Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Lexie B3 Powered by Bose
Check out our comparison of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Lexie B3 Powered by Bose. 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 reviewLexie B3 OTC hearing aids deliver Powered by Bose sound, Bluetooth streaming, IP68 durability, and app-based personalization for clearer conversations.
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.
Lexie B3 achieved a SoundScore of 4.48/5 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.
Lexie B3 hearing aids offer excellent protection from moisture and debris with an IP68 rating. The portable charge case also appears well built and should easily hold up to daily use.
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.
B3 offer an impressive 32 hour battery life per charge, which is more than many products on the market. The portable charging case also offers up to 3 additional charges before needing to be plugged in. As such, we found the overall battery offering excellent.
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.
Lexie B3 are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for wireless app control, audio streaming, and hands-free calling.
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.
The Lexie app has a user-friendly interface and modern, appealing design. It includes practical features like volume control and a tone balance. We especially liked that B3 now includes a hearing assessment to better personalize the audio performance to your hearing.
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 B3 very comfortable, and the flexible earwires easily molded to my face which helped provide good retention and speaker placement in my ears.
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.
B3 are relatively small and have a modern receiver-in-canal design. One potential downside is that they are currently only available in a mat grey color.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 has a value score of 5.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Lexie B3 has a value score of 4.3/5 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.
I did not run into any issues while using B3 or the Lexie mobile app. First-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.
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.
B3 are over-the-counter hearing aids and are designed to be fit without a hearing care provider. However, Lexie offers remote care which includes both technical and hearing support from their team of Lexie Experts for the lifetime of your hearing aid.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Accessories
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
B3 Charger
The Lexie B3 comes with a rechargeable storage case that charges via USB-C and provides about three extra full charges, for up to 5 days of total runtime. The hearing aids take about 3 hours to recharge and can run up to 32 hours per charge without streaming. Magnetic seating and status lights help confirm the aids are placed correctly and charging.
Hardware
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- LC3
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Streaming start/stop
- Call accept/reject
- Play/Pause
- Audio passthrough on/off
- Accept/end calls
- Siri
Software Features
- Tuned based on hearing test through device
- Tuned based on audio preference selections
- Tuned by user directly