Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore vs AirPods Pro 3
Introduction
The FoKus Prestige Encore and AirPods Pro 3 are premium TWS offerings from Noble Audio and Apple. Both TWS are designed to deliver high-resolution sound and convenient wireless features on the go. We go over key differences in design, sound, features, and price to help you pick the right TWS for your audio needs.
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FoKus Prestige Encore vs AirPods Pro 3 Price Comparison
The FoKus Prestige Encore and AirPods Pro 3 are premium TWS from Noble Audio and Apple, respectively. Here are their prices:
The FoKus Prestige Encore comes in at $699.00.
The AirPods Pro 3 comes in at $249.00.
The price difference is significant between the FoKus Prestige Encore and AirPods Pro 3, with the Prestige Encore costing $450 more on average.
Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of these Noble Audio TWS so you can get a better idea of what each brings to the table.
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore
The FoKus Prestige Encore is Noble Audio’s flagship next-gen TWS. It upgrades the original Prestige with a more advanced tribrid driver system, improved wireless tech, and a lighter, more ergonomic CNC-machined wood design.
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore Features:
- Precision CNC-Machined Solid Wood Earbuds and Charging Case
- Tribrid Driver System (Dynamic + Balanced Armature + Planar)
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling + Transparency Mode
- High-Resolution Wireless Codecs (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC)
- Dual-Mic cVc Noise Suppression for Calls
- Multipoint Pairing + TrueWireless Mirroring
- Audiodo Personalized Sound Calibration
- Custom EQ, Touch Control Remapping, and Firmware Updates via App
- Wizard-Tuned Signature with Improved Detail and Imaging
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1× 8mm Dynamic Driver, 2× Balanced Armature Drivers, 1× 6mm Planar Driver
Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3091
Bluetooth: 5.4 with Multipoint
Codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, SBC
Noise Control: Hybrid ANC + HearThrough
Call Tech: Dual-Mic Qualcomm cVc
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (ANC Off), 7 hours (ANC On), approx. 35 hours total with case
Charging: USB-C, Qi Wireless Charging, 10-minute fast charge ≈ 2 hours playback
Body/Case: Precision CNC-Machined Solid Wood
Touch Controls: Yes
Sound Signature: Wizard Tuned
The Apple AirPods Pro 3
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is a flagship TWS known for its advanced health features, exceptional ANC, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
AirPods Pro 3 Features:
- Custom high-excursion dynamic driver with multiport acoustic architecture
- 2x better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with adaptive technology
- Heart rate sensing for fitness tracking
- Live Translation for real-time multilingual conversations (beta)
- Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio
- Hearing Aid capability with automatic Conversation Boost
- Hearing Test and Hearing Protection features
- Apple H2 chip with computational audio
- Bluetooth 5.3 with automatic device switching
- Touch controls with swipe gestures for volume
- Find My support with speaker in case
AirPods Pro 3 Specs:
- Driver Configuration: Custom High-Excursion Dynamic Driver
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Supported Codecs: AAC, with 20-bit 48kHz lossless via Apple Vision Pro
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours with ANC on, 10 hours in Transparency mode. 24 hours total with charging case
- Charging: USB-C, MagSafe, Qi wireless, Apple Watch charger compatible. 5-minute charge = 1 hour playback
- Water Resistance: IP57 (earbuds only)
Design and Build Quality
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore prioritizes audiophile-grade, IEM-inspired build and sound performance, while the AirPods Pro (3rd gen) emphasize seamless convenience, portability, and everyday comfort.
The FoKus Prestige Encore uses CNC-machined solid wood shells and a matching wood case, giving each set a unique grain pattern that adds a premium, handcrafted feel. The earbuds are slimmer than the previous model, and their more ergonomic shape improves long-term comfort while keeping the bold Prestige aesthetic of the original model.
Metal-reinforced, triple-vented nozzles enhance durability and airflow for a more stable seal and consistent sound. Overall, the FoKus Prestige Encore delivers a luxurious build that looks unique and while also offering enhanced comfort and durability for day-to-day use.
The AirPods Pro 3 features Apple's familiar stemmed design with subtle refinements. The earbuds are slightly smaller than the Pro 2 with ear tips that now angle more directly into the ear canal for improved fit and stability. Each earbud features a glossy white finish with capacitive touch controls on the stem for playback, volume, and ANC toggles.
The new ear tips use a foam-infused silicone hybrid material that creates a more secure seal and enhances noise cancellation. You get four sizes (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a proper fit. The improved seal helps with both ANC performance and bass response, though some users may find the tighter fit creates more pressure than the Pro 2.
The charging case maintains Apple's signature rounded-square shape in glossy white, though it's slightly larger than the Pro 2. It supports USB-C charging, MagSafe, Qi wireless charging, and even Apple Watch chargers. There's a built-in speaker for Find My alerts and a lanyard loop for convenience. The earbuds are IP57 rated for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
Overall, the Pro 3 delivers Apple's typical premium build quality with thoughtful ergonomic improvements that enhance comfort and stability for most users.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these TWS IEMs stack up in terms of sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
FoKus Prestige Encore Sound Signature
The FoKus Prestige Encore uses a hybrid three-way driver system with a balanced, warm-neutral sound signature. It features an 8mm dynamic driver, dual Knowles balanced armatures, and a 6mm planar-magnetic driver working together to give you a refined, full-spectrum sound with wide soundstage and precise imaging.
Bass
The dynamic driver delivers controlled, weighty low end with good texture and detail. It's got solid punch and depth without being overpowering. Kick drums and basslines hit with impact but stay refined and precise, sitting nicely behind the mids without dominating the signature.
Midrange
The balanced armatures handle vocals and instruments with clarity and natural texture. This is where the Encore really shines. Guitars, pianos, and voices come through articulate and lifelike, with that transparent quality that makes everything feel present and real.
