should you upgrade to the new earbuds?

It’s been two long years, but Apple has finally announced new AirPods. In this comparison we put the AirPods 3 against the previous generation: these are the main differences.

AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2 Comparison

In short: the AirPods 3 are in between the previous AirPods and the AirPods Pro, the more expensive and better earbuds. The new ‘regular’ AirPods, for example, have about the same design as the Pro earphones and copy some audio functions, such as Spatial Audio. This allows you to enjoy surround sound.

However, they are not quite the same as the AirPods 3 do not have active noise cancellation, for example, unlike the AirPods Pro. Do you want to know more? In this AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2 comparison, we discuss all the differences between the old and new guard. Tap the links below to jump directly to that section of the equation.

Luxury design

Starting with the most visible upgrade: the design. The third generation AirPods have an updated design that is reminiscent of the AirPods Pro.

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For example, the new ‘entry-level’ earphones have shorter stems. That’s nice, because it means you have less chance of them slipping out of your ears. Furthermore, Apple has made the design more ergonomic by giving the top of the earbuds a little more curvature. This makes them easier to fit in your ears.

The charging box of the new AirPods has also been overhauled a bit. This one now has more curves and thus follows the charging case of the AirPods Pro.

Water resistance

It rains a lot in the Netherlands, so it is not a superfluous luxury to buy gadgets that are not afraid of a little water. Fortunately, the AirPods 3 are completely waterproof thanks to the IPX4 award (just like the AirPods Pro).

This allows them to absorb some sweat against a rain shower, but also during sports – without giving up. The AirPods 2 are (on paper) not at all against water.

Say hello to surround sound

Not entirely unimportant when discussing earplugs: how do they sound? We can only really answer that question once we have tested the AirPods 3, but our expectations are high.

The new AirPods have received several new audio functions. Consider, for example, Spatial Audio, a feature that was previously only usable on the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max headphones.

Spatial Audio ensures that you can enjoy surround sound. While watching a movie, the sound seems to move around you. If a shot sounds in a scene on the left of the screen, you will also hear the sound of the bullet go past your left ear.

Also new on the AirPods 3: Adaptive EQ. This audio technique automatically adjusts the pitch of music to the shape of your ear. This makes the sound ‘warmer’ and fuller.

Battery life

Battery life is extremely important for wireless earbuds. There’s nothing more irritating than great-sounding earphones that you have to recharge every once in a while because they’re empty again.

Fortunately, the AirPods 3 are fine with this, because they have a battery life of 6 hours. The charging case contains enough power to charge the earphones four more times. In total, the AirPods 3 therefore have a user life of 30 hours.

That is 6 hours more than the AirPods 2. The previous Apple earphones have a standard battery life of 5 hours, with 19 hours of power in the charging case.

There is another difference between the AirPods 3 and 2. The new variant charges faster than its predecessor. According to Apple, you only have to put the caps in the charging case for five minutes to be able to listen to music for another hour.

Prices

The new AirPods cost 199 euros and are available from October 26. They are therefore two tens more expensive than the predecessors when they appear, but you can charge them wirelessly as standard.

Do you prefer the older version? That’s possible: Apple continues to sell the AirPods 2. The second generation of earbuds has been reduced in price and costs now 149 euros.