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Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs AirPods (3rd generation)

Which Headphones Are Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Sound
      Sound ProfileFrequency Response ConsistencyRaw Frequency ResponseBass Profile: Target ComplianceMid-Range Profile: Target ComplianceTreble Profile: Target CompliancePeaks/DipsStereo MismatchCumulative Spectral DecayPRTFHarmonic DistortionElectrical AspectsVirtual SoundstageTest SettingsImagingWeighted Harmonic Distortion
    Design
      StyleComfortControlsBreathabilityPortabilityCaseBuild QualityStabilityHeadshots 1Headshots 2TopIn The Box
    Isolation
      Noise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosNoise Isolation - Voice HandlingANC Wind HandlingLeakage
    Microphone
      Microphone StyleRecording QualityNoise Handling
    Active Features
      BatteryApp Support
    Connectivity
      Wired ConnectionBluetooth ConnectionWireless Connection (Dongle)PC CompatibilityPlayStation CompatibilityXbox CompatibilityBase/DockPC / PS4 Compatibility
    Comments

Products

Apple AirPods (1st generation)
Apple AirPods (3rd generation)

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated May 05, 2025 07:19 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v2.1

Updated Mar 09, 2026 07:54 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Apple AirPods (1st generation) Picture

Track

Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Picture

Track

TypeEarbuds
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureOpen-Back
WirelessTruly Wireless
TransducerDynamic
MicYes
TypeEarbuds
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureOpen-Back
Bass Amount
Underemphasized (-5 dB)
WirelessTruly Wireless
Treble Amount
Slightly Underemphasized (-2 dB)
TransducerLocked
MicYes
Sound Signature
Flat

Our Verdict

Apple AirPods (1st generation)

Apple AirPods (3rd generation)

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are better for most purposes than the Apple AirPods (1st generation). The 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life, a better control scheme, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. They support Spatial Audio and head tracking for virtual surround sound and also come with a case that supports wireless charging. They may also be less comfortable since they have a bulkier design that can put pressure on the inside of your ears. Ηowever, both versions have a one-size-fits-all design, so it depends on the size and shape of your ears.

0 

Variants

  • AirPods (1st generation) (White)
  • AirPods (3rd generation) (Lightning Charging Case - White)
  • AirPods (3rd generation) (White)

Review

See Apple AirPods (1st generation) Review
See Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Review
0 
2 

Check Price

White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
AirPods (3rd generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
AirPods (1st generation)
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Lightning Charging Case - White
AirPods (3rd generation)
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White
AirPods (1st generation)
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AirPods (1st generation)
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AirPods (1st generation)
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Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
N/A
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Full Comparison

Sound

Sound Profile 
 

Frequency Response  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Sound Profile  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Sound Profile Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Sound Profile Sample

SAMPLE

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Normalization Frequency 
 

Lock Hz

Bass Amount 
 

Locked

Bass Amount 
 

Lock dB

Treble Amount 
 

Lock dB

Treble Amount 
 

Locked

Sound Signature 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Frequency Response Consistency 
 

N/A
N/A

Consistency L  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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Consistency R  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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Std. Deviation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Raw Frequency Response 
 

Raw FR L  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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Raw FR L  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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Raw FR R  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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Raw FR R  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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Bass Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Bass  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Bass Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Bass Sample

SAMPLE

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Bass Profile: Target Compliance  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Bass Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Bass Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Low Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Mid  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Mid Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Mid Sample

SAMPLE

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Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Treble Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Treble Profile: Target Compliance  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Treble Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Treble Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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Treble  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Treble Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Treble Sample

SAMPLE

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RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Peaks/Dips 
 

N/A
N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Peaks/Dips Graph 
 

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Peaks 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Dips 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Mismatch 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Mismatch  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Phase Response Mismatch  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock dB

Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock dB

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock°
Show Text 

Cumulative Spectral Decay 
 

CSD  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) CSD Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) CSD Sample

SAMPLE

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PRTF 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation) 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF Size (Avg.) 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF Distance 
 

N/A
N/A

Openness 
 

0.0

Acoustic Space Excitation 
 

0.0
Show Text 

Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Harmonics Levels  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

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THD Ratio  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

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WHD @ 94 dB SPL 
 

Lock
Lock%

WHD @ 104 dB SPL 
 

Lock
Lock%
Show Text 

Electrical Aspects 
 

Impedance  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

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Sensitivity @1kHz-1V 
 

N/A

Bluetooth Max SPL 
 

Lock dB

Virtual Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Virtual Soundstage  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

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Head Modeling 
 

Locked

Speaker Modeling 
 

Locked

Room Ambience 
 

Locked

Head Tracking 
 

Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Test Settings 
 

Firmware 
 

Locked

Power 
 

Locked

Connection 
 

Locked

Codec 
 

Locked

Test Instrument  

Locked

EQ 
 

Locked

ANC 
 

Locked

Tip/Pad 
 

Locked

Microphone 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Imaging 
 

N/A
N/A

Group Delay  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

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Phase Response  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Phase Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Phase Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Weighted Group Delay 
 

Lock

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock dB

Weighted Frequency Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock dB

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock°
Show Text 

Weighted Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted Harmonic Distortion  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

