Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds: An Audio Upgrade That's Music to Your Ears

Published on April 28, 2023, 5:08 p.m.

The AirPods have become an iconic accessory in Apple’s audio lineup, with each new generation bringing improvements to fit the digital lifestyle. The recently released AirPods (3rd Generation) continue this tradition with noticeable upgrades that make these wireless earbuds a tempting choice. Let’s dive in to see what makes these buds so special.

Overview

The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds deliver a lightweight and comfortable in-ear design, intuitive touch controls, and impressively immersive sound powered by the new Apple H1 chip. With up to 6 hours of listening time per charge and 30 hours with the wireless charging case, these earbuds aim to be your daily audio companion.

 Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds

Key Features

  • Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking - Immersive 3D sound experience that adjusts as you move your head
  • Adaptive EQ - Tunes music to the shape of your ear for a personalized listening experience
  • IPX4 sweat and water resistance - Can withstand sweaty workouts and splashes without damage
  • Up to 30 hours total listening time - Provides all-day power with the wireless charging case
  • MagSafe charging case - Allows convenient magnetic charging and compatibility with MagSafe accessories
  • Audio sharing - Option to share audio from your device to another set of AirPods

 Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds

Design - An Iconic Look Taken to New Heights

Apple kept the same golf-tee shape and glossy white finish that define the signature Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds aesthetic. A stem houses the microphone, touch controls, and antennas. The construction feels sturdy yet weighs just 0.15oz per bud for incredible comfort and stability.

Each earbud contains an unknown proprietary driver to deliver excellent audio reproduction. Dual beamforming microphones target your voice and filter out external noise for clearer call quality. The design enables an amazing balance of sound and comfort.

Ease of Use - Effortless Setup and Controls

The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds exemplify Apple’s seamless user experience. Pop open the case near your iPhone, and they instantly pair via Bluetooth 5.0. The H1 chip enables buttery-smooth connectivity and quick device switching.

With intuitive touch controls, you can play/pause tracks, handle calls, and activate Siri without reaching for your phone. The audio sharing feature lets you wirelessly extend audio to another pair of Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds too. It doesn’t get much easier!

 Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds

Sound Quality - An Audio Revelation

Outfitted with special drivers and amplifiers, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds deliver exceptional sound covering a wide frequency range. The audio feels spacious and well-balanced. You get thumping bass without muddiness as well as crisp treble and vocal clarity. At moderate volumes, the open design allows just enough ambient noise blend in. Crank it up higher, and the sound engulfs your senses thanks to the incredible spatial audio effect.

Microphone - Crystal Voice Reproduction

No matter the environment, the dual beamforming microphones pick up your voice clearly and filter out distracting noise. Wind reduction further minimizes disruptive bursts so calls come through loud and clear. Siri and voice assistants understand commands easily. For earbuds without bulky microphone stems, the voice pickup is impressive.

Battery Life - All-Day Endurance

With up to 6 hours listening time per charge and 30 hours with the Qi-certified wireless charging case, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds keep pace with your daily routines. Just 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of use. The pocket-sized case is perfect for charging on the go. Honestly, you’ll rarely be hunting for a Lightning cable with this level of endurance.

 Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds

Connectivity - A Seamless Wireless Experience

Thanks to Apple’s special sauce like the H1 chip, pairing is delightfully swift - just flip open the case lid near your iPhone. Bluetooth 5.0 provides a rock-solid and low latency connection. The earbuds seamlessly switch between Apple devices for true wireless freedom. For Apple fans, it doesn’t get much simpler.

Design Quality - Precision-Engineered to Perfection

As expected from Apple, the construction and material quality are second to none. The earbuds feature a durable plastic body while the charging case has a polished white finish. Buttons and ports feel snappy. Though expensive, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds are built to last through years of use.

Comfort - Remarkably Discreet During Use

Weighing just 0.15oz and boasting a contoured design, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds are a joy to wear for extended periods. The earbuds rest gently in your ear, and you barely notice them while working or exercising. While not the most secure seal, they stay put surprisingly well thanks to their featherlight profile and ergonomic shape.

