Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Review:
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore whether the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation are worth your investment in 2024. As an audiophile and music producer, I’ll share my honest thoughts on these earbuds, comparing them to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max.
Let’s get into it!
What’s New?
The AirPods 3rd Generation are a significant upgrade from the 2nd Generation, offering enhanced sound quality, a more comfortable fit, and several new features like Spatial Audio and a MagSafe charging case. Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, these earbuds sit outside the ear canal, making them ideal for those who prefer a less intrusive fit.
ere’s a configuration table for the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation review:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Apple AirPods 3rd Generation |
| Price | $169 (Retail), $149 (Amazon), $129 (Renewed) |
| Sound Quality | Improved bass, consumer-friendly sound, lacks natural soundstage |
| Comfort | 5/5 – Lightweight, no in-ear insertion required |
| Fit | Secure, suitable for most activities including workouts |
| Battery Life | 6 hours per charge, 30 hours with charging case |
| Noise Cancelling | No active noise cancelling |
| Features | Personalized Spatial Audio, MagSafe charging case, sweat & water resistant |
| Best For | Users who prefer non-intrusive earbuds and are within the Apple ecosystem |
| Alternatives | AirPods Pro 2 ($50 more, better sound, noise cancelling), Beats Studio Pro |
| Overall Value | 3.5/5 – Good value for comfort and ease of use, but lacks advanced features |
| Total Score | 19.1/25 |
This table provides a clear, at-a-glance overview of the key aspects of the AirPods 3rd Generation, helping readers quickly understand the product’s strengths and weaknesses.
Sound Quality: A Pleasant Surprise
Apple has improved the sound quality of the AirPods 3rd Generation, particularly in the bass department. The bass is surprisingly full and deep, offering a rich listening experience. The overall sound signature is consumer-friendly, with an emphasis on bass and treble, making them great for casual listening. However, they lack the natural sound and expansive soundstage that the AirPods Pro 2 offer.
Comfort and Fit: Perfect for Everyday Use
Comfort is where the AirPods 3rd Generation truly shine. These earbuds are lightweight and ergonomically designed, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, there’s no need to insert anything into your ear canal, which many users find more comfortable. The fit is secure enough for most activities, including working out, thanks to the new sweat and water resistance.
Features: A Mixed Bag
The AirPods 3rd Generation come with some impressive features like Personalized Spatial Audio and a MagSafe wireless charging case. The Spatial Audio, especially with head-tracking, offers an immersive listening experience that emulates a high-quality speaker system. However, the lack of noise-cancelling features is a downside, especially when compared to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max.
Battery Life: Decent but Not Exceptional
With up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and 30 hours with the charging case, the battery life is respectable but not groundbreaking. While it’s an improvement over the 2nd Generation, it’s not a game-changer. Longevity might be a concern as the battery performance tends to degrade over time, typically lasting 2-3 years.
Value for Money: A Question of Priorities
Priced at around $169, with discounts often available, the AirPods 3rd Generation offer good value, especially if you prefer a non-intrusive earbud design. However, for just $50 more, the AirPods Pro 2 offer superior sound quality, noise cancellation, and additional features, making them a better deal for those who prioritize audio performance.
Conclusion: Are They Worth It?
If you’re looking for comfortable, easy-to-use earbuds with solid sound quality and are part of the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods 3rd Generation are worth considering. They might not have all the bells and whistles of the AirPods Pro 2, but they offer a well-rounded package for the price. For those who don’t like the in-ear design of the Pro models, these are likely the best option available.