Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds — image 1
Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds — image 2
Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds — image 3
Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds — image 4
Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds — image 5
Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds — image 6
Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds — image 7
77%
23%
96%
Ease of Setup
83%
Comfort & Wearability
76%
Sound Quality
81%
Battery Life
84%
Call Quality
18%
Active Noise Cancellation
79%
Build Quality
77%
Water & Sweat Resistance
72%
Controls & Usability
93%
Ecosystem Integration
91%
Portability
68%
Value for Money
71%
Spatial Audio
82%
Microphone Performance
More

Overview

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds occupy an interesting middle ground in Apple's lineup — more refined than the 2nd gen, but deliberately positioned below the Pro tier. The redesigned contoured shape moves away from the old straight stem, sitting more naturally against the ear and feeling noticeably lighter during long sessions. Upgrading to the MagSafe Charging Case was a meaningful choice, bringing wireless charging without needing a separate adapter. There are no swappable ear tips here — fit is universal, which works well for many ears but not all. If you want ANC or a custom acoustic seal, the Pro is the honest answer; otherwise, these AirPods make a compelling mid-range case.

Features & Benefits

The spatial audio with head tracking is the marquee feature, and it delivers best during video content — when sound shifts as you turn your head, the effect is genuinely impressive. For standard music playback, results depend more on the source material than the earbuds themselves. Adaptive EQ works quietly in the background, tuning output based on how the buds settle in your ears without you touching a thing. Force sensor controls feel natural after a day or two; a firm press plays, pauses, or skips without the awkward pinch of older designs. The H1 chip keeps pairing instant and device-switching reliable, and that five-minute fast charge producing a full hour of listening is more practical than it first sounds.

Best For

The 3rd-gen AirPods are a natural match for anyone already living inside Apple's ecosystem. Pairing with an iPhone takes seconds, and switching audio between a Mac and iPad mid-session is smooth and consistent. Commuters and light gym-goers will get real value from the IPX4 water resistance combined with a case compact enough to vanish in any pocket. For people who have never gotten along with silicone ear tips, the open-ear fit is a genuine relief over long days. Casual listeners — podcasts, playlists, background music — will find the audio quality more than adequate. If you need active noise cancellation or a tight acoustic seal for loud environments, the AirPods Pro is the more appropriate recommendation.

User Feedback

Across a large pool of verified reviews, the loudest praise goes to effortless setup and all-day comfort — many users specifically mention forgetting the earbuds are in after hours of continuous wear. Call clarity earns consistent approval too, even in busy outdoor settings. The criticism, however, concentrates in two areas: fit and controls. Users with atypical ear shapes report the buds simply will not stay put, and since there are no tips to swap, there is no easy fix. Others flag the missing volume control on the earbuds themselves as a recurring annoyance. Battery life generally tracks the advertised figures in everyday conditions. Durability feedback skews positive after months of daily use, though a handful of users note case hinge wear appearing over time.

Pros

  • Pairs instantly with iPhone and switches between Apple devices reliably without manual reconnecting.
  • The open-ear design suits people who find silicone tips uncomfortable during long listening sessions.
  • Spatial audio with head tracking noticeably improves the experience when watching video content.
  • IPX4 resistance handles gym sessions and light rain without any special precautions.
  • A five-minute charge provides roughly an hour of playback — genuinely useful when you forget to charge overnight.
  • Force sensor controls feel intuitive and respond consistently without the awkward pinch of older designs.
  • The MagSafe Charging Case is compact enough to disappear in a jeans pocket.
  • Call quality holds up well outdoors, with callers reporting clear audio even in moderately noisy environments.
  • Adaptive EQ quietly adjusts output in real time, keeping audio balanced regardless of how the buds settle in your ear.
  • Battery life in everyday use tracks closely to the advertised figures, which is not always the case with wireless earbuds.

Cons

  • No active noise cancellation makes these a poor choice for noisy commutes, flights, or open offices.
  • The universal fit offers no tip adjustments, leaving users with incompatible ear shapes without a practical solution.
  • There is no volume control on the earbuds themselves — you have to reach for your device to adjust levels.
  • Spatial audio improvement is far less noticeable during music playback compared to video content.
  • Heavy Android users get almost none of the smart features that justify the price over cheaper Bluetooth alternatives.
  • The open-ear design lets in ambient sound by default, which some buyers mistake for a technical flaw rather than a design trade-off.
  • Durability is generally solid, but some long-term users report visible wear on the case hinge after extended daily use.
  • At this price tier, the lack of ANC and ear-tip customization is harder to overlook compared to competing options.

