AirPods 3 (2021) Review: New Look, Better Sound

The AirPods have been a game-changer for Apple; whilst there have been as soon as memes about how AirPods gave the look of electrical toothbrushes, the wi-fi earbuds turned into a family hit, with tens of millions bought in 2020 by myself. However regardless of how standard the earbuds have been, there are at all times enhancements to be made – and that’s the place the third-generation AirPods are available.

Whilst the AirPods 2 didn’t alternate an excessive amount of, the AirPods 3 recreation a redesigned shape issue, stepped forward smarts, higher audio and longer battery lifestyles. What’s to not like? Smartly, with the exception of a upward push in worth…

Are the AirPods nonetheless the most efficient wi-fi earbuds for Apple system house owners? Elevate on studying to determine. 

Design and construct

• Compact design very similar to AirPods Professional
• Very light-weight and at ease to put on – even in mattress
• Open design has professionals and cons

Whilst the second-gen AirPods featured the similar design as the unique, Apple made up our minds to tweak the design for the AirPods 3. They’re nonetheless very a lot AirPods, entire with a minimalistic glance, sticking out stems and curved edges, however they’re extra chic this time round.

Carrying contoured buds and shorter stems than the unique design, there’s a likeness to the AirPods Professional, and it comes with a couple of key options of Apple’s Professional buds too.

Essentially the most noticeable is the keep an eye on machine; long gone is the faucet machine of the OG AirPods, changed with extra subtle touch-capacitive pressure sensors that let you keep an eye on track playback, resolution calls and summon Siri with a handy guide a rough squeeze. 

The squeeze controls are a lot more uncomplicated to make use of, keeping off tapping too exhausting and loosening the have compatibility of the AirPods, they usually really feel responsive too. You’ll unmarried click on, double-click or click-and-hold to get admission to other purposes, with a delicate ‘click on’ sound enjoying within the buds to suggest squeeze registration. It’s delicate, and doesn’t distract up to buds with haptic comments. 

One space the place the AirPods deviate from the extra top rate AirPods Professional is within the eartip division; whilst the AirPods Professional include interchangeable eartips to make stronger the seal and have compatibility, the AirPods 3 retain the similar open design as that of its predecessors. That’s nice information for people that hate the plugged-up feeling of in-ear buds, however it additionally signifies that there’s subsequent to no sound isolation.

(*3*)

When paying attention to AirPods 3, even at louder volumes, you’ll select up on maximum noise within the setting, be it automobiles riding by means of or the loud rattle of the tube. It additionally signifies that sound leakage is a little bit of a subject too, probably traumatic any one shut by means of in quieter environments. Apple has tweaked the bud housing to extra without delay funnel sound instantly into your ears because of this, with spectacular effects, however extra on that a little bit later. 

However for all of the downsides of the open design of the AirPods, it approach they’re extremely at ease to put on over lengthy classes, and you’ll be able to keep acutely aware of your setting too. They’re clean to place in and take away with out getting that plugged-up feeling, and weighing in at simply 4.2g each and every, the buds are lighter than maximum choices. 

If truth be told, they’re so small and light-weight that I will be able to even sleep on my facet with them in and disregard about them – and that’s now not one thing I will be able to say about maximum wi-fi earbuds. The AirPods 3 are perfect for folks like me that like to hear track or white noise when drifting off to sleep. 

The contoured form is helping the buds keep comfortable in my ears, however that’ll in large part rely at the form of your ears. Whilst I had no factor with the AirPods have compatibility, discovering a extra protected have compatibility than the second-gen buds even if going out for a run, my colleague David Value over at Macworld UK discovered the AirPods 3 would often come free, particularly when exercising. I nonetheless need to from time to time alter the have compatibility, however it’s nowhere close to as common as with the unique AirPods design. 

With that during thoughts, the AirPods will suffice for an outside run – particularly now there’s IPX4 water resistance – however they are going to come free, particularly with extra rigorous workout. If workout is your factor, you could wish to believe buds just like the JBL Replicate Float Professional with earwings for a extra protected have compatibility. 

