Creative Aurvana Ace 3 Review!

Today, we’re diving into the Creative Aurvana Ace 3, the latest set of true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones from Creative Technology. What immediately sets these new buds apart are the two key changes from the previous model. They use an interesting hybrid dual-driver system featuring state-of-the-art xMEMS technology, and they include novel Mimi Sound Personalisation to custom-tune the audio specifically for your individual ears.

Let’s translate that into plain English: Three mini speakers in each ear are fine-tuned to your hearing capabilities over your audio range!

The earphones target a sweet spot between impressive tech and sensible price, coming in at an RRP around £140 / €150 / $150

Technology Mini Dive: Sound Personalisation and Driver System

Let’s talk tech because this is where Creative once again innovates. At the heart of the Ace 3 is their hybrid dual-driver (speaker) system. This isn’t just one speaker; it combines xMEMS solid-state drivers with tuned 10mm dynamic drivers. The xMEMS drivers handle the precision work, delivering crystal-clear highs and detailed mid-range notes, while the dynamic drivers ensure you get that full, natural bass or deep resonant bass.

There is some novelty with Mimi Sound Personalisation. This provides an insight and adaptation to your personal listening experience. First, take a quick hearing test within the Creative app to determine your individual hearing ability. Mimi then dynamically adapts the audio playback in real time so that every frequency matches your unique hearing curve. This ensures that fine nuances like background instruments or overtones, which usually get lost, are audibly emphasised.

As for the look, the Ace 3 definitely catches the eye by sporting a distinctive blue translucent casing.

Audio Performance, Codecs, and Connectivity

When it comes to audio quality, Creative used SnapDragon Audio to give high-resolution (lossless) audio support. High resolution audio is becoming an increasingly common feature but it’s still relatively rare, mainly because your source (Spotify, etc) needs to support it.

If you want the techy details, Ace 3 supports both aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs. This combination means you can stream high-resolution audio up to CD quality without compression, assuming you have a compatible device and source material. They also handle standard formats like AAC, SBC, and LC3, along with AptX Adaptive.

Fun Fact: Bluetooth 5.2 was the first version of Bluetooth to support the first truly lossless audio – AptX Lossless

Connectivity is with the latest widely used Bluetooth 5.4 (2023), which covers the numerous capability profiles (e.g., headset, hands-free) you’ll need. It also supports advanced features like Bluetooth LE Audio (prolongs battery life) and Auracast (unlimited broadcast pairable audio). And if you’re taking calls on the go, the system uses six ergonomic microphones (three per earbud) to ensure crystal-clear audio calls.

Testing Mimi – Testing and Personalising The Sound Experience

Mimi is a feature on the Creative app that plays different frequencies and volumes into each ear. You hold the screen when you can hear the noise. It builds up a frequency-response for each of your ears and adds some secret sauce to adjust the playback volumes at different frequencies.

You can then playback some test audio with Mimi on or off. The differences were staggeringly better. However, I just don’t trust the playback test mechanism, the ‘before’ comparator didn’t sound like what I had listened to earlier before doing the test. Indeed, when I reverted back to listening to my music properly, it sounded very similar to before (the high notes were a bit clearer if I’m honest). Nothing too much to write home about but definitely a ‘can’t hurt’ feature.

Testing ANC – Active Noise Cancelling

Tap the left earphone twice and activate the noise-cancelling toggle between ANC and ambient modes.

This is not a new audio feature, but it is one that earphone makers often get wrong. I think Creative has got things right this time around with ANC mode. I would estimate that it gets rid of about 90% of the external noise, leaving just enough to let you have some semblance of the reality around you.

It’s a powerful mode, though. You don’t want to use ANC in any public situation where there is potential danger from vehicles or other people. You won’t hear them coming. But that rude oik next to you on the Metro? Yeah, turn it on then. Goodbye, Oik!

Audio Tip: Remember, you also have PNC—Passive Noise Cancellation. This means the foam tips physically block out the sound.

 

Convenience, Comfort, and Endurance

The practical features also tick all the right boxes, giving you the comfort and usability measurements you need to make the best choice for you.

• Endurance: You can expect up to 7 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds themselves, with a total of 26 hours when boosted by a charge from the case. Charging the case is possible with either USB-C or wireless charging. Seven hours is just about OK, I’d say. However remember that each time you put them back in the case they will re-charge; so I doubt anyone will wear the earbuds for 7 straight hours. also factor in battery longevity and how its performance degrades over time.
• Noise Control: They feature Hybrid Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC), meaning the noise reduction automatically adjusts based on how loud your surrounding environment is—whether you’re in the office or out on busy streets. If you need to hear what’s happening, there’s also an Ambient Mode.
• Durability and Fit: The earbuds are rated IPX5 water-resistant, making them safe against sweat during workouts or light rain. They’re designed for a secure fit and come with five silicone ear tip sizes (XS to XL).
• Smart Functions: The Smart Wear Detection is a great convenience feature. It automatically pauses your music when you take an earbud out and resumes when you put it back in. Plus, you can tweak your sound profiles and install firmware updates easily via the Creative app. The earbuds are also SXFI ready.