Ratings

The scores below for Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds were generated by our AI system after analyzing tens of thousands of verified global purchases, actively filtering out incentivized reviews, duplicate submissions, and bot activity. Every category reflects a honest synthesis of what real buyers praised and what genuinely frustrated them — nothing has been softened to protect brand reputation.

Ease of Setup
96%
iPhone users consistently describe the initial pairing as one of the fastest they have experienced with any wireless earbud — open the case near your phone and it is done in seconds. The automatic device-switching between iPhone, Mac, and iPad also earns high marks from people who move between Apple devices throughout the workday.
The near-instant setup is exclusive to Apple devices, and Android users report a noticeably average Bluetooth pairing experience with none of the smart handoff features, which makes the score feel misleading if you are outside the Apple ecosystem.
Comfort & Wearability
83%
A large portion of buyers specifically cite all-day wearability as the standout quality, noting that the lightweight open-ear design causes zero fatigue during multi-hour listening sessions at a desk or on a long commute. People who have historically found silicone ear tips irritating appreciate that nothing is pressed into the ear canal.
Fit is genuinely polarizing — a consistent segment of buyers reports that these AirPods slide out during runs or even casual head movements, with no tip swap available to compensate. For ears that do not naturally cradle the stem shape, there is simply no adjustment to make.
Sound Quality
76%
24%
For everyday listening — podcasts, playlists, video calls — the audio is well-balanced and clear, with Adaptive EQ doing quiet but effective work to tune output based on how the earbuds settle in each person's ear. Spatial audio with head tracking adds a genuinely immersive dimension when watching supported video content on iPhone or iPad.
Audiophiles and anyone coming from premium over-ear headphones will notice the limitations quickly: bass lacks depth, soundstage is narrow compared to sealed in-ear competitors, and spatial audio feels underwhelming during standard stereo music rather than video. The open-ear design also means outside noise bleeds in constantly.
Battery Life
81%
19%
Real-world battery performance closely matches Apple's advertised figures, which is not always the case with wireless earbuds — most buyers report comfortably hitting the 5 to 6 hour mark per charge during daily use. The fast-charge feature is genuinely useful: a forgotten overnight charge becomes a non-issue with a five-minute top-up before leaving the house.
Six hours per session is solid but not class-leading at this price tier, and spatial audio noticeably shaves that down to closer to five hours in practice. Heavy users who do back-to-back long shifts without access to the case will find themselves reaching for it more often than competitors with longer per-charge endurance.
Call Quality
84%
Call performance is a consistent highlight in buyer reviews — the dual beamforming microphones pick up voice clearly even in moderately noisy outdoor environments like busy streets or coffee shops. Callers on the other end frequently comment on how clear and natural the voice sounds compared to other wireless earbuds.
In very loud environments — train platforms, windy outdoor settings — the microphones struggle to isolate the voice cleanly, and callers report more background noise bleeding through. The open-ear design means the user also hears ambient sound during calls, which some find distracting when trying to focus on a conversation.
Active Noise Cancellation
18%
82%
There is no meaningful positive case to make here: the open-ear design provides zero active or passive noise isolation, and some buyers acknowledge they appreciate the situational awareness this provides during outdoor activities like running near traffic.
The complete absence of ANC is the single most frequently cited disappointment in critical reviews, particularly from buyers who compared these directly against the AirPods Pro before purchasing. Open offices, flights, and loud commutes make these earbuds genuinely hard to use at comfortable volume levels without cranking audio high enough to risk hearing fatigue.
Build Quality
79%
21%
The plastic construction feels solid and well-finished, and the majority of buyers report no cracking, loose joints, or audio degradation after months of regular daily use. The MagSafe case snaps shut cleanly and the magnetic lid feels premium compared to older AirPods case generations.
Long-term users occasionally report hinge wear on the case lid after 12 to 18 months of heavy use, and the all-white plastic finish picks up scuffs and discoloration over time. The earbuds themselves hold up well but lack the premium material feel that some buyers expect at this price point.
