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The AirPods 3 have been released, offering consumers yet another option when considering a pair of AirPods. In this review, we will be comparing the second generation AirPods (AirPods 2), the AirPods Pro, and the new third generation AirPods (AirPods 3) to help you decide which one is right for you.
Common Features
All three versions of the AirPods come in a sleek charging case that holds them in place with magnets. The cases are all white plastic and are similar in size, with the AirPods Pro case being slightly larger. These cases do scratch easily, so it is recommended to invest in a protective case. All AirPods also have sensors to detect when they are in or out of your ears and automatically play or pause your music. They all also support “Hey Siri,” use the H1 chip, and have Bluetooth 5.0.
Differences
One notable difference between the three versions is the way you interact with them. The AirPods 2 and 3 have a longer stem and use taps for multimedia controls, but you can only choose between two actions – a double tap on either earbud. The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, has a shorter stem and uses a force sensor. This means that instead of tapping, which can be finicky and uncomfortable, you can just pinch the stem to control your music. Pinching once will play or pause your music, twice will skip to the next track, and three times will go back to the previous track. You can also press and hold the stem to toggle between transparency mode and active noise cancellation or to activate Siri.
AirPods 3 Pros
- Short stem with force sensor for easy, painless control
- Sweat and water resistance (IPX4 rating)
- Adaptive EQ for improved sound quality
- Spatial audio for immersive surround sound
AirPods 3 Cons
- No active noise cancelling or transparency mode
Conclusion:
The AirPods 3 offer a number of improvements over the second generation AirPods, including a more convenient control method, better resistance to water and sweat, and enhanced sound quality. However, they do not offer active noise cancelling or transparency mode, which may be a dealbreaker for some consumers.
Bullet Points:
- AirPods 3 feature a short stem with force sensor for easy control
- Sweat and water resistance (IPX4 rating)
- Adaptive EQ for improved sound quality
- Spatial audio for immersive surround sound
- No active noise cancelling or transparency mode
Purchase Decision Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a pair of AirPods with improved control and better resistance to water and sweat, the AirPods 3 may be worth considering. However, if you want active noise cancelling or transparency mode, you may want to opt for the AirPods Pro instead.
The main differences between the second generation, third generation, and AirPods Pros are the presence of silicone tips, active noise cancelling and transparency mode on the AirPods Pros, and the use of a force sensor for control on the third generation and Pros. The third generation and Pros also have sweat and water resistance, an option for wireless charging, adaptive EQ, and spatial audio.
Yes, the second generation and third generation airpods cases are roughly the same size, with the third generation case being flipped in orientation compared to the second generation case.
Yes, you can purchase a wireless charging case for the second generation airpods, but it will cost an extra $65. Alternatively, you can purchase a brand new pair of second generation airpods with the wireless charging case included for $160.
The third generation and AirPods Pros have sweat and water resistance, with an IPX4 rating. The second generation airpods do not have this feature.
The second generation airpods use a stem and taps for multimedia controls, allowing you to choose between two actions with a double tap on either earbud. The third generation and Pros use a shorter stem and a force sensor, allowing you to pinch the stem for different actions and press and hold to toggle between transparency mode and active noise cancellation or activate Siri.
