New review every Sunday — testing in progress.Get the weekly Standard →
S
The Standard
Isaac Standard

EarFun Air Pro 3 Review: The Budget King That Almost Dethrones the Premiums

By Isaac · · 7 min read

Disclosure: This review contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, The Isaac Standard may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects the rating — recommendations are based only on hands-on testing.

Photo needed

EarFun Air Pro 3 product photo

Manufacturer image pending.

What it is & who it's for

The EarFun Air Pro 3 are the latest in a line of budget earbuds that keep punching above their weight. Priced around $70, they promise adaptive ANC, LDAC support, and a 45-hour battery life — specs that would have cost three times as much just a couple of years ago. They're aimed at commuters and gym-goers who want premium features without the premium price tag.

But as with any budget darling, there are trade-offs. I've been testing these for two weeks, and while they excel in many areas, they stumble in a few that matter. Here's the unvarnished truth.

Specs at a glance (manufacturer-claimed)

FeatureEarFun Air Pro 3
Driver11mm composite dynamic driver
Bluetooth5.3
CodecQualcomm aptX Adaptive, SBC, AAC, LC3
ChargingUSB-C and Qi wireless

Sound Quality: LDAC Surprise

The EarFun Air Pro 3 support LDAC, which is rare at this price. With a compatible Android device, you get high-resolution audio that sounds detailed and spacious. The sound signature is mildly V-shaped — punchy bass, clear mids, and sparkly treble — without being fatiguing.

On iPhone (AAC only), they still sound good, but the magic of LDAC is lost. Bass is tight, not boomy, and vocals are forward enough for podcasts. Classical music lacks a bit of air, but for pop, rock, and EDM, these are excellent.

ANC: Budget But Effective

The adaptive ANC is the star here. It handles constant low-frequency noise (like bus engines or AC hum) almost as well as the Sony WF-1000XM4. Sudden noises like chatter or clattering dishes still get through, but that's expected at any price.

The transparency mode is usable — not as natural as AirPods Pro, but good enough to hear announcements or have a quick chat without removing the buds. Wind noise reduction is decent, though windy days still cause some rumble.

Fit and Comfort: YMMV

The EarFun Air Pro 3 have a bulbous shape that doesn't sit flush with the ear. For me, they stayed put during walks but felt loose during jogging. The included ear tips (S/M/L) didn't create a perfect seal for my ear canals, leading to some bass leakage and ANC inefficiency.

If you have smaller ears, you might struggle. I recommend trying third-party foam tips. The case is compact and wireless charging works, which is a nice touch.

Key limitations (the parts the marketing doesn't cover)

How it compares

vs. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: The Liberty 4 NC have better ANC and a more refined app, but cost $30 more. The EarFun Air Pro 3 have LDAC, which the Liberty 4 NC lack. If you're an Android user who values hi-res audio, EarFun wins; if you want the best ANC under $100, go Soundcore.

vs. Nothing Ear (2): The Nothing Ears look cooler and have better call quality, but cost twice as much. The EarFuns have longer battery life and similar ANC. Unless design matters most, EarFun is better value.

vs. EarFun Free Pro 3: The Free Pro 3 are stemless and more compact, but have weaker ANC and no LDAC. If you prefer a stem design and better noise cancellation, the Air Pro 3 are the pick.

Who should buy / skip

Worth considering if:

Look elsewhere if:

The Isaac Standard verdict

4.0 / 5. The EarFun Air Pro 3 are a fantastic value for anyone who can get a good fit. They offer premium features like adaptive ANC and LDAC at a fraction of the cost of competitors. But the finicky fit and mediocre call quality mean they're not for everyone. If you can try them on first or are willing to swap ear tips, these are a steal. Otherwise, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC might be worth the extra cash.

Frequently asked

Questions

Frequently asked

Do the EarFun Air Pro 3 work with iPhones?+

Yes, they work with iPhones via AAC, but you won't get LDAC (which is Android-only). Sound quality is still good, but the hi-res advantage is lost.

How is the latency for gaming?+

There's a low-latency mode in the app, but it's not as good as dedicated gaming earbuds. For casual gaming, it's fine; for competitive, look elsewhere.

Can I use each earbud independently?+

Yes, both buds can be used solo for calls or music. The connection is stable and switching is seamless.

Are they sweatproof for workouts?+

They have an IPX5 rating, which means they can handle sweat and light rain. But they're not fully waterproof, so don't submerge them.

Keep reading