Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Zepp Clarity Pixie

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.

Zepp Pixie are a unique OTC hearing aid offering useful wireless app features, a discrete size, near all-day battery life, and more. From a price and performance perspective, Pixie beats Eargo, its closest competitor, on both counts.

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.

Zepp Clarity Pixie achieved a SoundScore of 3.88/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #17 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. 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.

Zepp Pixie appear to be well built although their IP rating of X7 suggests regular cleaning and maintenance will be key to long-term protection from dust 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.

With a battery life of 17 hours, Zepp Clarity should last your entire day without needing to recharge. The portable charger is also robust and the added on-the-go power is a nice addition.

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.

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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 Zepp app offers useful features for customizing the sound quality to your preferences. Be sure to complete the on-ear assessment within the More tab.

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 Zepp Clarity comfortable however, they sit deeper in your ear which may not suit everyone's preferences or needs.

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.

Clarity are small and sit almost completely in your ear canals. This can make them very desirable if you are looking for a discrete hearing aid option.

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

Zepp Clarity Pixie has a value score of 3.1/5 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.

Some may find the smaller size of Pixie more difficult to handle and see, especially if you have limited finger dexterity and or low vision.

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.

Zepp currently offers technical assistance via phone, email, or directly through the Zepp mobile app. Additionally, the Support tab provides a helpful Q&A section should you need assistance.