When now not for your ears, the third-gen AirPods reside in a charging case that’s extra oblong in form than the unique, extra carefully reminiscent of the AirPods Professional case, entire with an LED indicator gentle and a magnetic flip-top lid that’s clean to open one-handed. It purposes a lot in the similar method as its predecessor, charging the AirPods when now not in use, and it’s now IPX4 water-proof similar to the earbuds too. 

Sensible options

• Essentially the most handy, easy-to-use earbuds for iOS customers
• Siri complements the revel in
• In finding My beef up might be higher

Similar to with each and every different model of AirPods, the third-gen AirPods are optimised to be used with Apple gadgets, and that features a one-touch setup that’ll robotically pair your AirPods together with your iPhone by the use of Bluetooth when opening the case for the primary time.

As soon as paired, it’ll be connected on your Apple ID and also you’ll revel in the similar one-touch connectivity with every other fresh Apple system signed in on your Apple ID throughout iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Mac.

What’s higher is that the AirPods instinctively know which system you’re the usage of at any given time, so in case you get a decision to your iPhone when you are paying attention to track to your Mac, the AirPods will robotically transfer on your iPhone in case you resolution the decision. It’s seamless (as a rule) and truly highlights simply how sensible the little earbuds are.

In fact, it’s now not all of the AirPods 3 can do. Audio Sharing means that you can flow track to 2 units of AirPods, AirPods Professional or AirPods Max whilst the usage of a appropriate Apple system – ultimate if you wish to display a chum a brand new music when out and about.

There’s additionally on-demand Siri beef up, to be had just by uttering ‘Howdy Siri’ and your command. It’ll additionally use the digital assistant to announce incoming calls, learn out incoming textual content messages (and in addition assist you to reply by means of talking your answer) and a lot more. It’s a at hand plus in case you don’t wish to stay having a look at your iPhone while you’re out paying attention to track. 

Like maximum earbuds, the AirPods additionally function auto play/pause era that’ll pause your track when you are taking out a bud, however Apple’s earbuds move a step additional. Whilst maximum competition function easy proximity sensors to grasp when the bud is with reference to one thing – typically your ear, however from time to time for your pocket or on a pill – the brand new AirPods function a devoted skin-detect sensor.

This implies the AirPods will most effective start track playback when touch is made with pores and skin, keeping off unintended playback when saved someplace as opposed to your ear or charging case and saving on battery lifestyles. It’s a small function, however one who makes all of the distinction in daily lifestyles. 

There’s additionally enhanced In finding My beef up at the AirPods 3. This permits the buds (even though now not the case) to connect with Apple’s 100 million+ device-strong In finding My community, permitting you to trace their location in case you lose them. You’ll additionally get proximity signals, notifying you in case you go away the earbuds at the back of, and you’ll be able to make the buds chirp similar to an AirTag that can assist you to find them too. 

Missing a devoted UWB chip, it doesn’t relatively be offering the similar close-range Precision Monitoring because the AirTag, however it’ll provide you with a common concept of the place the buds are anyway. A minimum of, they must in idea; on one instance I out of place the AirPods 3 within the case and couldn’t hook up with them within the In finding My app in spite of being in my area. So, it might for sure use some paintings. 

It’s price noting that a lot of these options are most effective to be had on Apple gadgets. Whilst you’ll be able to pair the AirPods with Android gadgets, you’ll lose out on lots of the sensible capability on be offering. 

Audio and microphone efficiency

• Nice bass efficiency in spite of open design
• Spatial Audio is excellent
• Microphone high quality is likely one of the best possible round

Without equal query is, in fact, how just right the AirPods sound. Given the open design of the buds, the custom-designed drivers need to paintings even more difficult to offer a well-rounded audio revel in with out some great benefits of a closed seal. It’s a lofty process, however in some way, Apple has controlled it with spectacular effects. 

