Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation vs SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Apple
86 Overall Score
vs
SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds
SteelSeries
52 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
72 out of 100 medium confidence 25 reviews
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
Active noise cancellation 8
Sound quality 7
Comfort and fit 9
Battery life 5
Heart rate sensor 3
Live translation 3
SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Commute
Travel
Calls
Fitness
Budget
Gaming
Music
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | 3 sizes of ear tips |
| Weight | 0.09 kg★ | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | neodymium |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS -- High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | Spatial Audio |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs | 10 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs | 40 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 4★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Android & iOS | SteelSeries Arctis Companion App |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| 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 (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (34th percentile)
SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds
- Strong connectivity (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong mic (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average affordability (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average comfort (27th percentile)
- Below average social proof (34th percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
Scores 86 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 5 of 32 specs.