A breakdown of the review per specifications

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ipX4

Sennheiser CX 500BT ipX4

IP ratings is the rank of protection given by a casing, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

In comparison to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Sennheiser CX 500BT have a rating of IPX4 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, they both have the same rating against liquids

Weight

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 8.56g

Sennheiser CX 500BT 12g

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We take in account a lower weight best because lighter devices are easier to carry.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT, at 12g are heavier than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference of 3.44g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they have no wires. This is an important difference since wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds .

Sennheiser CX 500BT also is true wireless because it has no wires connecting the two earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have sweat resistance

Sennheiser CX 500BT's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Sennheiser CX 500BT and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
See price on Amazon

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

ANC uses advanced technology to actively counter noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to counter it. Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and producing -1 (inverted noise) giving 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue since you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background noise.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes both earbuds ideal for flights and rush hour commutes. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and Sennheiser CX 500BT operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that suits your travel or that suites your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit well in place, this creates a sound covering that reduces your environment sounds and also prevents the earbuds sound from leaking out at the same.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this implies that they limit ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 11mm

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device, the unit size determines the loudness of the device.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10hz

Sennheiser CX 500BT 5hz

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device generates low recognizable frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.

Sennheiser CX 500BT's lowest frequency is at 5Hz, this implies that Sennheiser CX 500BT can produce a juicier bass than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 20,000hz

Sennheiser CX 500BT 21,000hz

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device produces high human frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through.

Sennheiser CX 500BT's highest frequency is at 21,000Hz, this means that Sennheiser CX 500BT produce a clearer and crispier treble than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Sound Pressure Level

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT 94db/mw

The sound pressure level, is the pressure level of sound, measured in decibels, dB, Sennheiser CX 500BT's measurement is 94dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have neodymium magnets, if used in earbuds produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help generate music at quite a high SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux.

A Review By Comparison Of The Jbl Tune Flex Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen)

Battery Life

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6hours

Sennheiser CX 500BT 8hours

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Sennheiser CX 500BT's battery life is more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 hours . Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 30hours

Sennheiser CX 500BT 16hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case has a full charge of 30 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before recharging the case itself.

Sennheiser CX 500BT's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours, less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 14 hours

Charge Time

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 0.3hours

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

It requires 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.

Battery Power

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 20mah

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery capacity is 20mAh, battery power, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can keep.

Has Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you simply place down on a supported charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your device and charging case.

Sennheiser CX 500BT too have a battery level indicator, these allow you to determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
See price on Amazon

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT use USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) v5

Sennheiser CX 500BT v5.2

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Sennheiser CX 500BT has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10meters

Sennheiser CX 500BT 10meters

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Sennheiser CX 500BT have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Has Aac

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your iPhone. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Audio Latency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 144ms

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

Latency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your earbuds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a latency of 144ms, a lower latency reduces audio lag and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos.

A Review By Comparison Of The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen)

Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6only

Sennheiser CX 500BT 4only

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.

While the Sennheiser CX 500BT microphones are 4, less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the desired sound.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too have a noise-canceling microphone. Especially useful in noisy areas.

Highest Mic Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT 10,000hz

The Sennheiser CX 500BT's highest mic frequency is 10,000Hz, high frequencies are better for picking up treble. The highest mic frequency of a microphone is known as its upper limiting frequency.

Lowest Mic Frequency

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT 100hz

The Sennheiser CX 500BT's lowest mic frequency is 100Hz, low frequencies are better for picking up bass. The lowest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its lower limiting frequency.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
See price on Amazon

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✗

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing them

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears .

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature.

Sennheiser CX 500BT also have the find earbuds feature. You can use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play a sound from your earbuds to help you locate them.

Supports Fast Charging

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to fully charge a device.

Sennheiser CX 500BT too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 2only

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✗

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT also have this function. It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds.

Sennheiser CX 500BT also have a control panel on them.

Warranty Period

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 1years

Sennheiser CX 500BT 2years

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals.

If covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement a malfunction occurs. Sennheiser CX 500BT have a warranty period of 2Years, more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1 Years .

Has Voice Prompts

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection.

The Sennheiser CX 500BT too support voice prompts meaning the device will notify you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the earbuds.

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) ✓

Sennheiser CX 500BT ✓

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them inside your bag without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Sennheiser CX 500BT too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.

A Review By Comparison Of The Jbl Tune Flex Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen)

Category	Features	Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)	Sennheiser CX 500BT
DESIGN	ingress protection (ip) rating	ipX4	ipX4
	weight	8.56g	12g
	has no wires or cables	✓	✓
	sweat resistance	✓	✓
	has stereo speakers	✓	✓
SOUND QUALITY	has active noise cancellation (noise control)	✓	✓
	has passive noise reduction	✓	✓
	driver unit size	11mm	✗
	lowest frequency	10hz	5hz
	highest frequency	20,000hz	21,000hz
	sound pressure level	✗	94db/mw
	has a neodymium magnet	✓	✗
POWER	battery life	6hours	8hours
	battery life of charging case	30hours	16hours
	charge time	0.3hours	✗
	battery power	20mah	✗
	has wireless charging	✓	✗
	has a battery level indicator	✓	✓
CONNECTIVITY	has usb type-c	✗	✓
	bluetooth version	v5	v5.2
	maximum bluetooth range	10meters	10meters
	has aac	✓	✓
	has aptx adaptive	✗	✓
	audio latency	144ms	✗
MICROPHONE	number of microphones	6only	4only
	has a noise-canceling microphone	✓	✓
	highest mic frequency	✗	10,000hz
	lowest mic frequency	✗	100hz
EXTRAS	has ambient sound mode	✗	✓
	has in/on-ear detection	✓	✓
	has find earbuds feature	✓	✓
	supports fast charging	✓	✓
	multipoint count	2only	✗
	has a mute function	✓	✓
	control panel placed on a device	✓	✓
	warranty period	1years	2years
	has voice prompts	✓	✓
	travel bag is included	✓	✓
		See price on Amazon	See price on Amazon

A Review By Comparison of the Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Sennheiser Cx 500Bt

Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Reasons why you might like the Sennheiser CX 500BT

A summary of the review by feature comparison

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Weight

Has No Wires Or Cables

Sweat Resistance

Has Stereo Speakers

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Driver Unit Size

Lowest Frequency

Highest Frequency

Sound Pressure Level

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Power

Battery Life

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Charge Time

Battery Power

Has Wireless Charging

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bluetooth Version

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Has Aac

Has Aptx Adaptive

Audio Latency

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Highest Mic Frequency

Lowest Mic Frequency

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Supports Fast Charging

Multipoint Count

Has A Mute Function

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Warranty Period

Has Voice Prompts

Travel Bag Is Included

Related Reviews