Bass is the true hero of the AirPods 3, and that’s now not one thing I assumed I’d say earlier than going ears-on with the buds. Sound isolation (typically within the type of eartips) and bass efficiency have a tendency to move hand-in-hand, with a tight seal wanted for even moderate bass efficiency, however Apple has bucked that with the AirPods 3.

The bass hits (or slaps, as the youngsters would say!) In a delightful method that doesn’t overpower the mids or highs. The baseline of vintage 00s bangers like T2’s Heartbroken feels punchy and energised, whilst the rumbling bass tones of Dubstep classics like Skrillex’s Bangarang is exhilarating, ultimate for exercise tunes. That doesn’t hinder at the mids or highs as a rule, with the exception of busier tracks that may sound a little bit muddy from time to time.

There’s first rate sound separation too, permitting you to comprehend each and every device on a monitor, with a wonderfully high quality soundscape – and that’s with out the brand new Spatial Audio mode on. 

Prior to now unique to the AirPods Professional and AirPods Max, Spatial audio beef up is new to the entry-level AirPods 3 – and it’s probably a game-changer for track enthusiasts.

While you pay attention to track with out spatial audio enabled, the sound seems to be emanating from the centre of your mind. However, with a handy guide a rough faucet of the toggle within the iPhone Keep watch over Centre, the sound shifts and sounds as though it’s throughout you – an impact made much more spectacular in case you go for the head-tracked mode. 

With head monitoring on, the quite a lot of tools and vocals are ‘fastened in position, so you’ll be able to transfer your head round and really feel the track shift round you. Having a look to the proper will shift maximum audio to the left bud, making it really feel just like the track is coming from in entrance of you, somewhat than from inside your earbuds. It’s an strange sensation, and one who lends itself extra to motion pictures than track, however the possibility is there for each if you wish to have to take a look at it.

I will be able to say that it’s best possible suited for house use regardless that – the consistent transferring course when strolling out of doors can grow to be jarring, however fortunately, it’s simply disabled whilst nonetheless with the ability to have the benefit of the higher presence of spatial audio. 

Without reference to head monitoring, the track sounds extra ‘actual’, extra similar to a reside efficiency than a recording, with each and every device bursting with presence. It really works robotically with Dolby Atmos content material, supplied by the use of Apple Track, however it’ll additionally upmix usual stereo track with spectacular effects. 

The one unhappiness is the loss of lively noise cancellation – even though, with the open design, it’s clean to peer why. Then again, Apple’s choice to make ANC one of the most major differentiators between the AirPods and AirPods Professional signifies that the buds aren’t relatively the most efficient worth round, with some ANC-enabled buds now to be had for as low as £100/$100. 

In the case of microphone efficiency, Apple’s AirPods are nonetheless those to overcome – even with shorter stems than preceding generations of AirPod. Even with different producers providing beamforming mic era, the tech discovered at the AirPods 3 is a huge step forward of the contest.

Regardless of the surroundings I’m in, I’ve by no means had a decision recipient whinge that the surroundings is simply too loud, or that my voice is simply too quiet, after I’m on a decision. It’s a releasing revel in, and it approach you’ll by no means need to hesitate about whether or not you must transfer to wi-fi earbuds all over lengthy calls.

The impeccable efficiency approach they’re a super acquire in case you spend a large number of time at the phone, be it for paintings or excitement. There’s a explanation why that many celebs are the usage of AirPods (in a single shape or some other) in faraway video interviews on TV, in any case! 

Battery lifestyles and charging

• Lasts an hour longer than previous-gen AirPods
• 30 hours overall battery lifestyles
• MagSafe charging now to be had

Any other space that has observed an development within the third-generation AirPods is battery lifestyles; whilst the 5 hours of efficiency and extra 19 hours in terms of the second-gen AirPods was once high quality, let’s be truthful, it was once by no means industry-leading. 

