Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Review
Overview
The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) arrived as a substantial overhaul of Apple’s iconic true wireless earbuds, aiming to bridge the gap between the second-generation AirPods and the premium AirPods Pro. By adopting a shorter stem, contoured housing, and advanced software features, the third-gen model delivers a more immersive and ergonomic listening experience. These earbuds cater primarily to users embedded in the Apple ecosystem, offering personalized spatial audio, Adaptive EQ, and seamless device switching.
While they omit active noise cancellation and interchangeable silicone ear tips, they introduce sweat resistance and significantly improved sound quality. The specific configuration reviewed here includes a Lightning Charging Case. This review synthesizes expert evaluations and customer feedback to determine whether the AirPods 3 strike the right balance for everyday use.
Design and Build
Apple redesigned the AirPods 3 to more closely resemble the AirPods Pro. The stems are shorter than those on the first and second generations, preventing them from touching the skin of your cheeks and giving them a more modern, less obtrusive look. The housing is contoured and angled to sit more naturally in the ear. The buds are surprisingly lightweight, weighing just 0.141 ounces each, with dimensions of 0.84 x 2.14 x 1.83 inches.
The included charging case is also redesigned. It is flatter and wider than the tall, oblong case of previous generations, resembling a smaller version of the AirPods Pro case. It easily slips into a pocket. Both the earbuds and the case carry an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating. This means they can withstand heavy workouts and rain, a significant upgrade over the second-generation model which lacked any water resistance.
However, the open-fit design remains a polarizing aspect. Because the AirPods 3 lack interchangeable silicone ear tips, they do not create a sealed canal. This unsealed, open-back enclosure means passive noise isolation is minimal, letting in significant ambient sound. The fit is highly dependent on individual ear shape; while some find the contoured design secure, others report the buds feel larger than previous generations and prone to falling out during movement or conversation. Additionally, some users have noted that the case lid can feel loose.
Features and Controls
A major change in the third generation is the control scheme. Apple replaced the double-tap controls of older models with a force sensor on the stem. You squeeze the indented area to play, pause, skip tracks, or answer and end calls. While this “pinch-perfect” control is precise, it requires pressing the bud into your ear, which some users find awkward and prone to dislodging the earpiece. The force sensor can be configured to require one or two squeezes to end calls, mitigating accidental hang-ups.
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The AirPods retain the always-on “Hey Siri” functionality for hands-free control of music, directions, and messages. A skin-detect sensor accurately detects when the earbuds are in your ear, automatically pausing playback when removed. Audio Sharing is another notable feature, allowing you to connect two sets of AirPods to a single iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV with individual volume control for each set.
Sound Quality and Spatial Audio
Audio performance is where the AirPods 3 shine. Equipped with a new custom driver and high dynamic range amplifier, they produce a well-balanced, clear sound profile. The bass response is significantly refined and more present than on second-generation AirPods, avoiding the muddy sound that plagued older models on heavy tracks. The mid-range remains clear, though some expert reviewers noted that treble frequencies can occasionally sound harsh.
The Adaptive EQ feature uses inward-facing microphones to tune the sound in real-time, optimizing the frequency response based on the shape of your ear. The standout feature is Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. When watching supported content—especially Dolby Atmos mixes on Apple Music or films—the audio creates an immersive, theater-like surround sound experience that places sound all around you. However, because the earbuds are unsealed, they lack passive noise isolation and do not feature active noise cancellation (ANC), making them less ideal for loud environments.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life sees a notable improvement over previous generations. The AirPods 3 deliver up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, and the Lightning Charging Case provides additional power for a total of up to 30 hours. A quick charge in the case yields hours of playback, ensuring the earbuds are ready for action quickly.
Connectivity is handled by the Apple H1 chip, ensuring an instant, stable pairing process and seamless switching between Apple devices linked to the same iCloud account. This “magical experience” is a core strength, allowing users to move from an iPhone to an iPad or Mac without manual re-pairing. However, many advanced features, such as Spatial Audio and automatic switching, are limited to Apple hardware. Android users can connect via Bluetooth but will miss out on the ecosystem integration.
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What Customers Are Saying
With an aggregate rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 26,000 ratings, customer sentiment is largely positive but divided on specific aspects. Reviewers consistently praise the sound quality, noting the immersive spatial audio and clear audio reproduction. The seamless integration with iPhones and the reliable battery life are frequently highlighted as major benefits. The microphone quality also receives high marks for clarity during calls, even in noisy environments.
However, the most common complaint revolves around the fit. Many users with smaller ears report that the buds are noticeably larger than previous generations, leading to discomfort and a tendency to fall out during movement or talking. The transition from tap to force-sensor controls is another point of contention, with several users finding the squeeze motion awkward and likely to dislodge the earbud. Some customers also expressed disappointment upon discovering their unit lacked wireless charging capabilities, as the Lightning case variant does not support MagSafe.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- Immersive personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Improved, balanced sound quality with Adaptive EQ
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for buds and case
- Long battery life (up to 30 hours total)
- Seamless pairing and switching within the Apple ecosystem
Cons
- No active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Unsealed fit provides poor noise isolation
- Force sensor controls can dislodge the buds
- Fit is highly dependent on ear shape; falls out for some users
- No interchangeable ear tips
Verdict
The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are a solid choice for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem who prioritize sound quality and seamless connectivity over noise isolation. The spatial audio implementation is genuinely impressive, and the battery life is robust. However, the open-fit design is a double-edged sword: it is comfortable for long sessions for some, but frustratingly unstable for others, especially those with smaller ears. If you need active noise cancellation or a secure, sealed fit for intense workouts, the AirPods Pro remain the better option. For casual listening, calls, and media consumption on Apple devices, the AirPods 3 deliver a premium, if imperfect, experience.
Specifications
- Product: Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
- Model Number: MPNY3AM/A
- Dimensions: 0.84 x 2.14 x 1.83 inches
- Weight: 0.141 ounces
- Water Resistance: IPX4 (buds and case)
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours listening time (up to 30 hours with case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Apple H1 chip
- Charging: Lightning Charging Case
- Special Features: Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, Audio Sharing
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods (3rd generation) deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you. You can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos.
- SWEAT AND WATER PROTECTION — AirPods and the Lightning Charging Case is rated IPX4 sweat and water resistant, so they’ll withstand anything from heavy workouts to rain.
- A POWERFUL CASE — Recharge your AirPods with the portable Lightning Charging Case for power throughout the day, wherever you go.