Confused on whether to get APP3 or something like Senheisers or Sony

[Aneef]

Hey everyone,

Looking for some advice on what to get next. My use is mainly 1–2 hours a day watching YouTube/Netflix or browsing, plus 15–20 mins of calls. I also occasionally watch stuff on my Samsung TV, whereas my main usage would be with my 17 Pro Max and Macbook Pro Retina from 2014.

I like earphones that have good punchy bass but also clear mids and highs. Plus would appreciate a good quality microphone.

Currently deciding between:

• AirPods Pro 3 – for Apple integration, ANC, spatial audio
• Sennheiser IEMs / Momentum series – for a more detailed, “audiophile” sound
• Sony WF‑1000XM5 – solid ANC, balanced sound, good battery

Any thoughts on which gives the best mix of bass and clarity? Or any other recommendations for movies/YouTube/Netflix/Spotify/casual use? Budget is not really an issue but wanting to get value for money obv.


Thanks!

 

[Aneef]

Just to add that I tried APP3 in-store and really liked them but checking on google and chatgpt, i've recommendations of these Senheisers and Sony WF-1000XM5. So want to get the max bang to the buck in case I am spending over 200 USD

 

[golftime]

This is really personal choice and depends on a number of factors in addition to the sound, including fit and comfort. I previously had Sennheiser Momentum. The sound was very good and the fit was good. Unfortunately shortly after the warranty expired, they bricked on me. If you google it, it is not uncommon. I contacted Sennheiser and they advised me they don't do repairs out of warranty, and didn't offer a discount on a replacement pair, so I am done with them. I currently have APP3 and find the combination of sound, fit, noise cancellation and overall value to be unbeatable.

 

[Frederik25]

One advantage of APP3 I love is that when using the mic in calls etc (on PC), it doesn’t go into this terrible Bluetooth handsfree codec with extremely bad sound quality and the ANC works. Maybe someone can tell us if the other true wireless earbuds are also able to do that?

My beyerdynamic blue byrd 2 neckbands (broke after 3 years, not due to battery) and epos office headset both go into that ancient codec as soon as the mic was used, and ANC won’t work.

Small things like that make a huge difference in the overall experience I find.

 

[Aneef]

I booked my APP3 and going to pick them from Apple Store in an hour. Got the gift card as well due to blackfriday deal.

 

[mblm85]

Personally, in this situation, I would be tempted to get a pair of AirPods Pro 2. They're cheap, have a proven track record, and support the vast majority of the Pro 3's current capabilities.

 

[Aneef]

Thanks all for the responses. I got the APP3, they seem good, especially the spatial sound is wonderful. Overall the soundstage seems wide and they work perfectly with 17 Pro max, but not with my TV. With the TV, the sound seems muffled and compressed, probably because the spatial sound is not on, but no idea how to turn it on with the TV.

 

[cynics]

APP3 are a fine choice. They sound super good enough for earbuds. It's hard to take someone seriously when they are talking about the "sophisticated sound" and "liquid mids" of a set of earbuds.

Personally I like them because they do everything decently. Great for travel, working out, making phone calls with just one in, compact, durable enough to be toss around, find my devices, great Apple devicescompatibility, really good mic, aren't miserably expensive.

 

[Aneef]

Apparently, these APP3 don't work with my Macbook Pro Retina (mid-2014) with OS: Big Sur, because the OS is too old for it. It doesn't make any sense, it has Bluetooth 4.0 and APP3 has Bluetooth 5.3 which is backward compatible with 4.0. I am not sure what to do. Can't really keep using these APP3 for iPhone only and get a different set for Macbook? or buy a new macbook because my earpods won't work with it? Thinking of returning the APP3 if there is nothing i could do to make it work.