Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Sennheiser All-Day Clear

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.

Featuring hands-free calling, Bluetooth streaming for both iPhone and Android, and intelligent scene detection for optimal sound quality, these devices provide a user-friendly and high-quality hearing solution.

Apple 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.

Sennheiser All Day Clear achieved a SoundScore of 4.20/5 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.

All Day Clear have an ingress protection rating of 68, meaning they offer impressive protection against moisture and debris. They feel well built in hand and the case, while on the larger side, offers good storage protection and should 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.

All Day Clear last up to 20 hours per charge, meaning they should last your entire day.

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.

I found All Day Clear to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was decent and comparable to other hearing aids in this price range.

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 All-Day Clear app is straightforward and offers useful customization like volume control, programs, and a 3-Band EQ. It is missing more advanced features commonly found in other products like directional microphone controls and health tracking.

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 All Day Clear comfortable, even with prolonged wear times, and did not experience any retention issues.

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.

Sennheiser All Day Clear look and feel like modern prescription hearing aids in an OTC package.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 has a value score of 5.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Sennheiser All Day Clear has a value score of 4.6/5 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.

All Day Clear are fairly easy to use receiver-in-canal style hearing aids and I did not run into any usability issues while trying them. One things worth noting is that, while the case works well, it does not have an internal battery and must be plugged in to charge.

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.

All Day Clear are self-fit OTC hearing aids, intended to be by you in the comforts of your home. However, Sennheiser offers an in-office option where they can be programmed by a provider like more traditional prescription devices.