Short answer: the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for better sound quality, the Apple EarPods for the lower price. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 ranks #364 of 467 in-ear headphones, rated 3.5/5, at $199. The Apple EarPods ranks #441, rated 2.2/5, at $19, $180 cheaper.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the better-sounding option. Sub-bass sits about 3 dB above the Harman target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link and still reaches 30 Hz with a slight lift, so bass lines and electronic drops carry real rumble. The tradeoff: A 6.4 dB dip near 3.4 kHz pulls vocals and guitars back, while a 6.3 dB peak near 8 kHz and about 6 dB of extra air above 10 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound splashy.
Why pick the Apple EarPods: A simple wired earphone with a built-in microphone, so there is no battery to charge and no pairing to manage. Watch for: Sub-bass falls away below 40 Hz, landing about 8 dB under target at 30 Hz, so the deepest synth and kick drum notes lose their rumble.
Buy the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Apple EarPods if the price matters more than sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Apple EarPods | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $19.00 |
| Ranked | #364 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones | #441 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 51 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation | 4.17 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.58 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.22 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-8.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | True wireless | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.55 g) per earbud | - |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, ANC on, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP57 | - |
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- Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM5
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Apple AirPods Pro 3: $199.00 TWS Amazon $199.00 eBay
Pros: Sub-bass sits about 3 dB above the Harman target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link and still reaches 30 Hz with a slight lift, so bass lines and electronic drops carry real rumble. The response stays fairly even overall, with a 2.4 dB standard deviation from target and a gently warm tilt that suits warm and bassy tastes. Active noise cancelling, an IP57 rating that covers dust and immersion, and 8 hours per charge (24 with the case, ANC on) make it an easy everyday pair.
Cons: A 6.4 dB dip near 3.4 kHz pulls vocals and guitars back, while a 6.3 dB peak near 8 kHz and about 6 dB of extra air above 10 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound splashy. Codecs stop at SBC and AAC, and the Beats Fit Pro earns a slightly higher rating for less money.
Full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, ANC on, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IP57 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.58 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.55 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Apple EarPods: $19.00 Amazon $19.00 eBay
Pros: A simple wired earphone with a built-in microphone, so there is no battery to charge and no pairing to manage. The bass region from 60 to 200 Hz runs about 4 dB above target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link, which gives a warm, full sound to listeners who like a bassy profile. It is one of the cheapest ways to get a headset for calls.
Cons: Sub-bass falls away below 40 Hz, landing about 8 dB under target at 30 Hz, so the deepest synth and kick drum notes lose their rumble. A 7.8 dB dip near 4.1 kHz dulls vocal detail and clarity, and the response is uneven at a 4.2 dB standard deviation. The HIFIMAN RE400 rates noticeably higher at a similar price.
Full Apple EarPods review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2012 (14 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 4.17 dB standard deviation |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 51 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-8.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.22 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples