Wireless Earbuds · owner-verdict comparison

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs EAH-AZ100: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 51% of 343 Apple AirPods Pro 3 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 233 for the EAH-AZ100.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Apple AirPods Pro 3

51%of 343 owners recommend
51% recommend · 22% neutral · 27% don't
Owners praise
  • Noise cancellation is a massive leap over the Pro 2, with many calling it the best ANC on the market and beating rivals like Bose QC Ultra and Sony XM5/XM6
  • New foam-hybrid tips give a noticeably more secure, comfortable fit that stays in during workouts and doesn't fall out like earlier generations
  • Fuller, richer sound with deeper bass and more clarity than the Pro 2, especially once EQ/adaptive settings are dialed in
Owners complain about
  • New V-shaped sound signature pushes treble and bass while gutting the mids, which many describe as harsh, sibilant, or fatiguing compared to the more balanced Pro 2 tuning
  • Fit is inconsistent across ears: a meaningful group finds them painful, ill-fitting, or prone to loosening/falling out with sweat, even after trying multiple tip sizes
  • Many owners returned the Pro 3 and went back to the Pro 2, saying the older model sounds better or fits better and the upgrade wasn't worth it
Full owner report →

EAH-AZ100

55%of 233 owners recommend
55% recommend · 26% neutral · 19% don't
Owners praise
  • Rich, detailed sound quality with strong bass, wide soundstage, and clear separation that many owners rank above rivals like the Sony XM5/XM6 and AZ80
  • Frequently called the best or most well-rounded earbuds owners have used, excelling across sound, features, and daily usability
  • Firmware updates have meaningfully improved sound tuning and ANC over time, with owners noting clearer vocals, better bass focus, and improved call quality after updating
Owners complain about
  • ANC is inconsistent across owners, described by many as mediocre, weak, or nearly nonexistent for the price, especially compared to Bose and Sony
  • Fit and comfort problems are common, including buds falling out, painful hard-shell pressure, and slick stock tips that don't stay seated
  • Stock tuning is often described as muddy or overly bass-heavy, requiring EQ adjustment to sound its best
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if
  • ✓iPhone owners who want the best-in-class ANC for flights, commutes, and city noise
  • ✓Gym-goers and runners who need a secure, sweat-resistant fit that stays locked in
  • ✓Upgraders from AirPods Pro 1 or 2 chasing a noticeably deeper, more isolating noise-cancelling jump
  • ✓Android users who just want reliable earbuds without needing full Apple ecosystem features
Skip it if
  • Audiophiles sensitive to treble who dislike the V-shaped, bass/treble-boosted, mids-recessed tuning
  • People with smaller or oddly-shaped ear canals who can't get tips to seal without pain or falling out
Get the EAH-AZ100 if
  • ✓Listeners willing to EQ for detailed, audiophile-leaning sound and wide soundstage
  • ✓All-rounders wanting one bud for music, calls, movies, and long battery life
  • ✓Buyers who prioritize sound quality and deep bass over class-leading ANC
  • ✓Owners who find a snug alt-tip fit (Comply/Spinfit) for stability and comfort
Skip it if
  • Metal/rock fans annoyed by the bloated, muddy stock bass tuning
  • Gamers or video watchers sensitive to noticeable audio latency

What Apple AirPods Pro 3 owners say

“Yea, I compared them to my xm5 (over ear headphones)… and not kidding, the ANC is better, and so are the low ends and bass. It’s actually insane”
— Bokchoyk on Reddit
“I find that the new Airpods Pro 3 have a more secure fit, at least on my ears, and the ANC performance was better compared to the Airpods Pro 2.”
— DagobietRTINGS on Reddit
“They hurt my ear holes. I can’t wear them”
— djbdb on Reddit

What EAH-AZ100 owners say

“EAH-AZ100 is in another league”
— Master_Cartoonist_16 on Reddit
“I love them, got them $80 off.”
— Harkwit on Reddit
“I felt the same as well. These are so overrated”
— 1ElectricalZ1 on Reddit

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs EAH-AZ100: frequently asked questions

Is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or the EAH-AZ100 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 51% of 343 Apple AirPods Pro 3 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 233 for the EAH-AZ100.

Who should get the Apple AirPods Pro 3?

Owners point the Apple AirPods Pro 3 at iPhone owners who want the best-in-class ANC for flights, commutes, and city noise, and gym-goers and runners who need a secure, sweat-resistant fit that stays locked in.

Who should get the EAH-AZ100?

Owners point the EAH-AZ100 at listeners willing to EQ for detailed, audiophile-leaning sound and wide soundstage, and all-rounders wanting one bud for music, calls, movies, and long battery life.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is new V-shaped sound signature pushes treble and bass while gutting the mids, which many describe as harsh, sibilant, or fatiguing compared to the more balanced Pro 2 tuning. For the EAH-AZ100, it's aNC is inconsistent across owners, described by many as mediocre, weak, or nearly nonexistent for the price, especially compared to Bose and Sony.