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WHD @ 90 
 

Lock
Lock%

WHD @ 100 
 

Lock
Lock%
Design

Style  

Design Picture 2  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

Enclosure  

Locked
Locked

Wireless  

Locked
Locked

Transducer  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Comfort 
 

N/A
N/A

Comfort Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Weight  

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Clamping Force 
 

Lock lbs
N/A
Show Text 

Controls 
 

N/A
N/A

Controls Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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OS Compatibility 
 

N/A
Locked

Ease Of Use  

Locked
Locked

Feedback  

Locked
Locked

Call/Music Control  

Locked
Locked

Volume Control  

Locked
Locked

Microphone Control  

Locked
Locked

Channel Mixing 
 

N/A
Locked

Noise Cancelling Control  

N/A
Locked

Talk-Through 
 

N/A
Locked

Additional Controls  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Breathability 
 

N/A
N/A

Breathability After Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Avg.Temp.Difference  

Lock °C
Show Text 

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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L  

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

W  

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

H  

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Transmitter Required  

N/A
Locked
Show Text 

Case 
 

N/A
N/A

Case Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Type  

Locked
Locked

L  

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

W  

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

H  

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Stability 
 

N/A
N/A

Stability Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Headshots 1  

Angled Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Side Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Headshots 2  

Front Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Rear Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Top  

Top Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 
Isolation

Noise Isolation - Full Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Noise Cancelling  

Locked
Locked

Overall Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Isolation Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Airplane Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB

Airplane Noise Isolation Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
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Office Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB

Office Noise Isolation Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
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Street Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB

Street Noise Isolation Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW
Show Text 

Noise Isolation - Voice Handling 
 

Female Voice 1 
 

JOIN NOW
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Male Voice 1 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Female Voice 2 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Male Voice 2 
 

JOIN NOW
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ANC Wind Handling 
 

ANC Wind Handling Graph  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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ANC Wind Noise 
 

JOIN NOW
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Leakage 
 

N/A
N/A

Leakage  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

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Leakage Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Overall Leakage @ 1ft 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 
Microphone

Microphone Style 
 

Integrated 
 

Locked
Locked

In-Line 
 

Locked
Locked

Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable Boom 
 

N/A
Locked

Mic  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Recording Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Microphone Frequency Response  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Recorded Speech 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

LFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

FR Std. Dev. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

HFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Weighted THD 
 

Lock
Lock

Gain 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

SpNR  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

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SpNR 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Gate 
 

Locked

Speech + Pink Noise Handling 
 

0.0

Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample  

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Speech + Subway Noise Handling 
 

0.0

Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample  

JOIN NOW
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Show Text 
Active Features

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Continuous Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Additional Charges 
 

Lock
Lock

Total Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Charge Time 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Power-Saving Feature 
 

Locked
Locked

Audio While Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Passive Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Charging Port  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

App Support 
 

N/A
N/A

App Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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App Name  

N/A
Locked

iOS  

Locked
Locked

Android  

Locked
Locked

macOS  

N/A
Locked

Windows  

N/A
Locked

Equalizer 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic Control  

N/A
Locked

Room Effects 
 

Locked
Locked

Playback Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Button Mapping  

Locked
Locked

Surround Sound  

N/A

Surround Support 
 

Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Wired Connection 
 

N/A
N/A

Cable Picture  

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Analog Audio 
 

N/A
Locked

USB Audio 
 

N/A
Locked

Detachable 
 

N/A
Locked

Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Connector 
 

N/A
Locked

Latency - Analog 
 

N/A

Latency - USB 
 

N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Recorded Latency Connection  

Locked

Wired Latency 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Bluetooth Connection 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Version 
 

Locked
Locked

Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

NFC Pairing 
 

Locked

Quick Pair (Android) 
 

Locked

Quick Pair (iOS) 
 

Locked

Line Of Sight Range 
 

Lock ft
Lock ft (Lock m)

Latency - SBC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Latency - aptX 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality) 
 

N/A

Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency) 
 

N/A

Latency - LDAC 
 

N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Recorded Latency Codec  

Locked

AAC Support 
 

Locked

aptX(LL) Latency 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Wireless Connection (Dongle) 
 

N/A
N/A

Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - Dongle 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

PC Compatibility 
 

Analog 
 

Locked

Wired USB 
 

Locked

Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Show Text 

PlayStation Compatibility 
 

PS4 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PS4 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PS4 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Analog 
 

Locked

PS5 Wired USB 
 

Locked

PS5 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked

Xbox Compatibility 
 

Xbox One Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Analog 
 

Locked

Xbox Series X|S Wired USB 
 

Locked

Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked

Base/Dock 
 

N/A
N/A

Type 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Input 
 

Locked
Locked

Line In 
 

Locked
Locked

Line Out 
 

Locked
Locked

Optical Input 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA Input 
 

Locked
Locked

Dock Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Power Supply 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

PC / PS4 Compatibility 
 

PC / PS4 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PC / PS4 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PC / PS4 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

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AirPods (3rd generation)
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AirPods (1st generation)
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Lightning Charging Case - White
AirPods (3rd generation)
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Apple AirPods (1st generation)

Apple AirPods (3rd generation)

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation): Main Discussion

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