Apple presented yesterday, Monday, October 18, new headphones, 3rd generation AirPods. What are the differences with the other two models? We take stock.
At first glance, we could easily confuse them with AirPods Pro, but the 3rd generation AirPods have very different characteristics. Although named AirPods 3, these True Wireless headphones (which have no wires) actually interfere between classic AirPods and AirPods Pro. It is therefore a “mid-range” alternative that Apple presented yesterday, Monday, October 18, 2021, during a new keynote.
Sold 199 eurostarget = “_ blank”>, these Apple headphones are already on pre-order and will be available in stores from October 26, 2021. They connect via Bluetooth to your devices. Compatible with Android (but to a limited extent), AirPods are especially designed to work with the entire Apple ecosystem. They automatically connect to any device in the same iCloud account, without tedious pairing to perform each time.
What is the difference between AirPods 3, Classic AirPods and AirPods Pro?
Apple has retained an “open” design with the AirPods 3, like the classic AirPods. That is to say, the headphones do not have silicone tips and allow outside noise to pass through. No active or passive noise reduction therefore. On the other hand, real comfort for the ears, especially thanks to the lightness of the headphones: only 4.28g in each ear, you will quickly forget that you are wearing them.
The Californian brand also includes in this new model the spatialization of sound, also present in the AirPods Pro. With this system, you have the impression that the sound is moving around you. For example, when you watch a video on your smartphone and you turn your head to the left to watch something or someone, you will have the impression that the sound will come mainly from the right ear, the one that remains oriented towards the smartphone. Likewise, when a car crosses the screen right through, you will have the impression that the noise is coming from one side and “going through your brain” out of the other side.
Apple completes its headphones with a compact and light storage case (less than 40g) which also ensures good battery life. AirPods 3 allow up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge (5 hours with spatial audio on and 4 hours of talk time) but the battery life can go up to 30 hours of listening and 20 hours of talk time thanks to to the box (which can be recharged by Lightning cable or by induction).
Price side, at 199 euros, we observe that AirPods 3target = “_ blank”> are inserted between the two pre-existing ranges. If the AirPods Pro are sold 279 euros, this new model is placed well below, at 179 euros. It is only 50 euros more than the base model – the classic AirPods – which are marketed 149 euros. For the small price difference, the features of the AirPods 3 tip the scales in their favor over regular AirPods. Regarding the AirPods Pro, everything is in terms of sound quality, much higher, and especially active noise reduction.