Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Starkey Omega AI

Apple AirPods Pro 3 combine excellent earbud features with adjustable hearing support and up to 10 hours in Hearing Aid mode. Fit, comfort, battery life, and controls remain important limitations.

Starkey Omega AI is a top-tier prescription hearing aid with excellent speech-in-noise performance, a best-in-class app and wellness features, and standout durability and battery life—though its high price and feature-heavy setup won’t suit everyone.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 achieved a SoundScore of 3.3/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #49 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.68/5.

Starkey Omega AI achieved a SoundScore of 4.5/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #13 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

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.

Starkey has improved the overall build quality with Omega, as evidenced by the enhanced IP68 ingress rating. The new portable charging case also feels well built.

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.

Omega AI offers an impressive 51 hour battery life per charge, just like the previous Edge AI model., with a quick 3.5 recharge time.

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.

Omega AI hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for 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 new My Starkey app features an updated look and adds additional useful features for sound customization, health tracking, balance, and more.

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.

Omega AI RIC are capable of excellent comfort which can be personalized by your hearing care provider.

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.

Omega hearing aids are nearly identical to Starkeys previous Edge AI model. They are sleek, available in various colors, and can be adjusted to meet your needs.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 has a value score of 4.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Starkey Omega AI has a value score of 3.4/5 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.

Omega AI and the associated app are very easy to use, though the receiver-in-ear style may require some initial practice.

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.

You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. Starkey also offers technical support and provides a Telehear remote services app, connecting your with your provider for remote care.