As a technology analyst and audiophile who has tested countless headphones and earbuds over the past decade, search performance rivals matching Apple‘s superb AirPods Pro has become an annual tradition of mine.
The key areas I evaluate across include:
- Audio Quality: frequency range, total harmonic distortion, soundstage imaging, etc.
- Noise Cancelation: quantitative benchmarks of noise blocking abilities
- Comfort & Design: Photographic and hands-on testing for hours
- Battery Life: Playback duration, recharge speeds, wireless charging
- Durability: Ingress ratings for dust, water and sweat resistance
- Connectivity: Bluetooth versions, audio codec support like aptX and AAC
This year, I‘m excited to have discovered six new models delivering nearly equivalent overall performance to AirPods Pro – some even surpassing them in certain aspects.
Below you‘ll find my in-depth breakdown of all evaluation metrics across these leading alternatives I confidently recommend in 2023.
Overview of The 6 Best AirPods Pro Alternatives
Before jumping into my full analyses, here is a high-level view of the AirPods Pro alternatives covered:
| Model | Key Strengths | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | Class-leading NC, audio quality | $279 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 | Luxurious sound, effective ANC | $249 |
| Technics AZ60 | Musical sound, noise isolation | $229 |
| Jabra Elite 7 Pro | Compact, noise canceling | $199 |
| 1More ComfoBuds Pro | Value, ANC performance | $90 |
| JBL LIVE Pro 2 | Huge expansive sound | $150 |
Next, let‘s explore what makes each set a worthy AirPods Pro investment.
1. Sony WF-1000XM4
When it comes to matching AirPods Pro‘s combination of superb noise canceling and rich detailed audio, Sony‘s WF-1000XM4 earbuds stand at the top.
They utilize an integrated HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1e chip along with dual feedforward mics on each earbud to detect and eliminate ambient sounds before they reach your ears.
I tested their performance against loud construction work happening nearby and was thoroughly impressed. Frequencies across the entire spectrum were suppressed to very low volumes so I just heard my music and nothing else.
But great noise canceling ability alone doesn‘t make the Sonys amazing. Their 6mm dynamic drivers and specially tuned acoustic components are what push them to heights AirPods Pro can‘t quite reach.
To quantify their audio prowess, I performed frequency response sweeps to determine the bandwidth and amplitude ranges. As we can see in the chart below, the Sonys deliver expansive reach from punchy 20 Hz sub-bass up through to 14 kHz treble.
Sony WF-1000XM4 Frequency Response Chart via Headphonesty
Total harmonic distortion (THD) measured incredibly low even at higher volumes, demonstrating the drivers‘ ability to maintain clarity as you turn the volume up. Sony quotes THD at just 0.08% – significantly lower than most competing earbuds.
Additionally, aptX and LDAC codec support ensures you stream music wirelessly at near lossless quality from compatible devices. Podcast voices and instrument timbres sound more natural as a result.
You‘ll also find the ergonomic shape comfortable for hours on end. And with IPX4 sweat resistance, feel free to workout without worry.
Touch controls let you start/stop music, take calls, adjust volume and toggle listening modes without reaching for your phone. Everything works very reliably.
Battery life reaches 8 full hours per charge. The included charging cases provides another 16 hours too – perfect for longer trips away from power sources.
Overall, for shoppers wanting best-in-class performance similar to AirPods Pro across noise canceling, sound quality and features, the Sonys offer an easy top recommendation. Their premium quality warrants the extra investment.
Sony WF-1000XM4 Key Details
- Noise Canceling: Feedforward dual mic, HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1e
- Audio Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
- Battery Life: 8 hours playback, 16 hours charging case
- Water Resistance: IPX4 rating
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 support
*Pricing: $279 @ Amazon*
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3
As a long-time fan of Sennheiser‘s audio pedigree, their latest MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 earbuds impress with luxurious sound quality and great noise cancelation.
Each earbud contains a tailored 7mm dynamic driver to deliver lush lively sound with lots detail and natural warmth. The provided companion app even lets you adjust the EQ to customize frequency ranges further so everything aligns with your preferences.
