Apple AirPods 3 Review: Are They Worth It?

The Evolution of AirPods: A Five-Year Retrospective

Half a decade has passed since the original AirPods redefined the landscape of Bluetooth earbuds. Initially met with skepticism due to their distinctive long-stemmed design, they rapidly gained widespread adoption, becoming a dominant force in a burgeoning market.

They presented a unique combination of form factor, design, and user experience, effectively integrating technology into a cohesive and sensible package. The impact was undeniable.

A Rapidly Maturing Category

Remarkably, the Bluetooth earbud category has matured at an unprecedented pace. Every major hardware manufacturer now offers at least one competitive pair of earbuds, and innovative companies like Nothing have emerged, aiming to disrupt the established norms.

Apple’s AirPods line has undergone significant changes during this period. The second generation, released in 2019, incorporated the H1 chip for hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality, enhanced wireless performance, improved battery life, and an optional wireless charging case.

Introducing the AirPods Pro

Also in 2019, Apple introduced the premium AirPods Pro model. This version included active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, a standard wireless charging case, and silicone ear tips – a feature long requested by Apple headphone enthusiasts.

The Current AirPods Lineup

Currently, Apple offers three distinct AirPods models, alongside the over-ear Max. Remarkably, every model released since 2019 remains available for purchase on the company’s website, with only the first-generation version being discontinued.

The newly released third-generation model builds upon its predecessors with a redesigned aesthetic, the addition of spatial audio, sweat and water resistance, and an included MagSafe charging case – features also found in the Pro version.

Enhanced Battery Life

These new earbuds also provide an additional hour of battery life per charge, and the charging case extends total listening time by six hours, resulting in up to six and 30 hours of playback, respectively.

Priced at $179, they position themselves between the AirPods Pro ($249) and the second-generation AirPods ($129), leaning closer in price to the latter. With the Pro model showing its age, an updated standard AirPods model logically blurs the lines between the two SKUs.

Key Differentiators

Currently, the primary distinctions between the models are the inclusion of silicone ear tips, active noise canceling, and, of course, price. The AirPods Pro remain the premium option, representing the company’s best earbuds and among the best premium earbuds available.

However, active noise cancellation has become increasingly prevalent across various price points in the past year or two.

AirPods 3: A Middle Ground

The AirPods 3 occupy a unique position, offering a notable upgrade in features and sound quality over their predecessors, yet falling short of the capabilities of the Pro model introduced in the same year. The price point, however, is a compelling factor.

A $70 price difference between the AirPods and AirPods Pro is significant. However, consistent use of the Pro model for the past two years reveals a noticeable difference when switching to the standard AirPods for everyday use.

Comfort and Fit

The contoured design of the third-generation buds undeniably enhances comfort compared to previous iterations. The difference in comfort between these and the Pro model is substantial, and likely even more pronounced for individuals with smaller ears.

Having a selection of removable tips is a significant advantage for achieving a secure and comfortable fit. The seal created by these tips also provides passive noise isolation, enhancing audio quality and blocking out external sounds.

Personal Preferences and Features

While silicone tips are widely favored, some users still prefer the molded plastic design. Offering options caters to diverse preferences, even if one design appears less modern.

Real-World Performance

Living in New York City, constant exposure to street noise and construction sounds highlights the benefits of noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro’s active and passive noise cancellation significantly reduce distractions from street sweepers, subway trains, and emergency vehicle sirens.

The ability to clearly hear a podcast amidst the urban cacophony is a testament to their effectiveness, though situational awareness remains important.

Wireless Charging and Spatial Audio

Wireless charging is a convenient addition, allowing for easy top-ups with a MagSafe or standard Qi charger. The magnetic attachment of MagSafe provides a secure connection.

Spatial audio adds another dimension to the listening experience. During FaceTime calls with multiple participants, voices are positioned based on their location on the screen. This effect is also noticeable in Apple Music, adjusting the sound based on your position relative to the audio source.

Find My Integration

The new AirPods also integrate with the enhanced Find My feature, adding a Bluetooth beacon-style layer to the existing functionality. This simplifies locating individual earbuds, addressing the common frustration of searching for them in cluttered spaces.

Ecosystem Synergy

As with other Apple products, the AirPods perform optimally within the Apple ecosystem. Pairing is seamless on iOS devices, and functionality remains reliable when used with Android devices.

The Future of AirPods

As the lines between the AirPods and AirPods Pro continue to blur, a potential convergence of the two models seems increasingly likely. For now, the new generation represents a significant improvement over its predecessors, and the $70 price difference warrants consideration.

If active noise cancellation and silicone tips are not priorities, the standard AirPods are an excellent choice. However, for a truly premium experience, the AirPods Pro remain the top contender.