This time round, Apple claims the AirPods will final 6 hours in use, with an extra 24 hours within the case bringing the overall price as much as 30 hours. Then again, in our checking out, we discovered that the buds lasted a little bit longer than claimed, lasting an excellent 7.5 hours all over checking out – even though one bud did run out 45 mins earlier than the opposite.

Nonetheless, it’s now not relatively the 8 hours of the ANC-enabled Sony WF-1000XM4, however that’s a mindful choice from Apple, deciding to sacrifice battery lifestyles to stay the light-weight open design the AirPods are famed for.

Making an allowance for the buds are some of the maximum light-weight and at ease I’ve worn for relatively a while, I’m glad to persist with the 6-hour battery lifestyles on be offering at the moment – it’s now not like the general public will pay attention to track for hours on finish as a rule anyway!

In case you do pay attention to track persistently all day, each day, you may well be at an advantage with over-ear wi-fi headphones or, perhaps even stressed out headphones. We rank the most efficient headphones one at a time in case you’re fascinated by learning extra. 

In case you, like me, were the usage of your MagSafe charger as a mini wi-fi charger for older AirPods, you’ll be at liberty to grasp that Apple has made the AirPods 3 formally appropriate with the magnetic charging tech. Now, it’ll snap into position onto any MagSafe charger, similar to the iPhone does.

Whilst MagSafe is essentially the most handy solution to price, you’ve nonetheless were given usual Qi wi-fi charging and stressed out charging by the use of Lightning cable at your disposal. 

Value and availability

The third-generation AirPods at the moment are in the stores for £169/$179, which is each costlier and less expensive than the second-gen buds.

That would possibly sound strange, however it’s true: the usual AirPods 2 price £159/$159, whilst the variant with a wi-fi charging case would set you again £199/$199. So, whilst the third-gen buds are costlier than the older entry-level buds, they provide wi-fi charging as usual, making them inexpensive than the similar last-gen type. 

They’re costlier than the contest bearing in mind the loss of key options like ANC, and there are many inexpensive wi-fi earbuds in the marketplace if finances is necessary to you, however none relatively be offering the similar revel in because the AirPods with an Apple system. 

In case you’re , you’ll be able to purchase the most recent AirPods from Apple within the UK and US, together with third-party shops together with Amazon, Currys and Highest Purchase. To look how the buds evaluate, check out our collection of the most efficient true wi-fi earbuds. 

Verdict

The third-generation AirPods are the largest alternate to the entry-level AirPods since their inception, providing a smaller contoured design that’s nonetheless distinct and right away recognisable whilst additionally introducing key new options and stepped forward audio efficiency.

New sensible options, together with enhanced In finding My beef up, a skin-detect sensor, pressure-sensitive squeeze controls and MagSafe charging beef up are all welcome additions that Apple house owners will recognize, however it’s spatial audio that’s the true game-changer.

Prior to now unique to the AirPods Professional and AirPods Max, the 3-d audio era can take Dolby Atmos content material (to be had by the use of Apple Track) and mission it round you for a extra herbal, expansive listening revel in, additional enhanced by means of head monitoring. It’ll even up combine usual stereo content material with spectacular effects.

Despite the fact that it’s now not continuously I like to recommend upgrading from a previous-gen system, I believe there’s greater than sufficient right here for AirPods 2 house owners to revel in. Merely, relating to wi-fi earbuds on Apple gadgets, the AirPods are those to overcome. 

Specifications

Apple AirPods 3: Specifications

• H1 headphone chip
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Spatial audio
• Adaptive EQ
• Drive sensor
• IPX4 sweat- and water-proof
• claimed battery lifestyles 6 hours listening time/4 hours communicate time on a unmarried price, or 30/20 hours overall together with recharges from the case. Each and every earbud: 30.79 x 18.26 x 19.21mm
• 4.28g. Charging case: 46.40 x 54.40 x 21.38mm
• 37.91g