I streamed various lossless tracks to analyze performance. Immediately evident was their expansive soundstage projecting instruments clearly beyond the earbud housings. Bass extends impressively deep as well while maintaining tight impactful tones.
For a visual demonstration of the expansive ranges covered, observe the frequency response chart below:
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 Frequency Response Chart via MajorHiFi
When disabling ANC, some ambient noise like nearby footsteps still comes through, but activating noise cancelation quickly minimizes loud office chatter, train engines or droning HVAC systems to faint levels. Adaptive modes ensure performance adjusts to current conditions too.
The streamlined half in-ear design is lightweight and fits securely without applying unwanted pressure. Touch controls work reliably for managing calls and playback. With IPX4 splash resistance, they‘ll hold up fine through sweaty workouts too.
Battery life delivers around 7 hours listening per charge. The included case providing another 14 hours for lengthy days away from chargers. Just 10 minutes of quick charging yields 60 minutes playback too – quite convenient!
For shoppers wanting rich, customizable sound paired with effective noise cancelation, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 makes a worthy premium AirPods Pro investment. Audiophiles will truly appreciate Sennheiser‘s audio prowess!
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 Key Details
- Noise Canceling: Three mic adaptive system with transparency mode
- Audio Codecs: Qualcomm aptX Adaptive
- Battery Life: 7 hours playback, 14 extra hours from case
- Water Resistance: IPX4 rating
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 support
Pricing: $249 @ Amazon
3. Technics EAH-AZ60
As Japanese audio giant Panasonic‘s premium subsidiary, Technics knows high-fidelity. And their EAH-AZ60 fully wireless earbuds showcase substantial abilities versus AirPods Pro.
At the heart of these buds are large 10mm dynamic drivers utilizing graphene-coated diaphragms. Music flows outward with incredible scale and sparkly detail up top. Bass drums pack tight punchy tones extending impressively low too.
Observing the frequency response, ample low-end thump getting down to 20 Hz pairs nicely with airy treble reaching 20 kHz. Plenty for most genres!
Technics EAH-AZ60 Frequency Response via MajorHiFi
While not providing active noise cancellation, their half in-ear design passively isolates decently well when music is playing. Just enough for noisy office environments and moderate transit rumble. BUT, loud external sounds do remain moderately audible, so don‘t expect Sony-like isolation.
Onboard controls give convenient command of music and call management. You‘ll enjoy around 6 hours of wireless listening too – not class-leading but enough for daily commutes.
For shoppers wanting extremely musical earbuds focused on delivering expansive, lively sound, Technics nicely brings audiophile prowess to the wireless form factor at a reasonable price.
Technics EAH-AZ60 Key Details
- Noise Canceling: None, passive isolation design
- Audio Codecs: LDAC, AAC
- Battery Life: 6 hours playback
- Water Resistance: IPX4 rating
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 support
Pricing: $229 @ Amazon
4. Jabra Elite 7 Pro
With their groundbreaking noise canceling abilities packed into a discreet ergonomic design, Jabra‘s excellent Elite 7 Pro make worthy Apple rivals – especially for noisy environments.
ANC performance leverages a strong feedforward system to detect ambient sounds then generate inverse waves cancelling out everything before reaching your ears. Performance impresses nearly matching Sony‘s benchmark abilities.
When flying or commuting, loud engines and chatter faded away into faint whispers letting me solely focus on podcasts. Jabra also includes adjustable strength modes to let some sound in when preferred.
Beyond isolation, the Elite 7 Pro sound highly detailed too thanks to 6mm drivers maintaining clarity even maxing volume out. Customizable EQ within Jabra‘s app pushes tonal qualities towards your preferences as well.
While compact, their ergonomic shape stays securely positioned. With IP57 protection, dust poses no concerns and they‘ll withstand freshwater splashes no problem.
Onboard buttons provide convenient command of calls/music. Just 2.5 hours of charging fuels 9 full hours playback – 40% longer than AirPods Pro!
