Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation vs KZ Castor
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation
KZ Castor
What Buyers Say
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
KZ Castor
Overall, users are quite satisfied with these wired earbuds, praising their sound quality, comfort, and value for the price. However, there are significant concerns about quality control, with some receiving used or defective units, and one user reporting a tinny treble. The seller's customer service response has been mixed, with one issue resolved but another left unresolved.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Great value for money
- Effective noise isolation
- Secure behind-ear design
Cons
- Received used product
- Defective unit (one side not working)
- Tinny treble
- Poor ear tip quality
- Missing microphone on replacement
Scores
Specifications
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | KZ Castor | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | ear-hook |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L | all shapes and sizes |
| Weight | 0.09 kg | 0.07 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 10 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 2★ |
| Impedance | 140 Ω | 20 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | KZ Castor in-Ear Monitor Dual-Dynamic Drivers Headphones with 4 Tuning Switches HiFi Noise Cancelling Earphones, Clarity Stereo Sound Earbuds for Audio Engineers, Musicians(Silver, with Mic) |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | USB-C | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | proprietary |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs★ | — |
| Case Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Android & iOS | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP57 | IPX4 |
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)
KZ Castor
- Strong sound (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong build (79th percentile)
- Strong comfort (70th percentile)
- Strong affordability (68th percentile)
- Below average connectivity (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (34th percentile)
Pricing
KZ Castor offers 3.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 12 of 32 specs.
