After the first reviews of the MacBook 2021 series were published, the first opinions on the AirPods 3 now follow.
Last week, Apple finally introduced the third generation of AirPods, which feature an updated design, improved sound quality and an additional hour of battery life compared to the second generation AirPods. In addition, the popular earbuds also feature Spatial Audio. You can find out what the first test reports have said below.
So writes The Verge says that even if the AirPods 1 or 2 don't fit, the 3rd generation might. The review states:
Apple says it did a lot of user research when developing the third-generation AirPods, with thousands of ear scans, heat maps, and so on. And at least in my case, the new shape definitely works better. They fit so well that I no longer worry about them falling on the floor or into a drain grate. That worry was always present with the older AirPods. The healthy dose of ambient noise has remained. I'm just someone who prefers earbuds that offer some peace and quiet from the outside world. But I can finally say that Apple's regular AirPods fit me—that was never the case before. If you had issues with the original design, these are worth trying out.
TechCrunch, however, describes the new plugs as significantly more “comfortable” compared to their predecessors:
The better-shaped third-generation AirPods are undoubtedly more comfortable than their predecessors, but the difference with the Pro models feels like night and day. This is especially true for people with smaller ears—detachable ear tips in different sizes are a lifesaver for some. The sealing of these tips also provides passive noise cancellation through a physical seal that traps more audio frequencies and blocks out ambient noise.
AirPods 3 have significantly better sound quality
The Wall Street Journal however concludes that the AirPods Pro remain a better choice for most people.
The rubberized ear tips aren't for everyone, but I believe the AirPods Pro are still the best earbuds iPhone users can buy. They're only $70 more, making the decision difficult for upgraders. (We've also seen sales at Target and Staples where the premium earbuds were discounted to $199.) Over the past week, I've really missed the Pros' active noise cancellation. Walking down the street, I had to crank up the AirPods' volume to listen to a podcast. And later, while working from home, I couldn't block out my neighbor's leaf blower. The AirPods' noise cancellation isn't as good as over-ear headphones, but it's better than the in-ear competition.
As far as sound quality is concerned, showed Engadget is convinced of this.
I'm not going to mince words here: The new AirPods sound so much better than the previous two versions. Almost like night and day. Apple didn't significantly change the sound quality between the first model and the 2019 version. But for the third generation, Apple combined a special driver with a high-dynamic-range amplifier to improve audio quality. The company says the duo works together to produce "rich, consistent bass" and "crisp, clean" highs. When I started the first song, it was immediately noticeable. I don't think I've ever audibly said "woah" at the first guitar note on a review unit, but considering how average older AirPods sound, this time it was involuntary.
Overall, the test reports are very positive. Here is a small note: Although the AirPods Pro cost 279 euros from Apple – AirPods 3 cost 199 euros – the Pro version can also be purchased here for 200 euros. However, if you don’t like silicone tips and can do without active noise cancellation, you should definitely go for the AirPods 3. By the way, you can find both versions in our Amazon Storefront listed in the AirPods section - enjoy browsing. (Image: Apple)