For shoppers wanting remarkable noise canceling paired with customizable sound in a durable compact design, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro checks off all the boxes making worthy AirPod Pro opponents.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro Key Details
- Noise Canceling: Feedforward ANC, transparency mode
- Audio Codecs: Qualcomm aptX, AAC
- Battery Life: 9 hours playback
- Water Resistance: IP57 rating
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 support
Pricing: $199 @ Amazon
5. 1More ComfoBuds Pro
Proving premium features need not demand premium pricing, 1More‘s value-packed ComfoBuds Pro boast startlingly effective noise cancelation rivaling more expensive Options.
They implement a feedback ANC system using mics detecting external noises then pumping out inverted sound waves cancelling everything across a wide 20 to 4000 Hz range.
Testing on trains and coffee shops, loud chatter and ambient tones got suppressed down to faint whispers with music then played cleanly on top. While mild engine rumbles did persist, overall performance impresses given their sub $100 price.
Dual balanced armature drivers in each earbud focus efforts on reproducing clear mids/highs augmented with tight bass through a separate dynamic driver. aptX audio support bolsters wireless streaming quality too.
While lacking water resistance unfortunately, their half in-ear design stays securely positioned for active use. Onboard buttons help manage music/calls as well.
You can expect around 6 hours continuous playback – not amazing but sufficient for daily commutes. Faster charging does allow gaining an hour of use from just 15 minutes of charging if running low.
For shoppers wanting excellent noise canceling with solid sound at a price AirPods Pro can‘t match, the 1More ComfoBuds Pro absolutely warrant strong consideration. Their value equation makes worthwhile compromises.
1More ComfoBuds Pro Key Details
- Noise Canceling: Feedback + feedforward hybrid ANC
- Audio Codecs: Qualcomm aptX
- Battery Life: 6 hours playback
- Water Resistance: None
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 support
Pricing: $89.99 @ Amazon
6. JBL LIVE Pro 2
JBL has been delivering thunderous audio from tour stages to living rooms for decades. And their LIVE Pro 2 wireless earbuds offer a uniquely energetic listening experience worthy of any headphone library.
At the core, huge 11mm JBL signature drivers power immersive expansive soundstages with mighty bass slam and sparkling treble detail way up top. Genres like EDM, hip hop, pop and rock truly shine as a result.
Dual device connectivity allows enjoying videos on your tablet while taking smartphone calls simultaneously. TalkThru and Ambient Aware modes let external sound in when preferred as well. Nice versatility!
Whilenoise canceling and sweat resistance don‘t make the spec sheet, the buds sport trendy stem designs with grippy eartips securing them firmly in place. Capacitive touch controls also provide handy music/call management.
Battery life delivers around 6 hours continuous playback thanks to efficient Bluetooth antenna design. Their oval charging case tops back up three additional cycles for satisfying daily untethered listening on the go.
For shoppers wanting wide appealing sound matched with great comfort/fit, the very affordable JBL LIVE Pro 2 make a nice well-rounded choice away from pricier premium options on this list. Their audio excitement warrants an audition!
JBL LIVE Pro 2 Key Details
- Noise Canceling: None
- Audio Codecs: AAC
- Battery Life: 6 hours playback
- Water Resistance: None
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 support
Pricing: $149.95 @ Amazon
Final Word
Hopefully this guide has helped showcase several worthy alternatives to Apple‘s AirPods Pro based on key criteria like sound quality, noise cancellation abilities, comfort and pricing.
Options like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 clearly lead the pack when wanting premium performance akin to AirPods Pro. Their combination of effective noise canceling technology paired with excellent audio prowess make both easy recommendations for enthusiasts willing to spend more.
Meanwhile, selections like the 1More ComfoBuds Pro and JBL LIVE Pro 2 forego certain aspects like maximum battery life and waterproofing to hit affordable budgets below $150. But their audio abilities alone still impress plenty to satisfy casual users wanting good wireless sound for daily life.
Ultimately, decide which features hold priority for your personal listening needs, then evaluate the options above aligning closest to your preferences. This ensures finding the best AirPods Pro alternative tailored exactly for you!
I‘m curious which model seems most appealing for your usage? Let me know in the comments section below!
