Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Cearvol Wave
Check out our comparison of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Cearvol Wave. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Product Overview
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are wireless earbuds that offer hearing aid functionality. Our tests show they effectively amplify speech in everyday situations. While background noise can be challenging, proper tuning and reducing ambient noise reduction pushes the AirPods Pro 3 closer to being a truly competitive OTC hearing aid.
Read full reviewThe Cearvol Wave is a budget-friendly OTC hearing aid with a visible in-ear design, Bluetooth streaming, app-based personalization, AUX-IN support, and a charging case that can double as a remote microphone. In HearAdvisor lab testing, it earned a strong 4.32/5 SoundScore, with especially impressive speech-in-noise performance for its $399 price. The main trade-off is own-voice comfort, where users may notice a more plugged-up or boomy sound. A full HearingTracker review is still pending.
Read full reviewApple AirPods Pro 3 achieved a SoundScore of 3.38/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
Cearvol Wave achieved a SoundScore of 4.37/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
The build quality is solid with a pocket-worthy portable case. AirPods 3 also have a slightly improved IP57 rating meaning they should offer better protection from debris and moisture. AirPods commonly last around 2-3 years.
We found Cearvol Wave to feel well built, especially the portable charging case, though they have a lower IPx5 rating. This suggests you should take extra care and limit exposing them to moisture and debris.
Airpods Pro 3 offer around 10 hours of use per charge with their Hearing Aid feature. This is an improvement over the previous generation. While this still may not be enough for all-day use, recharge time is fast with several quick-charge options.
Wave's battery life falls below many other hearing aids with a max use time of up to 10 hours per charge. You can expect shorter run times in their Restaurant program and with heavy use of Wave's wireless audio features. While this could be better, Wave offer a quick-charge feature where 15 minute in the case gives you an additional 3 hours of use.
I have found Bluetooth to work almost flawlessly on iPhones, offering a solid connection every time. I can't speak for Android devices though Apple reports they are fully compatible with other Bluetooth devices.
Cearvol Wave are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling. The case also offers unique additional wireless features.
AirPods Pro 3 offer impressive and useful features to aid speech clarity. I particularly like the ability to take an app based hearing test, or directly upload hearing thresholds. While the menu system is not user-friendly, you also have other options for personalizing your experience such as active noise cancellation.
We found the Cearvol mobile app to offer many useful features for general sound customization. The user-interface could be modernized, though the large numbers and icons make it easier to see what you are adjusting.
AirPods Pro 3 are generally comfortable, though my initial impressions favor the fit of the previous Gen 2. With that said, Apple claims to have improved the overall fit with improved ergonomics and new foam-infused ear tips.
I found Wave comfortable to wear with a nice "twist-in" feel. My main complaint is that they protrude slightly from the ear which can make them more prone to catching on things.
AirPods Pro are unmistakably Apple with their sleek, bright white, aesthetic. You will want to look elsewhere if you are searching for a discrete hearing solution. Furthermore, earbuds are commonly associated with being distracted or disconnected and people will not know that you are using them as hearing aids to stay present and engaged in conversation.
Wave offer a modern earbud-like design. This, along with their black and silver color, make them very noticeable in your ears. Depending on your preferences this can be a pro or a con.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 has a value score of 5.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Cearvol Wave has a value score of 4.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
I find Bluetooth pairing and general use exceptionally easy. However, navigating the deeper personalization features, and touch controls, could be more user friendly.
Handling is one area where Wave shine. The portable charging case includes a touch-screen and doubles as a wireless remote control for your hearing aids. It also offers additional features like a remote microphone and direct audio input.
You can receive technical support from Apple, but no audiologic support is offered at this time. You may be able to find a hearing care provider willing to assist with programming your AirPods Pro based on your needs.
Cearvol mention offering both remote and online support from hearing care providers. You also have 24/5 access to their support specialists. In my experiences, they are quick to respond and you can easily receive help from a human.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Accessories
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Wave Charger
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.
Wave Charger
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.
Wave Charger
The Cearvol Wave includes a rechargeable charging case with a built-in LCD display that shows the battery status of both hearing aids and the case itself. The hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of runtime per charge, while the 400 mAh charging case stores additional power for on-the-go charging. Beyond charging, the case doubles as a remote microphone for one-on-one conversations and includes a 3.5 mm AUX input that can stream audio from TVs and other compatible devices directly to the hearing aids.
Hardware
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- LC3
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Play/Pause
- Audio passthrough on/off
- Accept/end calls
- Volume Control
- Change program
- Accept/end calls
- Siri
Software Features
- Tuned based on hearing test through device
- Tuned based on audio preference selections
- Tuned by user directly