Apple's third-generation AirPods are the brand's midrange wireless earbuds, and they can be best summarized as a cheaper version of the AirPods Pro.
Indeed, the third-gen AirPods have more in common with the AirPods Pro than they do with the second-gen AirPods, and that includes their sound quality. Though their audio performance isn't quite as good as that of the Pro model, they're a nice step up from the older second-gen AirPods. The only major features that are missing are active noise cancellation (ANC), in-ear tips, and a USB-C case.
At a full retail price of $169, the third-gen AirPods are a solid value, and they're often on sale for around $140. However, that's only about $60 less than what the AirPods Pro typically sell for. Though I think most people are better off paying a little extra for the Pro model, the third-gen AirPods are a good alternative for buyers who don't care about noise cancellation.
The third-generation AirPods offer better audio performance than the previous-gen model. They're aging a little now though, seeing as the 4th generation has been released.
What we like
What we don't like
The 3rd-gen AirPods sound better than their predecessors
After comparing the original, second-gen, and third-gen AirPods side-by-side, it's clear that the third-gen AirPods sound better. There's a lot more clarity, and I heard individual instruments and sounds better than I could with previous-generation AirPods. Bass is also significantly refined and more present.
You also get Apple's spatial audio feature, which can create a surround sound effect with head-tracking that can move the position of sounds when you move your head. This mode works best when listening to audio mixed in Dolby Atmos through apps like Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited. That said, my experience with these features is hit or miss. Spatial audio tends to make things sound rather thin and hollow, and Dolby Atmos sounds like it merely amplifies lows while muffling mids and highs.
But just because I didn't like these features doesn't mean you won't. It's nice that these functions are left as options you can enable or disable as you please.
They're like a 'lite' version of the AirPods Pro
When comparing the third-gen AirPods to the first-gen AirPods Pro released in 2019, it's tough to make distinctions. Both models sound so similar that you could say the third-gen AirPods are essentially the original AirPods Pro without noise canceling or customizable silicone ear tips.
However, the difference in audio quality is more noticeable when comparing the third-gen AirPods to the newer second-gen AirPods Pro. Apple's latest Pro earbuds have received a bump in sound quality and they do edge out the third-gen AirPods. But even then, the biggest distinctions between the two remain the Pro's noise-canceling support and more customizable in-ear fit.
Otherwise, the third-gen AirPods deliver many of the key features that were once exclusive to the AirPods Pro, like spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support. And though the third-gen AirPods come with a standard Lightning case by default, Apple sells a more expensive package that includes MagSafe wireless charging support. But unlike the latest AirPods Pro, there is no USB-C version of the third-gen AirPods case.
Will Apple's 3rd-gen AirPods fit your ears?
Dating back to wired EarPods that came included with iPhones, I've had issues with Apple's earbuds fitting and staying in my ears. Unfortunately, the third-gen AirPods don't fix this problem.
As I sat in front of my computer writing this review, the left AirPod fell out of my ear simply because I turned my head gently to the side. So far, the AirPods Pro are the only Apple earbuds that actually fit and stay in my ears, and even then, they're not as secure as I'd like.
However, this is clearly not an issue for everyone since ear sizes and shapes differ from person to person. I marvel at people who walk, or even run, with AirPods and manage to keep them in their ears. If you've never had issues with the fit of older AirPods, you should be fine with these.
But if you have had problems with EarPods or other standard AirPods staying in your ears, the third-gen AirPods will not fit any better.
Should you buy the third-gen AirPods?
For the most part, iPhone users will be happy with the sound, exclusive features, battery life, and price of Apple's third-gen AirPods. They're a solid midrange option between the cheaper second-gen AirPods and the pricier AirPods Pro, with a heavier lean toward matching many of the Pro's features.
However, you do miss out on a few notable functions that the AirPods Pro offer, including active noise cancellation to block out ambient sound, different in-ear tips for a better fit, and a USB-C charging case. But if those features aren't important to you, save some cash and go with the third-gen AirPods. For more details on how different AirPods compare, check out our guide to the best Apple AirPods.
But to be clear, all of the above buying advice is made under the assumption that you're pairing your earbuds with an iOS device. Android users will be better off skipping AirPods entirely and going with a different pair of earbuds from another brand, like Sony, Bose, or Jabra. Check out our guides to the best AirPods alternatives and the best wireless earbuds to see our top recommendations.
