earbuds.
AirPods Pro 3 vs the alternatives
Swipe the table sideways to see all three →
| Spec | Worth it on iPhoneApple AirPods Pro 3 | Better outside AppleSony WF-1000XM6 | Budget alternativeSoundcore P40i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem | Best on iPhone | Android & iPhone | Android & iPhone |
| Noise cancelling | Excellent | Excellent | Good for price |
| Battery | See Apple specs | Up to 24 h with case (rated) | Up to 60 h with case (rated) |
| Fit | Silicone tips (5 sizes incl. XXS) | Foam & silicone tips | Silicone tips |
| Extras | Hearing aid feature, Live Translation | LDAC, multipoint | Case doubles as stand |
| Best for | iPhone owners | Most people | Budgets |
| Price & stock | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Why pick Apple AirPods Pro 3?
The value of AirPods Pro 3 is the ecosystem: automatic switching between Apple devices, Find My tracking for lost buds, and features such as Live Translation and heart-rate sensing that only work with Apple devices.
The hearing-health features (Hearing Test and the Hearing Aid feature, where supported) are a genuine extra for some buyers. If you don’t need them and don’t use an iPhone, you’re paying for features you can’t use.
Great if you
- Use iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Want hearing-health features
- Want easy Find My tracking
Skip it if you
- Use Android
- Want LDAC or app EQ depth
- Dislike stem designs
Key specs
- Chip
- Apple H2
- Features
- ANC, Transparency, heart-rate sensing, Live Translation
- Hearing
- Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features (supported regions)
- Charging
- USB-C
- Model
- MFHP4LL/A
Apple AirPods Pro 3Opens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon Why pick Sony WF-1000XM6?
On Android, or if you mix devices, the WF-1000XM6 gives you top-tier noise cancelling, LDAC and a detailed EQ in Sony’s app.
Battery is rated up to 24 hours with the case.
Great if you
- Use Android, or mix devices
- Want maximum noise cancelling
- Like app EQ
Skip it if you
- Live in the Apple ecosystem
- Want the smallest case
- Are on a budget
Key specs
- Battery
- Up to 24 h with case (rated)
- Noise cancelling
- Yes, adaptive
- Codec
- LDAC, AAC, SBC
- Model year
- 2026
- Colors
- Black, Platinum Silver
Sony WF-1000XM6Opens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon Why pick Soundcore P40i?
If you mostly want noise cancelling for the commute and the gym, the P40i delivers it at a fraction of the price, with IPX5 water resistance.
Sound and call quality are a step down from premium earbuds.
Great if you
- Want ANC for less
- Need long battery
- Work out (IPX5)
Skip it if you
- Want premium sound
- Need top call quality
- Want wireless charging (check model)
Key specs
- Battery
- Up to 60 h with case (rated)
- ANC
- Adaptive
- Water resistance
- IPX5
- Model
- A3955
- Maker
- Anker (Soundcore)
Soundcore P40iOpens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon How to decide if AirPods Pro 3 are worth it
Start with your phone. That decides most of the value.
Phone
iPhone owners get the full feature set; Android owners lose most of it.
Health features
Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are available only in supported regions.
Codecs and EQ
LDAC and deep EQ favor Sony.
Budget
The Soundcore P40i covers ANC and battery life for far less.
Apple AirPods Pro 3Opens Amazon; the live price and stock are shown there.
Check price on Amazon Are AirPods Pro 3 worth it? Common questions
Are AirPods Pro 3 worth it with Android?
Usually not. They connect over Bluetooth, but most of their extra features need Apple devices.
Do AirPods Pro 3 have a hearing aid feature?
Yes, Apple lists Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features, available in supported regions.
Do AirPods Pro 3 charge with USB-C?
Yes.
AirPods Pro 3 or Sony WF-1000XM6?
AirPods Pro 3 for iPhone; WF-1000XM6 for Android or mixed devices. See our head-to-head.
How we judged value
We compared Apple, Sony and Soundcore specifications and the sources on our main wireless earbuds guide, as of October 2026.
We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.
What sources did we use?
- Sony Electronics (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Apple: AirPods Pro 3 (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Soundcore: P40i (accessed October 23, 2026)
- RTINGS: noise-cancelling earbuds (accessed October 23, 2026)