AirPods 3 Unboxing and First Test!
The third-generation AirPods look more like the AirPods Pro, without the silicone tip, but with fewer features than the Pro. They cost $179.
Unboxing
The case is wider and slightly shorter than the first and second-generation case, and similar to the AirPods Pro’s, and it’s now MagSafe compatible (you can use a MagSafe charging puck). Inside the box: a quick start guide, no stickers (no black stickers like the new MacBooks), and a Lightning to USB-C cable that, unfortunately, isn’t braided. I’d like Apple to ship braided cables with everything: they look better and seem more durable.
I love my regular AirPods and carry them in my pocket all the time; I’d leave my wallet somewhere before my AirPods. When AirPods first came out, I couldn’t use the EarPods that came with iPhones because they always hurt my ears, so I used cheaper earbuds with silicone tips. I eventually forced myself to adjust to the AirPods, and they’re comfortable now, so I was curious about the new shape.
Fit and controls
The AirPods pop up in the case with a satisfying snap (a little fidget device), and pairing is the usual pop-up notification. The big change: no more tapping your ear. Like the AirPods Pro, you squeeze the stem, a pressure-sensitive “click” (like the Magic Trackpad’s fake click). One press plays, pauses or answers calls; two skips forward; three goes back; press and hold activates Siri.
Comparing a second-generation AirPod in one ear and the new one in the other: the new one feels as secure, not bulbous, a slightly tighter fit. I think I’ll need a few days to a week to adjust, but it doesn’t feel uncomfortable.
Sound
They sound like AirPods, and I can hear a bit better bass response from the new dynamic drivers. Compared with the second generation, those sound more hollow, maybe due to the wider fit on the new ones, which fills your ear more. It’s a more full sound, deeper in the bass, and part of that is probably the adaptive EQ from the AirPods Pro, which adjusts the EQ to the fit.
Features
- Spatial audio is built in, either fixed or head-tracked for a surround-sound feeling.
- There’s no noise canceling or transparency mode (so if that matters, look at the AirPods Pro or Max).
- Battery: up to 6 hours of listening and up to 30 hours with the case, an improvement over the previous generation’s 5 and 24.
- They’re water and sweat resistant, unlike the first and second generation, so they should be fine for running, working out or being outside.
- The charging case works with MagSafe pucks or third-party MagSafe devices; it won’t charge faster, but it helps align.
Are you going to pick up the new AirPods with the new design and button?
Links
- AirPods 3rd Gen
- UNLIMITED Cloud Backup for your Mac with Backblaze
- 2020 iMac
- Bamboo Monitor Stand
- CalDigit SOHO
- CalDigit TS3
- Samsung X5 Thunderbolt SSD
- OWC 32 GB Kit (2x16GB) for 2019-2020 iMac
- MX Master 3 Mouse
- Satechi Magnetic Charger 2-in-1
- BenQ ScreenBar
- Kanto Yu2 Speakers Matte Gray
- Apple Magic keyboard
- Apple Magic Trackpad
- MX Master 3 Mouse
- Desk Mat Moko PU Leather
- MacBook Pro M1
- Samsung UR55 28” display
- MountUP Monitor Arm
- If this was helpful I have a tip jar
- Sony A6400
- Primary Lens Sigma f1.4 16mm
- Secondary Lens Sony f2.8 16-55MM G
- Sennheiser MKH-416 mic
- Zoom F6 recorder
- Rode VideoMic NTG
- iPad Pro 12.9
- Used DJI OSMO 3 Gimbal for some shots
- Tascam DR-10L Audio Recorder with Lav
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission. See my ethics statement.
