It has been quite a while since Apple updated its AirPods lineup, which especially applies to the most affordable model. However, the new AirPods are finally here, and they do bring plenty of useful features. With that said, let’s answer whether it’s worth buying the 3rd-generation AirPods.
What Do You Get With the 3rd-Generation AirPods?Â
In essence, the 3rd-generation AirPods come with better audio quality, better battery life, and they’re more suitable for fitness activities. Here’s a quick breakdown of what they bring:Â
Spatial Audio / Dynamic Head Tracking: Apple has managed to bring spatial audio to the newest AirPods, a feature that's accompanied by dynamic head tracking. A number of apps support both of those features, and that includes all of Apple’s apps as well (like Apple Music). Thanks to spatial audio, you’ll be surrounded by sound from all sides, providing you with a theater-like setup.Â
Force Sensor:Â The 3rd-generation AirPods come with a 'force sensor,' which you can use to input commands. For example, by pressing the (now shorter than ever) stem of the 3rd-generation AirPods, you can play, pause, skip tracks, and plenty more.Â
Sweat and Water Resistance:Â Like the AirPods Pro, the regular AirPods are now sweat- and water-resistant. They have an IPX4 certification, which means that you can use them while running and even when it's raining.Â
Longer Battery Life:Â Along with their charging case, the new AirPods bring up to 30 hours of listening time (up from 24 hours). And when it comes to the battery found in the AirPods themselves, they bring up to 6 hours of listening time (up from 5 hours).
MagSafe Charging Case: And finally, let’s not forget that the 2021 AirPods come with a MagSafe charging case that supports fast charging. A quick 5-minute charge brings an hour of listening time, which will be surely helpful in many situations. Â
How Do AirPods 3 Compare to AirPods 2? Should You Upgrade?
In case you own a 2nd-generation AirPods, you’ll want to know whether it’s worth upgrading to the 3rd-generation AirPods. We've created a handy table to help you with that decision, so check it out just below.Â
Â
2nd-Gen AirPods
3rd-Gen AirPods
Chip
H1
H1
Spatial Audio
NO
YES
Dynamic Head Tracking
NO
YES
Adaptive EQ Technology
NO
YES
Hey Siri
YES
YES
Microphones
Dual (Beamforming)
Dual (Beamforming)
Battery (AirPods)
Up to 5 hours
Up to 6 hours
Battery (Charging Case)
Up to 24 hours
Up to 30 hours
MagSafe
NO
YES
Color
White
White
Price
$129
$179
As you can see, there are many differences between the 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods. Aside from bringing an all-new design (resembling how the AirPods Pro look like), the new earbuds are quite capable in the audio department.Â
With that said, we believe that it’s worth upgrading to the 3rd-generation AirPods ($179). However, also keep in mind that the AirPods Pro are priced at $249. They bring active noise cancellation, which might be useful if you want to isolate yourself. So, if that’s not going over your budget, consider investing a bit more.
Is It Worth Buying the 3rd-Generation AirPods?Â
The 3rd-generation AirPods are definitely worth buying – even if you have the previous-gen AirPods. There are many distinct differences between those two, which we think are worth the asking price.Â
What do you think about the new AirPods? Do you believe they are worth buying? Let us know via the comments section below. And lastly, thank you for reading!
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