Apple’s AirPods have become a benchmark for wireless earbuds, known for their seamless integration with Apple devices and generally good listening experience. The 3rd generation AirPods enhance this legacy with a refined design, improved audio quality, and features like spatial audio.
This review will provide an in-depth look at the 3rd generation AirPods, covering their design, audio performance, features, and battery life. Additionally, we will compare them to other popular earbuds on the market to help you make an informed decision.
AirPods 3rd Generation: A Solid Choice for Apple Users
Apple’s AirPods 3rd generation offer a compelling blend of audio quality, comfort, and seamless integration with Apple devices. These earbuds improve upon their predecessors with a more comfortable fit, spatial audio support, and longer battery life. While they lack active noise cancellation, they are a great option for Apple users seeking a quality audio experience.
Design and Comfort
The AirPods 3rd generation feature a redesigned contoured shape that fits snugly in most ears. The shorter stems are less obtrusive and house force sensors for easy control of music and calls. They are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.
Audio Quality
These AirPods deliver a well-balanced sound profile with clear highs, detailed mids, and decent bass. Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking creates a more immersive listening experience for music and movies. Adaptive EQ customizes the sound in real-time based on the fit of the AirPods in your ears.
Features
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Adaptive EQ
- Sweat and water resistance (IPX4)
- Force sensor controls
- “Hey Siri” support
- MagSafe charging case (optional)
Battery Life
The AirPods 3rd generation provide up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge. The charging case provides multiple additional charges, giving you a total of up to 30 hours of listening time.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Good audio quality
- Spatial audio support
- Improved battery life
- Seamless Apple device integration
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Pricey compared to some competitors
Comparison Table
| Feature | AirPods 3rd Gen | AirPods Pro 2nd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| Audio Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes, with Personalized Spatial Audio |
| Comfort | Good | Excellent, with multiple ear tip sizes |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours (earbuds) | Up to 6 hours (earbuds) |
AirPods Alternatives
If the AirPods 3rd generation don’t quite meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- AirPods Pro 2nd Gen: Offer active noise cancellation and superior audio quality.
- Beats Fit Pro: Provide a secure fit and good sound quality, ideal for workouts.
- Sony WF-1000XM4: Industry-leading noise cancellation and excellent sound.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro: Comfortable fit, good audio, and 360 audio support.
AirPods: A New Generation
The third-generation AirPods bring notable upgrades to Apple’s popular wireless earbuds. These improvements include enhanced audio quality, a redesigned shape, and water resistance. The new model features spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Battery life has been extended, offering up to 6 hours of listening time. The charging case now supports MagSafe and wireless charging, providing added convenience. While they lack active noise cancellation, the AirPods (3rd generation) incorporate Adaptive EQ to optimize sound output.
The redesigned stem is shorter, with a force sensor for easy control. Compatibility with iOS devices remains seamless, leveraging the H1 chip for quick pairing and stable connectivity. Despite the price increase, these AirPods offer significant enhancements over their predecessors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets AirPods 3 apart from AirPods 2?
AirPods 3 feature a new design with shorter stems and a contoured shape. They offer improved sound quality with Adaptive EQ and spatial audio support. Battery life has been extended to 6 hours of listening time. The charging case is now MagSafe compatible.
How do AirPods 3 sound compared to AirPods Pro?
AirPods 3 deliver better audio than AirPods 2 but fall short of AirPods Pro. They lack active noise cancellation and have an open-ear design. Bass response and overall clarity are improved over previous models. Spatial audio provides an immersive listening experience for compatible content.
What battery improvements do AirPods 3 offer?
AirPods 3 provide up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, an hour more than AirPods 2. The charging case holds multiple additional charges for a total of up to 30 hours of use. A 5-minute quick charge yields about an hour of listening time.
Do AirPods 3 have noise cancellation like AirPods Pro?
AirPods 3 do not include active noise cancellation. They have an open-ear design similar to previous AirPods models. Users seeking noise cancellation should consider AirPods Pro instead.
What advantages does the MagSafe case bring?
The MagSafe charging case allows for easy magnetic alignment with compatible chargers. It supports both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging standards. The case is also water-resistant, adding protection against splashes and light rain.
How has the AirPods 3 design changed?
AirPods 3 feature a new contoured shape with shorter stems. The earbuds are now sweat and water-resistant. Touch controls have been added to the stems for easy playback control. The case is smaller and more pocketable than previous versions.
