The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you’re looking for convenience and seamless integration with Apple products, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) would be a great choice, especially with their quick pairing and easy switching between devices. However, the Sennheiser CX300S offers better noise isolation due to its in-ear design, which could provide a more focused listening experience. The Sennheiser's are more budget-friendly, making them a good option if cost is a concern. Keep in mind that the AirPods have an open design which can let in more ambient noise, which might not be ideal in noisy environments. If you tend to make a lot of calls, the AirPods come with a built-in microphone that provides clear call quality, whereas if you prioritize sound quality for music, the Sennheiser might deliver richer audio. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
Good for music
Good for phone calls
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sennheiser CX300S
Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4/10
6.1/10
The Sennheiser CX300S is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6/10
3.0/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Sennheiser CX300S is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6/10
4.7/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sennheiser CX300S is poor.
TV and Video
5.5/10
7.3/10
The Sennheiser CX300S is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
7.0/10
The Sennheiser CX300S is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Sennheiser CX300S does not have a battery.
Cost
$178
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the Sennheiser CX300S costs $50.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.0/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Sennheiser CX300S has very good build quality.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to be good for music, while the Sennheiser CX300S is only fair.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Sennheiser CX300S compare to other earbuds and headphones
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
"Sennheiser offers impressive bang for your buck when it comes to the CX 300S. Built like a tank and sounding surprisingly good for such a budget-minded earphone, the CX 300S out-classes many of its would-be competitors. Functional but beautiful, it’s the perfect in-ear listening solution for anyone who wants to hear everything and look good doing it."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Sennheiser CX300S
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sennheiser
A family-owned company, Sennheiser is a German, high fidelity, audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1945. Their consumer audio division is now owned by the Swiss hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturer Sonova. Sennheiser offers a wide variety of, very high quality, audio equipment solutions, from headphones to earbuds, full sets of monitoring speakers, amplifiers and microphones. They also make what is widely regarded as the best, and most expensive, headphones in existence, the HE-1 Orpheus, costing a whopping $59,000 dollars.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.