Treble
The planar driver gives you airy, extended highs with speed and micro-detail. Cymbals and hi-hats sparkle with a clean, defined quality without any harshness or fatigue. The treble has just enough air and extension to keep things open and spacious.
The Prestige Encore handles pretty much any genre you throw at it. It's incredibly balanced and dynamic, so you can do serious analytical listening or just kick back and enjoy your music. It really excels with vocal-heavy tracks, acoustic music, jazz, and classical where that transparency and detail shine. Rock, pop, EDM, and orchestral tracks sound great too, with the controlled bass and wide soundstage keeping everything engaging and immersive.
AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) Sound Signature
The AirPods Pro 3 uses a custom high-excursion dynamic driver with a V-shaped, energetic sound signature that emphasizes bass and treble. It's got a new multiport acoustic architecture with the Apple H2 chip working together to deliver high-definition, three-dimensional sound with improved spatial audio and wider soundstage.
Bass
The dynamic driver delivers deeper, more substantial bass with good texture and impact. It's got strong sub-bass extension and punchy mid-bass that adds weight and presence to tracks. Kick drums and basslines hit with authority, though some listeners may find it a bit too much compared to the more restrained Pro 2. The bass is bold and engaging without getting muddy or bloated.
Midrange
The mids are clear and detailed but slightly recessed due to the V-shaped tuning. Vocals and instruments come through with good clarity and presence, though they can feel a bit thinner compared to the Pro 2. Guitars, pianos, and voices maintain their texture and articulation, but the emphasis on bass and treble pushes them slightly back in the mix.
Treble
The highs are crisp, sparkly, and more pronounced than the previous generation. Cymbals and hi-hats cut through clearly with good extension and air, adding brightness and energy to the sound. However, the treble can be fatiguing for some listeners, with sibilance becoming more noticeable on vocals and certain recordings. It's a brighter, more exciting presentation that trades some of the Pro 2's smoothness for detail and sparkle.
The AirPods Pro 3 handles pretty much any genre, though the V-shaped signature leans toward music that benefits from energetic, exciting sound. It's great for pop, EDM, hip-hop, and rock where that punchy bass and bright highs add excitement. Jazz, classical, and acoustic music sound good too, though audiophiles and critical listeners may find the tuning less neutral than the Pro 2. If you enjoy a fun, dynamic sound that makes music feel alive and engaging, the Pro 3 delivers that experience.
Price and Value
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore is the more expensive TWS in this comparison, Costing around $450 more than the AirPods Pro 3. Both TWS pack unique wireless technologies and features you won't get with other wireless earphones in the market.
FoKus Prestige Encore Value
At $699, the Prestige Encore sits in premium territory alongside flagship TWS like the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8.
What sets it apart is that hybrid tribrid driver setup with the planar tweeter, which you just don't see in most wireless earbuds. You're also getting that full wooden construction on the housings and case, Audiodo personalized sound calibration that is stored directly on the buds, and support for high-res codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC.
If you're an audiophile who wants serious sound quality without being tethered to a wire, the Encore delivers performance that rivals wired IEMs. It's definitely a luxury purchase, but the craftsmanship, tech, and sound quality back up the price tag.
AirPods Pro 3 Value
At $249, the AirPods Pro 3 sits in premium flagship territory alongside the Sony WF-1000XM5, Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, and other high-end TWS.
What sets it apart is the Apple ecosystem integration, with features like automatic device switching, spatial audio, heart rate tracking, and the unique Live Translation capability. You're also getting 2x better ANC than the Pro 2, hearing aid functionality with FDA authorization, and significantly improved battery life at 8 hours with ANC on.
The health features are genuinely impressive. The built-in heart rate sensor works seamlessly with Apple's Fitness app for workout tracking, and the hearing test and hearing aid capabilities add real value for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. The case's compatibility with multiple charging standards and Find My integration adds convenience.
Our Thoughts
Each option delivers a different balance of sound quality, features, and value. Whether you prioritize audiophile-grade sound, ecosystem integration, or premium craftsmanship, there's a standout choice here.
Noble Prestige Encore - Who Is It For?
The Prestige Encore is for audiophiles who want the best wireless sound quality money can buy. You get a unique tribrid driver setup with a planar tweeter, premium wooden construction, personalized sound tuning, high-res codec support, and wired IEM-level performance in a truly wireless package.
At $699, it's competing with flagship TWS but offers something most can't: that refined, balanced signature with exceptional detail retrieval and soundstage. Skip it if you need aggressive bass, long battery life beyond 8 hours, or can't justify spending this much on wireless earbuds. But if sound quality is your top priority and you want the craftsmanship to match, the Encore is one of the best TWS on the market.
The Prestige is perfect if you want bold, exciting sound with powerful bass in a premium wireless package. You get beautiful wooden construction, a hybrid driver setup, expansive soundstage, 10-hour battery life, and that signature warm, bass-heavy Noble tuning.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Who Is It For?
The AirPods Pro 3 is perfect if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want cutting-edge features like heart rate tracking, Live Translation, hearing aid capabilities, and the best ANC Apple has ever made. You get exceptional battery life, seamless device switching, and premium build quality with IP57 water resistance. At $249, it's ideal for users who prioritize convenience, health features, and ecosystem integration over absolute sound quality neutrality.
Skip it if you prefer a balanced, neutral sound signature, need parametric EQ controls, or are coming from the Pro 2 and don't need the new health features. The V-shaped tuning with boosted bass and bright treble can be fatiguing for critical listening. Also skip if you're on Android, as many features won't work outside Apple's ecosystem. But if you want the most feature-packed TWS that Apple offers with solid performance across the board, the Pro 3 is a compelling choice despite its polarizing sound signature.
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