Use Cases

The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds fit seamlessly into your everyday routines. Take calls while commuting, zone out to music at the office, crush that workout with your favorite pump-up playlist, or get lost in a movie on a long flight - all without worrying about wires or battery life. The compact charging case delivers on-the-go power for days so you’ll never miss a beat.

User Feedback Analysis

Overall, customer reviews and reactions to the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds are glowingly positive. For many users, the combination of great sound quality and seamless connectivity makes these earbuds an indispensable daily companion.

The vast majority of users praise the lightweight, comfortable fit that lets you wear the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds for hours without irritation. In particular, those with smaller ears highlight the ergonomic shape and featherlight build. Whether walking, working, or working out, the earbuds disappear once seated correctly.

Audio quality earns consistently rave reviews. Users describe the spatial audio effect as utterly transformative, creating an immersive sound stage that makes music come alive. The Adaptive EQ also delivers a more customized, refined listening experience. Vocals sound crisp and natural, while bass resonates powerfully. For this form factor, many are blown away by the sonic performance.

Regarding features, the addition of MagSafe charging gets nods of approval for its convenience. Hands-free “Hey Siri” access proves useful for controlling music playback and making requests on the go. Owners also highlight how Apple’s H1 chip enables quick pairing, steadier connectivity, and seamless device switching between their Apple products.

The most common complaints focus on battery life and fit. Some lament that the max of 6 hours listening time per charge could be higher, though adding in the wireless charging case mitigates the issue. Others report struggling to get a secure fit with the default ear tips. However, foam aftermarket tips generally resolve any looseness.

Overall, for Apple device owners wanting an audio upgrade, the vast majority strongly recommend the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds as a smart purchase. The combination of great sound, seamless connectivity, and design advancements over previous models make these wireless earbuds a fan-favorite.

Pros

  • Excellent sound performance with spatial audio
  • Great wireless connectivity with Apple devices
  • Reliable touch controls
  • IPX4 sweat and water resistance
  • Good battery life and portable charging case
  • Sleek, lightweight, and comfortable design

Cons

  • Lack of active noise cancellation
  • Ear tips don’t seal as securely as some competing models
  • High price point

Value

While fairly pricey at $179, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds deliver robust wireless audio and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. For iPhone owners wanting a fuss-free audio companion, the improvements in sound, design, and battery life make them well worth the investment. Compared to competitors, the total package of features and integration with Apple devices helps justify the premium pricing.

 Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds

Summary

With noticeably improved audio performance, good battery life, and a bevy of convenient features, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds represent a solid step forward for Apple’s popular wireless earbuds line. The design stays familiar but gets upgrades in all the right places. For new buyers or those upgrading from older models, the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless EarBuds are easy to recommend. Considering their deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem, these earbuds are an excellent accessory for iPhone owners who want a premium music listening experience and flexible cord-free use.

Specifications

  • Weight: 0.15 oz per bud, 1.34 oz charging case
  • Battery Life: Up to 6 hours listening time, up to 30 hours with charging case
  • Water Resistance: IPX4 rating
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Driver: Unknown custom driver
  • Microphones: Dual beamforming mics, inward-facing mic
  • Sensors: Accelerometer, speech-detecting accelerometer, optical sensors
  • Compatibility: Apple devices running iOS 15.1 or later

What’s in the Box

  • AirPods (3rd Generation)
  • Wireless Charging Case
  • Lightning to USB-C Cable
  • Documentation

How to Use

Using the AirPods 3 is designed to be quick and seamless, especially for iPhone owners. To pair with an Apple device, simply flip open the case lid near the phone or tablet and tap connect. The H1 chip automatically pairs them and switches between your Apple devices. Touch controls let you play/pause, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate Siri without reaching for your phone. The earbuds auto-pause audio when removed. To charge, place them in the wireless case for at least 5 minutes to get around an hour of use.