Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Head to head
AirPods Pro 3 vs Soundcore Liberty 5
The AirPods Pro 3 leads on water rating (IPx). The Soundcore Liberty 5 leads on total with case, noise cancelling on, weight per earbud and bluetooth. They are level on battery per charge, noise cancelling on. At list price the Soundcore Liberty 5 is $119 cheaper.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$249
Maker's list price, checked Oct 5, 2026
Model MFHP4LL/A
Leads on 1 of 5 specs
Soundcore Liberty 5 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
$129.99
Maker's list price, checked Oct 5, 2026
Model A3957
Leads on 3 of 5 specs
Who leads on specs?
Counted on the 5 specs both makers publish.
As an Amazon Associate, DupeMap earns from qualifying purchases. Rankings come from published specs, never from commissions. Amazon prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time shown and are subject to change. The price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase apply. How we make money and why you can check it.
Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if
Water rating (IPx) matters more to you than the price difference.
Choose the Soundcore Liberty 5 if
Total with case, noise cancelling on, weight per earbud and bluetooth matter most, and you want to spend less.
Spec by spec
Every spec side by side. A tick and a green cell mark the better figure.
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | Soundcore Liberty 5 | Who leads |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $249 | $129.99 | Soundcore Liberty 5 |
| Battery per charge, noise cancelling on | 8 hr | 8 hr | Level |
| Total with case, noise cancelling on | 24 hr | 32 hr | Soundcore Liberty 5 |
| Weight per earbud | 5.55 g | 4.6 g | Soundcore Liberty 5 |
| Holds two devices at once | Not listed | Yes | Can’t compare: not listed |
| Wireless charging case | Yes | Not listed | Can’t compare: not listed |
| Water rating (IPx) | 7 | 5 | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 | Soundcore Liberty 5 |
| Driver | Not listed | 9.2 mm | Can’t compare: not listed |
| Codecs listed | Not listed | Not listed | Can’t compare: not listed |
As a AirPods Pro 3 alternative
The closest match on paper for about half the price: the same 8 hours with noise cancelling on, 32 hours with the case against 24, and 4.6 g per bud against 5.55. It also holds two devices at once, which AirPods do only between Apple devices. You drop from IP57 to IP55, and Soundcore does not say whether the case charges wirelessly. $119 less.
See it ranked against every AirPods Pro 3 alternative