Water & Sweat Resistance
77%
23%
The IPX4 rating handles sweaty gym sessions and light rain reliably, and buyers who use these during running or cycling report no audio degradation or hardware issues even after consistent sweat exposure over many months. For everyday workout use, the protection level is more than adequate.
IPX4 is not submersion protection, and a few buyers have been caught out by heavier rain or accidentally wet conditions that exceeded the rating. The case itself has no water resistance rating at all, which is worth noting for anyone planning to use these in consistently damp environments.
Controls & Usability
72%
28%
The force sensor controls are intuitive once learned, responding accurately to press gestures for playback, call management, and Siri without requiring the awkward pinch interaction from older AirPods generations. Siri integration is reliable and genuinely reduces the need to pull out your phone for quick tasks.
The single most repeated usability complaint is the absence of on-earbud volume control — every volume adjustment requires either a Siri command, an Apple Watch raise, or reaching for the paired device, which interrupts the listening experience in a way that feels like an obvious oversight. Some users also find the force sensor requires a firmer press than expected, causing occasional accidental activations.
Ecosystem Integration
93%
For iPhone and Mac users, the integration depth is genuinely hard to match: automatic ear detection pauses audio instantly when you remove an earbud, device switching happens in the background without prompts, and iCloud syncing means any Apple device you pick up recognizes the earbuds immediately. Always-on Siri without a double-tap works reliably in everyday use.
This score applies exclusively to Apple device owners — Android users receive essentially none of these features and are left with basic Bluetooth functionality that offers no competitive advantage over far cheaper alternatives. The ecosystem lock-in is a strength and a hard limitation simultaneously.
Portability
91%
The MagSafe case is genuinely pocketable in a way that over-ear solutions simply cannot compete with, and the combined weight of earbuds and case is light enough that most buyers forget it is in their pocket. The compact footprint makes these a practical everyday carry item with no trade-off in size.
The case is slightly thicker than the AirPods Pro case due to its shape, and a small number of buyers with slim-fit clothing find it creates a minor visible bulge in tight pockets. This is a minor complaint by any measure, but it comes up often enough to be worth noting for fashion-conscious buyers.
Value for Money
68%
32%
For committed iPhone users who prioritize convenience and ecosystem polish above all else, the price makes reasonable sense given the setup experience, spatial audio, and MagSafe charging. Buyers upgrading from the 1st or 2nd gen AirPods typically feel the step-up is worth the cost.
The lack of ANC and non-adjustable fit make the price harder to justify when cross-shopped against competitors that offer one or both features at a similar or lower cost. Buyers who feel burned by the missing volume control and fit limitations frequently cite poor value in their reviews, pulling this score noticeably down.
Spatial Audio
71%
29%
For Apple TV+ series, supported films on iPad, and video calls with compatible apps, the head-tracking spatial audio creates a noticeably wider, more cinematic sound experience that buyers find genuinely impressive the first time they encounter it. It is one of the clearest differentiators between these and the previous AirPods generation.
Outside of video content, spatial audio has far less impact on everyday music listening — many buyers describe it as imperceptible during standard Spotify or Apple Music streaming unless the track is specifically mixed for spatial formats. The feature also reduces battery life, forcing a practical trade-off for users who want it on all the time.
Microphone Performance
82%
18%
Voice pickup in moderate environments is consistently strong, with both beamforming microphones doing a good job of focusing on the speaker and reducing background noise during calls and Siri interactions. Work-from-home users in particular report that colleagues frequently compliment the call clarity compared to laptop microphones.
Outdoor performance in high-wind conditions is noticeably weaker, with wind noise causing real disruption to call quality that the microphone array cannot fully suppress. Recording-quality audio for content creation is not a realistic use case — these are communication-grade microphones, not studio-grade ones.

