Apple introduced the AirPods (3rd generation), which bring some interesting features that, until now, were reserved for AirPods Pro.
The original AirPods are no longer available, but the AirPods (2nd generation) they are still for sale. If you don’t know which of the three models to choose, we’ll tell you what their differences are.
Project
AirPods (2nd generation) have the same design as the original AirPods, with a wand longer than the other two models. AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro have sticks shorter, they look more discreet.
AirPods Pro are slightly heavier ​​and bulkier, while AirPods (2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation) are very compact, weighing just over 4 grams per headset.
AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) are controlled by a force sensor (instead of having to touch the head, the wand) On AirPods (2nd generation) you have to press the outside of your head, which is a little weird.
AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) are sweat and water resistantand are IPX4 certified. The second generation does not.
AirPods Pro has silicone pads for a perfect fit, but the other two models don’t have pads. There are three sizes of ear cushions in the Pro box.
Settings and sound
Setting up all three is very simple, especially with Apple devices as they automatically connect. All can also be used ​​with non-Apple devices, although you will lose some functionality.
AirPods Pro has active noise cancellationAlthough 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods don’t have this feature. All have the normal function that when you remove a headset, the music automatically pauses.
As expected, the sound quality will increase with each one, therefore, AirPods (3rd generation) are better than AirPods (2nd generation), which are already two and a half years old. AirPods Pro gets better again with noise canceling and ear cushions.
In addition, AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) are compatible with Dolby Atmos to enjoy spatial audio on many Apple Music tracks.
Like AirPods Pro, new AirPods (3rd generation) have adaptive equalization, which basically means the headphones will automatically adjust the music to the shape of your ear and the fit of the headphone.
Call quality has also improved on AirPods (3rd generation) compared to the 2nd generation thanks to a better voice codec.
Autonomy
AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro bags can be used with MagSafe Chargers, so they are magnetically coupled. Older AirPods and current AirPods Pro do not support MagSafe but can be charged wirelessly.
On AirPods Pro, Apple promises up to 5 hours of noise canceling listening with the transparency mode turned off, which is reduced to 4.5 hours with it turned on. AirPods (2nd generation) offer about 5 hours of listening.
AirPods (3rd generation) increase battery life by one hour, up to 6 hours of listening and 4 hours of talk time. While older AirPods offer around 24-25 hours of listening in total, if that’s taken into account, AirPods (3rd generation) increase to around 30 hours.
Price and Conclusions
AirPods (3rd generation) are on sale for €149, AirPods (3rd generation) by €199 and AirPods Pro for € 279.
If you want the best AirPods, you have to go for AirPods Pro, which offer excellent noise cancellation.
If you don’t want to spend that much money, the new AirPods (3rd generation) are a real improvement over the AirPods (2nd generation) and, in the absence of being able to test them, they seem like a great choice.