The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) have a slightly different look than previous generations of AirPods and come with a few more features. Unlike previous generations, they have an 'Adaptive EQ' feature that Apple says optimizes their sound delivery to the shape of your ears. If you're using a supported iOS device, you can also access 'Spatial Audio,' a virtual surround sound feature to help immerse you in your audio. The earbuds are bigger than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation), which is less comfortable for some people. Like previous AirPods, these open-back earbuds aren't designed to block out ambient sound.
Our Verdict
The Apple AirPods 3rd generation are decent for sports and fitness. The earbuds and case are very light and small, and feel sturdy enough to withstand a few accidental drops and bumps. They're also rated IPX4 for resistance against being splashed with water. However, while they have adequate stability and have no problem staying in your ears during a light run, they can fall out with more intense movements. Their stability also depends on the shape of your ears since they have a one-size-fits-all design.
- IPX4 rating for water resistance.
- Great build quality.
- Case stores five extra charges.
- No stability fins or ear tip options.
- No volume controls.
- No multi-device pairing with non-Apple devices.
The Apple AirPods 3rd generation are disappointing for commuting and travel. Unlike most Bluetooth earbuds, they have an open-back design, which blocks out very little ambient sound. Also, while they're decently comfortable, the buds are bigger than previous generations of AirPods and can put pressure on your ears, especially if you wear them for a long time. On the plus side, they feel sturdy and come with a solid case small enough to fit into most pockets.
- IPX4 rating for water resistance.
- Case stores five extra charges.
- Βad noise isolation.
- No volume controls.
- No multi-device pairing with non-Apple devices.
The Apple AirPods 3rd generation are disappointing for office use. They have a decently comfortable fit but can put pressure on your ears during long days at work. They block out virtually no ambient noise, so they won't isolate you from distractions like chatting coworkers or traffic outside your window. Their mic is passable, but it doesn't do a great job separating your voice from the noise around you. Their 6.8-hour continuous battery life won't quite last through a 9-to-5 workday without recharging. They come with a case with about five extra charges, so you can always top up the battery.
- Great build quality.
- Case stores five extra charges.
- Mic's recording quality isn't bad.
- Βad noise isolation.
- Mic has sub-par noise handling.
- No volume controls.
- No multi-device pairing with non-Apple devices.
The Apple AirPods 3rd generation aren't suitable for wireless gaming. You can use them with Bluetooth-compatible PCs, but their latency is too high to be suitable for gaming. They also aren't compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
The Apple AirPods 3rd generation are truly wireless headphones, and you can't use them wired.
The Apple AirPods 3rd generation have decent audio reproduction accuracy. They have an always-on 'Adaptive EQ' feature advertised to adjust their sound depending on your ear shape, but they lack sound customization features like an EQ. Their sound lacks thump and rumble due to their open-back design, but the rest of the range is well-balanced, ensuring that instruments and lead vocals are present and detailed. Still, the buds adhere to their own flat sound profile, and the left and right drivers are decently well-matched, so stereo panning is accurately reproduced. They also support Spatial Audio, though, which is a virtual surround sound feature that can make audio seem more immersive. Harmonic distortion isn't an issue either, as the drivers produce low amounts that won't be audible.
The Apple AirPods 3 have bad noise isolation. The buds sit outside your ear canal and don't form a seal with your inner ear, so they're unable to block out much noise at all. You'll hear everything from the rumble of train engines to chatty coworkers.
The Apple AirPods 3rd generation have a sub-par mic. It does an acceptable job rendering your voice with clarity, but doesn't do a good job separating your voice from background noise. Even the ambient sounds of an office will make their way into your audio, so the person on the other end of the line will hear them.
The Apple AirPods 3 have middling frequency response consistency. Since the buds don't form a seal with your inner ear, bass delivery is greatly affected by how they sit. You need to take time positioning them with each wear to get a consistent sound.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Mar 12, 2026:
This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.1, which removes the Group Delay test and rebalances scoring for the Harmonic Distortion test and Audio Reproduction Accuracy performance usage. For more details, consult our full changelog.
- Updated Mar 12, 2026: This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.1, which removes the Group Delay test, and rebalances scoring for the Harmonic Distortion test and Audio Reproduction Accuracy performance usage. For more details, consult our full changelog.
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Updated Dec 01, 2025:
This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.0, which adds the following tests: Stereo Mismatch, Group Delay, Cumulative Spectral Decay, PRTF, Harmonic Distortion, and Electrical Aspects. We've added new performance usages and updated the text throughout the Sound tests and side-by-sides.
- Updated Nov 25, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 2.1, which features minor updates to our sound tests.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Apple AirPods 3rd generation only come in white. You can see the label for the unit we tested here. This review currently reflects the performance of our original model, which we don't have anymore. That said, we've purchased a second model, which matches the performance of our first unit. If there's a difference in performance during future retests, we will update the review accordingly. You can see our new unit's label here.
If you encounter another variant, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Apple AirPods 3 follow the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and the Apple AirPods (1st generation) but come with more features, like Spatial Audio surround sound for Apple users and wireless MagSafe charging for the case. They also offer an improved continuous battery life of just under seven hours. Like the Apple AirPods Pro, they have shorter stems than the 1st and 2nd gen AirPods but retain the one-size-fits-all design without silicone tips. They have an open-back design and, as a result, block out very little background noise and don't reproduce much bass, similar to other open buds like the Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless. The AirPods 3 have subsequently been replaced by the Apple AirPods 4, which ditch MagSafe charging but have a slightly more svelte carrying case and a fuller-sounding bass.
If you want different headphones, check out our lists of the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the best wireless earbuds for iPhone, and the best AirPods alternatives.
The Apple AirPods 4 are better than the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) by most measures. They supply a fuller-sounding bass response compared to previous open-backed AirPods, and their mic handles noise a bit better. Plus, their H2 chip makes switching between iCloud-registered devices a breeze, and they have an IP54 rating compared to the IPX4 of the last generation. On the other hand, the previous AirPods (3rd generation) store an extra battery charge in the case and can charge via MagSafe or wirelessly.
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) have different strengths, so you may prefer either depending on what you're looking for. The 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life and button-like controls that are easier to use than the 2nd generation's touch-sensitive surfaces. With iOS devices, they support Spatial Audio and head tracking for virtual surround sound, and their 'Adaptive EQ' adjusts the sound profile depending on how they fit you. Their bulkier design may put pressure on the inside of your ears, but both versions have a one-size-fits-all design, meaning you may prefer either, depending on the shape of your ears. On the other hand, the 2nd generation have a better overall mic performance.
The Beats Fit Pro True Wireless are better in-ears than the Apple AirPods (3rd generation). The Beats have a more stable in-ear fit and have an ANC system that helps block more ambient noise around you, and their mic offers somewhat better performance. However, the Apple are more comfortable and better built. They also have a better battery performance.
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are better than the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless. The Apple headphones have better build quality, better overall mic performance, and a longer continuous battery life. However, the Βeats are more comfortable, have a more stable fit, and block out much more noise, though their ANC feature doesn't perform very well.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
Test Results
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