Apple AirPods 3

Design and Comfort

The AirPods 3 feature a redesigned shape, taking inspiration from the AirPods Pro but without the silicone ear tips. The shorter stem, ergonomic contour, and lightweight build offer a more secure and comfortable fit compared to the AirPods 2’s traditional design. However, since they lack ear tips, they may not fit as snugly for users with smaller ears.

Apple has also enhanced durability, making AirPods 3 IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant. This makes them a better option for workouts, runs, or casual outdoor use compared to the non-water-resistant AirPods 2. While they can handle light splashes and sweat, they’re not fully waterproof, so submerging them in water could cause damage.

Another design upgrade is the addition of Force Sensors on the stems. Unlike the AirPods 2’s tap-based controls, AirPods 3 use squeeze gestures to play, pause, skip tracks, and answer calls—just like the AirPods Pro. This method is more reliable and prevents accidental inputs.

The MagSafe-compatible charging case is slightly wider than the AirPods 2 case but still fits easily in a pocket. The stronger magnets allow the case to snap onto MagSafe wireless chargers, making charging more convenient. The case still supports Lightning charging, but USB-C is not available.

 Audio Performance & Spatial Audio

The biggest improvement in AirPods 3 is sound quality. Apple has introduced a custom driver and high-dynamic-range amplifier, delivering richer bass, clearer mids, and crisp highs compared to AirPods 2. This makes music, podcasts, and calls more immersive and detailed.

A key feature of AirPods 3 is Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This technology, previously exclusive to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, creates a 3D-like surround sound experience by adjusting audio based on head movements. It works especially well with Dolby Atmos-supported content in Apple Music and Apple TV.

Adaptive EQ is another major upgrade. Unlike AirPods 2, which have a fixed sound profile, AirPods 3 automatically adjust the audio based on your ear shape. This ensures a balanced sound experience regardless of how the AirPods fit in your ears.

While the AirPods 3 offer great sound quality, they do not have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). If you need ANC to block out background noise, you’d need to upgrade to AirPods Pro. However, for users who prefer open-ear listening, AirPods 3 still deliver a more immersive experience than AirPods 2.

 Battery Life & Charging Options

Apple has significantly improved battery life on the AirPods 3 compared to previous models. You get up to 6 hours of continuous listening time per charge, a 33% increase over the 5-hour battery life on AirPods 2. For calls, AirPods 3 last up to 4 hours.

With the MagSafe charging case, total battery life extends to 30 hours, which is 6 hours more than AirPods 2. This means you can recharge the AirPods several times before needing to plug in the case. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 5-minute charge gives you 1 hour of listening time, making them perfect for people on the go.

Apple offers two case options:

1. Standard wired Lightning charging case
2. MagSafe & wireless charging case (compatible with Qi and MagSafe chargers)

The MagSafe charging case is the better option for users who want a wireless, effortless charging experience. However, some users may prefer USB-C charging, which Apple still does not offer on AirPods 3.

Overall, battery life improvements make AirPods 3 one of the longest-lasting Apple earbuds, surpassing both AirPods 2 and even AirPods Pro (which have shorter listening times due to ANC).

 Value & Who Should Buy It?

The AirPods 3 strike a perfect balance between affordability, high-quality sound, and advanced Apple features. They are ideal for users who want a better listening experience than AirPods 2 but don’t need noise cancellation like AirPods Pro.

For Apple users, AirPods 3 integrate seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Features like automatic device switching, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and audio sharing make them a perfect fit for the Apple ecosystem. If you’re deep in Apple’s ecosystem, AirPods 3 offer an effortless, premium experience.

However, if you need Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or a better fit with silicone ear tips, you should consider AirPods Pro instead. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and don’t care about Spatial Audio or improved sound quality, AirPods 2 might be a more affordable choice.