Here’s How AirPods 3’s New Shape Compares To The Classic Version

Tech The redesigned ‘pods are available starting Oct. 26. by Melanie Mignucci Oct. 26, 2021

Apple On Oct. 18, Apple introduced its first refresh of AirPods since 2019. AirPods 3’s design and features are a change-up from the second-generation version — but are they worth the upgrade? Keep reading for how AirPods 3 compare to the classic AirPods.

Design

AirPods 3 were redesigned to have a shorter stem than OG AirPods. The battery was relocated to the top of the device, while the stem was updated to allow force sensors. The new case is shorter and squatter than the old ones, more similar to the AirPods Pro case. Apple

Fit

Compared to my personal second-gen AirPods, the new AirPods 3 size felt less secure in my (admittedly small) ears, and the shorter stems were more fiddly to grab. The right one fell out a few times while I used them during a call, which was not ideal.

Playback Gestures

Apple On AirPods 3, you press the force sensors to pause or play music, double press to skip ahead, and triple press to rewind. (On the OG, you can only tap to play or skip.) Pushing on the stem, compared to taps, made it feel even more like the ‘Pods would fall out.

Apple Spatial Audio Apple offers Spatial Audio — a headphone version of surround sound — for AirPods Pro and Max, and now AirPods 3. In essence, it builds on mono and stereo to play music in 3D . (It’s distinct from noise cancelling, which AirPods Pro and Max but not 3 offer.)

Apple To test Spatial Audio, I decided to listen to Fearless (Taylor’s Version) while doing dishes. To the degree that I noticed the Spatial Audio, it was disorienting. Mostly, it felt like I was microdosing the Z-axis. Still, I got so excited for Red .

Exercising

Apple AirPods 3 are sweat- and rainproof, but running outside with them stressed me out — I didn’t want them to fall and get lost. Instead, I wore them for a Yoga with Adriene video . The sound quality was crisper than the classic, and they stayed in during gentle movement.

Battery

Apple Battery life is a big way the AirPods 3 improve on both the original and the Pro. A single charge offers 6 hours of listening time , compared to 5 on the original and 4.5 on the Pro; the charging case offers 30 total listening hours, compared to 24 for both other models .

Price

Apple The original AirPods go t knocked down to $129 with the launch of the AirPods 3, which will cost you $179, while AirPods Pro are $249. The Pro version also boasts noise cancelling, which neither the 3 nor original offers, as well as interchangeable buds for better fit.

Are AirPods 3 Worth It?

Classic AirPods are a great (and now, cheaper) entry point to wireless earbuds. The 3’s battery life is an upgrade, but unless you’re super bothered by a long stem while wearing the 2021 trifecta — mask, hoops, ‘Pods — you’ll likely be happy with the OG.