 

Comparative Summary and Recommendation

If you’re wondering how this stacks up, the Aurvana Ace 3 succeeds the Aurvana Ace 2. Check out the comparison table below, although it misses out on several of the newer internal changes.

Ace 3 maintains the core xMEMS and dynamic dual-driver setup that impressed the previous models for sound quality, but also claims “improved internals across the board.” The changes are important as Gen 3 is far more mature and counters the criticisms levelled at its predecessor, specifically regarding a sub-par ANC system. Some users found the general usability of the Ace 2 “fail[ed] at everything else a TWS earbuds should do.” The new Hybrid Adaptive ANC system and improved smart features address these drawbacks.

Feature	Creative Aurvana Ace 3	Creative Aurvana Ace 2	Creative Aurvana Ace
Color	Earbuds: Transparent Blue Charging case: Transparent Blue	Earbuds: Translucent Black & Copper Charging case: Translucent Black & Copper	Earbuds: Black Charging case: Black
Dimensions (L x W x H)	Earbuds (per side): (35 x 23.7 x 26.1)mm Charging Case: (64.7 x 49.1 x 27)mm	Earbuds (per side): (34.0 x 23.3 x 25.8)mm Charging Case: (64.7 x 49.1 x 26.9)mm	Earbuds (per side): (34.0 x 23.3 x 25.8)mm Charging Case: (64.7 x 49.1 x 26.9)mm
Weight	Each Earbud: 4.75g Charging Case: 43g	Each Earbud: 4.7g Charging Case: 37.2g	Each Earbud: 4.7g Charging Case: 37.2g
Battery Capacity	Earbuds: Lithium-ion polymer 3.7V 52mAh 0.193Wh Charging Case: Lithium-ion polymer 3.7V 470mAh 1.74Wh	Earbuds: Lithium-ion Button Battery 3.7V 52mAh 0.192Wh Charging Case: Lithium-ion Polymer Battery 3.7V 470mAh 1.739Wh	Earbuds: Lithium-ion button battery 3.7V 50mAh 0.192Wh Charging Case: Lithium-ion polymer battery 3.7V 470mAh 1.739Wh
Playtime	Up to 7 hours per charge Up to 26 hours total (ANC Off)	Up to 6 hours per charge Up to 24 hours total (ANC Off)	Up to 6 hours per charge Up to 24 hours total (ANC Off)
Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 5.4	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth Profiles	A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP	A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP	A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP
Bluetooth Audio Codec	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC, AptX Lossless, AptX Adaptive	SBC, AAC, LC3, AptX, AptX Lossless, AptX Adaptive	SBC, AAC, LC3, AptX, AptX Adaptive
Mimi Personalization	Yes	No	No

In terms of comparable products, the Ace 3 is priced sensibly compared to higher-end ANC earphones like Sony WF-1000XM5 ($300+), but the price is too close to Apple’s AirPods 4 ($180 with ANC), meaning iPhone owners will be tempted to stay on-brand to benefit from the excellent set of features when using with other Appel products.

Bugs and other issues

I had some issues pairing it with the iOS app. Unpairing and repairing sorted it out.

There is supposedly a broadcast to all features, but I couldn’t find it.

The app is not one you will regularly use. It’s lightly featured and not the best design in the world. Come back from time to time to update the buds’ firmware.

Multiple taps on either ear control the features. With the buds securely in my ear, the tap was uncomfortably loud. I should have tapped more lightly.

FAQ

Q: Does it fit a small ear?

A: My ears are the small side of average, and it’s a comfy and snug fit. People with smaller ears might struggle

Q: Can you get a decent volume from an iPhone?

A: Yes

Q: Are there different-sized tips for the ear canals?

A: Yes. Getting the right size keeps them in place and physically eliminates some noise, like wind (ANC has a further effect)

 

Verdict: Aurvana Ace 3

A solid recommendation from one of my favourite brands – Gen 2 was NOT a recommendation.

On paper and in the ear, these deliver a typical but good audio experience, perhaps not dissimilar to that you would receive from other reputable brands in the same price tier.

I do not consider myself an audiophile, but I have listened to quality audio for many years. While the multiple speakers (xMEMS drivers) give the claimed clarity, it’s not different from any other typically good audio experience over the last five years.

Mimi sound personalisation is simply a semi-automated way to properly set a graphic equaliser to your taste, which is a good thing. I’d recommend doing it as it takes the hassle and doubt out of manual tweaks.

Buy From: Amazon or the Creative Store

Creative Aurvana Resources

• Official Creative Product Page
• Creative Aurvana Ace 3 product manual
• What WHAT Hi*Fi thought about Aurvana Ace 3.
• Credit: Andrew Zuckerman Photographer