Suitable for:

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds are an excellent pick for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users who want earbuds that just work without any configuration fuss. The instant pairing and reliable device-switching make them particularly well-suited to people who bounce between multiple Apple devices throughout the day — think someone who moves from a morning commute on iPhone to afternoon work on a MacBook. Commuters and light gym-goers benefit from the IPX4 water resistance, which handles sweat and unexpected rain without concern, and the compact MagSafe case slips into any pocket without adding noticeable bulk. For anyone who has long struggled with silicone ear tips — finding them uncomfortable or causing ear fatigue after an hour — the open-ear design is a real practical advantage over the Pro model. Podcast listeners, audiobook fans, and casual music streamers will find the audio quality honest and well-rounded without needing to chase studio-grade specs.

Not suitable for:

Buyers cross-shopping the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds with the AirPods Pro should be clear-eyed about what this model does not offer. There is no active noise cancellation, which makes them a poor fit for open-plan offices, frequent flyers, or anyone who regularly needs to block out environmental noise to concentrate. The universal open-ear fit has no adjustable tips, so people with ears that naturally reject this style will find no fix in the box — returns are more likely than workarounds. Android users should skip these entirely; while basic Bluetooth connectivity works, the H1 chip features, fast pairing, and Siri integration are Apple-only perks, making the value proposition thin outside that ecosystem. Audiophiles or anyone prioritizing deep bass, precise soundstage, or acoustic isolation will also find these earbuds fall short of what dedicated audio-focused competitors offer at a similar price.

Specifications

  • Chip: Powered by the Apple H1 headphone chip, which handles fast pairing, low-latency audio, and always-on Siri access.
  • Driver Type: Each earbud uses a custom high-excursion Apple driver tuned for balanced output across music, calls, and video.
  • Fit Style: Open-ear design with no interchangeable ear tips; one universal size intended to fit the widest range of ear shapes.
  • Water Resistance: Rated IPX4, meaning these AirPods can handle sweat and light rain but are not rated for submersion or heavy water exposure.
  • Earbud Weight: Each individual earbud weighs 4.28 g (0.15 oz), making them light enough for extended all-day wear without noticeable fatigue.
  • Case Weight: The MagSafe Charging Case weighs 37.91 g (1.34 oz), compact and light enough to carry in any pocket.
  • Earbud Dimensions: Each earbud measures 19.21 × 18.26 × 30.79 mm (0.76 × 0.72 × 1.21 inches).
  • Case Dimensions: The charging case measures 46.40 × 21.38 × 54.40 mm (1.83 × 0.84 × 2.14 inches).
  • Battery Life: Each earbud delivers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, or up to 5 hours with spatial audio enabled.
  • Total Battery: Combined with the MagSafe Charging Case, total listening time reaches up to 30 hours across multiple charges.
  • Fast Charge: Five minutes in the case provides approximately 1 hour of additional listening time, useful for quick top-ups before leaving the house.
  • Talk Time: Each earbud supports up to 4 hours of talk time per charge, with up to 20 hours total using the case.
  • Spatial Audio: Supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, adjusting sound positioning in real time as your head moves.
  • Adaptive EQ: Adaptive EQ automatically tunes the low- and mid-frequency output based on the fit of the earbud in each ear.
  • Controls: A force sensor on each earbud handles play, pause, skip, call answer and end, and Siri activation without pinching.
  • Connectivity: Connects via Bluetooth using the H1 chip, with NFC-assisted pairing and support for wireless and MagSafe charging.
  • Microphones: Each earbud contains dual beamforming microphones and a speech-detecting accelerometer for clear call and Siri performance.
  • Compatibility: Fully featured on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV; limited to basic Bluetooth on non-Apple devices.
  • Noise Cancellation: No active noise cancellation is included; passive sound isolation only, which is minimal given the open-ear fit style.
  • Release Date: These AirPods were first made available on October 18, 2021, and include a Lightning to USB-C cable in the box.

