Review of the Apple AirPods 3 wireless headphones
While much has been written about the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds, the AirPods 3 version has not received nearly as much attention as it deserves, and that is unfair. Therefore we will try to remedy this unfairness at least partially.
To begin with, quite a few users, “ripe” to buy AirPods are faced with a dilemma: buy an expensive “proshka” or still “three”, which is significantly cheaper, but does not seem particularly different from the more advanced version. Or maybe even settle for the AirPods 2, which also remains in the range. By the way, the latter have their fans, preferring this particular version and berating the more modern ones. But back to the AirPods 3.
Like the AirPods Pro, these headphones run on the Apple H1 chip. The control principle is the same – by tapping on the sensor area located on the foot.
Unlike the AirPods Pro, the Three comes without silicone earpads, which also perform the noise-cancelling function. However, their absence does not prevent the headphones from sitting nicely in your ears and not falling out.
Like other versions of Apple’s headphones, the AirPods 3 are sold in a minimalist box that contains the headphones in a branded case, a charging cable and a manual.
Unlike the two, the charging cable is fitted with a USB-C plug rather than USB-A. For fans of Apple equipment with top-end laptops and tablets, this configuration is a definite advantage of the headphones. But for other users, it is a disadvantage, which can be an argument against the purchase of the gadget. The AirPods 3 case resembles the AirPods Pro case and is very different from the case of similar older versions of headphones. And in this case Apple has not betrayed its principles: each version of the headphones comes with its own case, no compatibility is out of the question.
With the AirPods 3, the case supports MagSafe wireless charging. This makes the headphones similar to the AirPods Pro. However, cases with this feature are available for the Dual as well.
The microphones on AirPods 3 are mounted near the base of the foot and are IPX4 protected, so you can use them when it’s raining.
Unlike the AirPods Pro, the Three lacks a feature such as noise cancellation. However, there is Apple’s proprietary spatial audio. The AirPods 2, on the other hand, can’t boast the presence of this feature.
AirPods 3 has a good battery life: the manufacturer guarantees at least six hours of continuous listening to music on a single charge.
However, you should bear in mind that the headphones usually discharge unevenly. The one that uses the sensor more often “runs down”. Usually, it is the right earphone, unless the user is left-handed.
In terms of sound quality, AirPods 3 gives a very decent performance and does not particularly lag behind AirPods Pro. Of course, the sound quality figures aren’t as posh as the AirPods Max over-the-ear, but for a headphone of its form factor, the Three is one of the best. In particular, the Dolby Atmos standard is supported when listening to tracks on Apple Music.
Speaking of the AirPods 3’s performance overall, it has taken its place in Apple’s wireless headphone line-up, not particularly inferior to the AirPods Pro and a great option for users who can afford a slightly better budget gadget but can’t yet afford the top-end devices.
