Released in October 2021, the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen have quickly become a popular choice for those seeking high-quality wireless audio. Priced at AUD 279, these earbuds offer a range of impressive features that cater to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
One of the standout features of the AirPods 3rd Gen is their design. These earbuds have been crafted to provide a more contoured fit, ensuring they sit comfortably in the ear for extended periods. This design not only improves comfort but also enhances the audio experience by creating a better seal in the ear, which helps to block out external noise. The shorter stem and new shape give them a sleek and modern look, making them a stylish accessory as well as a functional one.
In terms of audio quality, the AirPods 3rd Gen deliver a significant upgrade over their predecessors. Equipped with a custom high-excursion Apple driver and a high dynamic range amplifier, these earbuds produce rich, detailed sound with deep bass and crisp highs. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls, the audio clarity is exceptional. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is another feature that sets these AirPods apart. This technology provides a theatre-like experience, with sound that seems to come from all around you, making your listening experience more immersive.
The AirPods 3rd Gen also come with Adaptive EQ, which automatically tunes the music to the shape of your ear. In real-time, the inward-facing microphones detect what you’re hearing, then adjust the low and mid-range frequencies to deliver the best sound. This personalised approach ensures that you get the most out of your music, regardless of the genre or volume level.
Battery life is another area where these AirPods excel. With up to six hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours of total listening time with the MagSafe Charging Case, you can enjoy your favourite tunes all day without needing to recharge frequently. A quick five-minute charge provides about an hour of listening time, which is perfect for those moments when you're in a rush and need a quick top-up.
Water and sweat resistance are crucial for those with an active lifestyle, and the AirPods 3rd Gen do not disappoint. With an IPX4 rating, they can withstand splashes from any direction, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. This durability ensures that you can take your AirPods with you wherever you go, without worrying about damaging them.
Connectivity is seamless and intuitive, as you would expect from an Apple product. The AirPods 3rd Gen feature the H1 chip, which allows for quick and easy pairing with all your Apple devices. Whether you’re switching between your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the transition is smooth and hassle-free. The “Hey Siri” functionality is always ready, enabling hands-free control over your music, calls, and more. This level of integration with the Apple ecosystem enhances the overall user experience, making these earbuds incredibly convenient to use.
In addition to these features, the AirPods 3rd Gen offer improved call quality. The beamforming microphones work to block out external noise and focus on your voice, ensuring that you are heard clearly during calls. Whether you’re in a noisy environment or a quiet room, the call quality remains consistent and reliable.
Overall, the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen provide a comprehensive package of comfort, sound quality, and convenience. They represent a significant step forward in the evolution of wireless earbuds, combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design. Whether you’re a long-time Apple user or new to the ecosystem, these AirPods are sure to enhance your audio experience with their blend of innovation and practicality.
This description was last updated June 2024
- The Apple AirPods 3rd Gen Headphones was added to the Headphones category in June 2024
- The lowest price we found for the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen Headphones is N/A from N/A
- This page provides impartial price comparison information to help you get the best deals year-round
Design | Ear Bud |
Type | Wireless, Bluetooth, With Mic |
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) represent a big step up from their predecessors in terms of audio performance, connectivity, and design - and while they come with a price increase, we think they’re a worthy upgrade if you have the older AirPods. However, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for Android users. The AirPods 3 are unsurprisingly optimized for use within the wider Apple ecosystem, so Android users miss out on a lot of the extra features that set them apart from other true wireless earbuds on the market, and the lack of noise cancellation means they aren’t the most high-spec earbuds at this price.
Reasons to buy
- + Impressive spatial audio
- + Easy to use
- + Comfortable, subtle design
Reasons to avoid
- - No active noise cancellation
- - No interchangeable eartips
- - Battery life could be longer