Creative Aurvana Ace 3 earbuds unveiled with solid-state dual drivers and improved ANC

In 2023, the Creative Aurvana Ace was launched as the first commercially available earbuds housing a solid-state (aka MEMS-based) audio driver, paired with a conventional dynamic driver to handle lower frequencies. In the two years since, we've seen several other variants join the Aurvana series. Now, Creative has launched the Aurvana Ace 3 that consolidates a number of upgrades from the other models to effectively become the undisputed flagship model in the lineup.

While the Ace 3's dual-driver configuration remains the same, it's worth touching upon briefly, for those unaware of it. The xMEMS solid-state driver is unique in that it's a semiconductor component that's printed much like conventional microchip, and not assembled the way a dynamic coil-based would be. It is not only robust, compact, power-efficient and economical but, as confirmed by glowing reviews of the Aurvana Ace 2, extremely good at very accurately reproducing mid to high frequencies and transients.

Coming back to the new model, it features Snapdragon Sound, which allows it to support AptX Adaptive, AptX Lossless and LDAC formats. Bluetooth 5.4 means it can also support LE Audio with Auracast, and the hybrid adaptive ANC is also an improvement over the adaptive ANC, thanks to the use of two mics for better cancellation.

Battery life is improved to 7 hours from the earbuds and 26 hours total with the charging case. Wear-detection is something that's pretty common in this category, but is new to the Aurvana Ace 3, allowing it to pause the music when the earbud is taken out of the ear.

Creative's Mimi sound personalisation technology has also been added, which uses an audio test to create personalised profiles for each user, tailoring the uniquely sound to their hearing. Finally, SXFI is Creative's proprietary spatial audio technology, and has been added to the Ace 3. It does not feature head-tracking though, as one may find in the Apple Airpods Pro 3 or the Technics Reference Class Hi-Fi wireless earbuds.

However, those models can't quite compete on price with the Creative Aurvana Ace 3, which is now available on Creative's website for $149. Other retailers like Amazon will be adding the model to their listings soon.