This is a quick one-minute design review of the Airpods 3 to determine the reasons to buy or not to buy the Airpods 3 released in 2021. It took 2-years for Apple to design a reduced version of the Airpods Pro that is missing features found on earbuds that are half the price.
Granted that we may expect Apple Airpods Pro 2 in 2022, but the Airpods 3 seems to be a patchwork to design “release something” before the Pro 2. Does it cover a missing sector in the market? Nope.
If anybody wants to buy the Airpods 3 based on such cheap specs, they have to be blind to the myriad of options in the market today. This is why we concluded this release is meant only for Apple fans who cannot afford the Pro and want something better than the Airpods 2.
| Reasons to buy Airpods 3 | Reasons Not to buy Airpods 3 |
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Review Summary
A brand new earbud model launched in 2021 priced at $179, without transparency mode and ANC, shows that this is designed for Apple fans only. Everybody knows there are cheaper and better options with more battery life, ANC, transparency modes, and even IP ratings for both dust and higher water resistance.
The 2-year-old Airpods Pro is almost outdated in terms of battery life. It has been overtaken by so many brands in the market in terms of features, including Jabra Elite 7 Pro, Klipsch T5 II ANC, and the upcoming Logitech Zone True Wireless.
The overall size and shape of the Airpods 3 are similar, except that it is smaller due to the open-ear design, as opposed to the in-ear design of the Airpods Pro.
Perhaps one of the main attractions not found in other brands is the “Spatial audio” with dynamic head tracking. On the other hand, the AirPods 3 is missing the accessibility feature called the Conversation Boost, a feature “designed to help people with mild hearing challenges stay more connected in conversations.”
| Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking brings theatre-like sound from the movie or video you’re watching, so that sound seems like it’s coming from all around you. |
Maybe Apple fans are excited to pay $179 after reading the above.
Compare Apple Airpods 3 vs Airpods Pro[tie_index]Compare Apple Airpods 3 vs Airpods Pro[/tie_index]
| Tech Specs | Apple Airpods 3 | Apple Airpods Pro |
| Release date | 26 Oct 2021 | 30-Oct-19 |
| Form Factor | ||
| Size (each earbud) | 30.8×18.3×19.2mm | 30.9x24x21.8mm |
| Weight (each earbud) | 4.28g | 5.4g |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | No | Yes |
| Transparency (Hear Through) | No | Yes |
| Features | Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking | Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone per earbud | 1 | 1 |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Fit and Comfort | ||
| Pressure Relief/Vent | No | Yes |
| Mono Mode (Use either earbud) | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Gel | Open ear | Yes |
| Ear Wings | No | No |
| Accessibility | Live Listen audio Headphone levels Headphone Accommodations | Live Listen audio Headphone levels Headphone Accommodations Conversation Boost |
| Connectivity | ||
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Operating Range | 10m | 10m |
| Multi-point Connection | 2 | 2 |
| Sensors | – Skin-detect sensor – Motion-detecting accelerometer – Speech-detecting accelerometer – Force sensor | – Dual optical sensors – Motion-detecting accelerometer – Speech-detecting accelerometer – Force sensor |
| Battery Life | ||
| Music Time (ANC Off) | 5h (spatial on) | 5h |
| Talktime Time (ANC Off) | 4h | 3.5h |
| Total Time + Charge Case (ANC On) | 30h (music) | 24h (music) |
| Fast Charge For 1-hour usage | 5mins | 5mins |
| Charging Case | ||
| Size | 54.4×46.4×21.4mm (2.14×1.83×0.84in) | 60.6×45.2×21.7mm (2.39×1.78×0.85in) |
| Weight | 37.91g | 45.6g |
| USB-C Connector | Lightning to USB-C | Lightning to USB-C |
| Qi-Certified/Wireless Charging | Yes, plus Magsafe | Yes, plus Magsafe |
| Price | $179 | $249 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
