Audio-Technica Solid Bass ATH-CKS5TW vs Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Audio-Technica Solid Bass ATH-CKS5TW
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica Solid Bass ATH-CKS5TW
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW earbuds receive mixed feedback. Many users praise the excellent sound quality, especially the deep bass and good detail, along with impressive battery life. However, significant issues with fit, comfort, and reliability are frequently reported, with some units failing to charge or turning on after a short period. The lack of an equalizer in the app and poor button layout are also common complaints.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Deep and powerful bass
- Impressive battery life
- Good noise isolation with foam tips
- Small charging case
Cons
- Uncomfortable fit for some
- Reliability issues (charging, power)
- Poor button layout
- No equalizer in app
- Lacks smart features (Google Assistant, Siri)
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
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica Solid Bass ATH-CKS5TW | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.07 kg★ | 0.09 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 10★ | 1 |
| Freq Min | 5 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 140 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | Qualcomm aptX, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | USB-C |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 15 hrs★ | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | — | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 45 hrs★ | 24 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 2★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Audio-Technica Connect | Android & iOS |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IPX2 | IP57 |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica Solid Bass ATH-CKS5TW
- Strong sound (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong battery (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong comfort (70th percentile)
- Strong mic (65th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average affordability (31st percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
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 (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 6 of 38 specs.