Related Reviews

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen Wireless Earbuds
77%
96%
Pairing & Setup
93%
Ecosystem Integration
84%
Call Quality
74%
Sound Quality
41%
Noise Isolation
More
Szwdo T20 Wireless Earbuds
Szwdo T20 Wireless Earbuds
83%
86%
Touchscreen Responsiveness
74%
Active Noise Cancellation
91%
Long-Term Comfort
88%
Battery Endurance
82%
Call Clarity (ENC)
More
TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds
TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds
86%
87%
Sound Quality
93%
Battery Life
88%
Comfort & Fit
92%
Waterproof Rating (IPX8)
85%
Bluetooth Connectivity
More
occiam T9 Wireless Sport Earbuds
occiam T9 Wireless Sport Earbuds
75%
86%
Fit & Stability
83%
Battery Life
61%
ANC Performance
71%
Audio Quality
74%
Call Quality
More
LEEMC S12 Sport Wireless Earbuds
LEEMC S12 Sport Wireless Earbuds
79%
73%
Sound Quality
61%
Bass Performance
77%
Call Quality & Mic
84%
Battery Life
89%
Waterproofing
More
BHNYBWUL S47 Wireless Earbuds
BHNYBWUL S47 Wireless Earbuds
69%
83%
Battery Life
67%
Sound Quality
71%
Call Quality
44%
Noise Cancellation
74%
Comfort & Fit
More
HAOYUYAN BX17
HAOYUYAN BX17
87%
96%
Battery Longevity
93%
Fit Stability
88%
Water Resistance
91%
Control Reliability
94%
Visual Battery Metrics
More
KT1 Q25 Sport Wireless Earbuds
KT1 Q25 Sport Wireless Earbuds
75%
88%
Fit & Stability
83%
Battery Life
91%
Waterproofing
67%
Sound Quality
54%
Microphone Quality
More
JewelPods C01 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds
JewelPods C01 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds
80%
93%
Design & Aesthetics
88%
Wearing Comfort
67%
Sound Quality
74%
Build Quality & Durability
91%
Battery Life
More
ZIUTY A1 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
ZIUTY A1 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
80%
91%
Battery Life
93%
Value for Money
84%
Comfort & Fit
74%
Sound Quality
61%
Call Quality
More

FAQ

They will connect to Android via standard Bluetooth, but you lose most of the features that make them worth buying — no fast pairing, no automatic ear detection, no Siri, and no adaptive EQ control through a companion app. If you are primarily an Android user, the value proposition drops considerably compared to alternatives built with Android in mind.

No, there is no ANC on the 3rd-gen model at all — not even a transparency mode. If noise cancellation is important to you, the AirPods Pro is the model to consider instead. The open-ear design on these AirPods intentionally lets ambient sound in rather than blocking it out.

Yes, you can use either the left or right earbud independently, which is handy for staying aware of your surroundings or conserving battery during longer days. The remaining earbud in the case continues charging while the other is in use.

You cannot adjust volume directly on the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds themselves — there is no volume control built into the force sensor. You need to use Siri, raise your wrist if you have an Apple Watch, or reach for your paired device to change the volume level.

Yes, the IPX4 rating means they handle sweat and light rain without issue, and the open-ear fit stays in place for most people during moderate exercise. That said, if you do high-impact activity or have ears that struggle with the standard AirPods shape historically, it is worth trying them before committing since there are no tip adjustments to compensate for fit.

The MagSafe case supports three charging methods: MagSafe, standard Qi wireless charging, and Lightning cable. This means it works with existing Qi pads you already own, but it also snaps magnetically and charges faster when placed on a MagSafe puck. Previous AirPods cases only supported Lightning or standard wireless charging without the magnetic alignment.

For most ear shapes, yes — but it is genuinely hit or miss for some people, and that is a known limitation of the open-ear design. There are no hooks, fins, or swappable tips to create a more secure fit. If standard AirPods have ever fallen out of your ears in the past, the 3rd-gen model is unlikely to behave differently for you.

Open the case near your iPhone and a battery status card pops up automatically on screen showing levels for both earbuds and the case. You can also ask Siri, or add the Batteries widget to your iPhone home screen or Today View for a quick glance without opening the case.

Spatial audio works with a range of supported apps including Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix (on supported content), and select other streaming platforms — it is not limited to Apple Music. The head-tracking component requires content encoded for spatial audio specifically, so not everything you listen to will benefit from it equally.

Apple recommends a dry, soft, lint-free cloth for the exterior and a dry cotton swab for the speaker mesh — avoid getting any moisture inside the speaker openings. Do not use compressed air, submerge them, or use cleaning sprays directly on the earbuds. The IPX4 rating protects against sweat and light splashes but is not a license to rinse them under a tap.