[Deal du Jour] 3rd generation AirPods are currently under $170. It’s a great time to switch to wireless headphones while enjoying Apple quality. Certainly with fewer options than the AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods 3 remain very interesting, especially if the absence of noise reduction does not bother you.
What is this AirPods 3 promotion?
The AirPods 3, with Lightning charging case, are sold for €209 on the official Apple website. They are regularly on promotion around 190 € on various reseller sites. At the moment, Amazon offers them for €168.95.
What are these wireless headphones from Apple?
AirPods 3 are similar to AirPods Pro. The materials used and the finishes are impeccable, and the headphones from Apple are robust. They benefit from the IPX4 certification and are resistant to splashes and perspiration. They are therefore perfectly suited to sports activities. AirPods 3 don’t fit completely inside the ear, and don’t have passive isolation. A good point, if you can’t stand the feeling of pressure in your ears. For those who prefer effective passive isolation, this 3rd generation of AirPods is not ideal. The same goes for comfort. Depending on your type of ears, the headphones will fit correctly and comfortably in the hollow, or on the contrary, they will not stay in place.
The AirPods 3 have pressure sensors that allow you, with a tap, to control playback or calls, but not the volume. The case is also IPX4 certified and has a Lightning port for charging. Note that the headphones are also available with the MagSafe charging box at a price of 189 €.
At under $170, are the AirPods 3 a bargain?
Under $170, that’s a bargain for high-performance headphones. The speakers and amplifiers in the AirPods 3 are supposed to deliver nearly equivalent sound performance to the AirPods Pro. In fact, they are not at the level of the latter, but still offer quality sound reproduction. The bass is mastered, but it is especially in the mediums that these AirPods shine. Their precision is excellent and gives a generous audio rendering. The highs can sometimes tingle a little too much, but the acoustic experience is overall in control, with clear vocals and precise instruments.
Audio Spatial technology promises dynamic tracking of head movements, to simulate an effect of Dolby Atmos. The effect works and the sound gains in immersion. The hands-free kit is of good quality. The microphones pick up the voice correctly, even in a noisy environment. Finally, in terms of autonomy, the AirPods 3 will last between 6 and 8 hours depending on the listening volume. The box brings the total autonomy to about thirty hours.
To go further with headphones
? Check out our 3rd generation AirPods review
? Our comparison of AirPods Pro and AirPods 3
? Check out our pick of the best wireless headphones of 2023
If you liked this article, you will like the following ones: do not miss them by subscribing to Numerama on Google News.
Some links in this article are affiliate. We’ll explaine everything here.