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Apple AirPods 3Image © support.apple.com

Apple AirPods 3

70/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Good value

$84
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Apple
Type
True Wireless
Fit
-
Connection
Wireless
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2021

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound7.0
Battery7.0
Calls6.3

Review: How does the Apple AirPods 3 compare to the best cheaper alternatives? Test vs 1more Comfobuds Pro, Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro, SoundPEATS Air3.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Apple AirPods 3 deliver a noticeable step up in audio clarity, detail, and spatial sound compared to earlier models, alongside improved battery life and a more secure fit for many users. They offer solid call quality and seamless integration with Apple devices, but their open design and lack of active noise cancellation mean they won't suit everyone, especially in noisy environments. While the sound is a clear upgrade, it's not class-leading, and the fixed fit may not work for all ear shapes.

What works

  • Improved sound clarity and detail over previous AirPods
  • Better battery life than AirPods 2
  • IPX4 water resistance for workouts and light rain
  • Wireless charging case included
  • Excellent call quality with beamforming mics

What doesn't

  • No active noise cancellation
  • Open, non-customizable fit may not seal well for all ears
  • Sound quality is good but not outstanding for the price
  • No multipoint connectivity or USB-C charging

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Apple AirPods 3
Driverdynamic
Driver typedynamic
Drivers per side1

What the reviews said

5 source(s) feeding this product's score.

scarbir

71

The AirPods 3 is a giant leap forward in sound quality over the previous AirPods, with more definition, more detail and surround modes that really add up to the listening experience. Combined with Apple's multipoint connectivity, Siri integration, and excellent call quality, the AirPods 3 is an outstanding pair of wireless earbuds - whether you're looking for half-in-ears or not. Check price on Amazon US Check price on Amazon Germany Check price on other Amazon countries I bought the Apple AirPods 3 myself to test and review. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial. I test and review all audio products equally honest - read about it here . Consider buying this earphone? I'd really appreciate it if you use the links in this article . It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest for great affordable audio. <3 Also read: Guide: The best sounding true wireless earphones under $50 Leaderboard: All rated wireless earphones

Read the full review

expertreviews.co.uk

The reviewer calls the AirPods 3 a major improvement over the previous generation, especially for battery life and the new fit. The review is strongly positive overall, but it notes that the lack of ANC still limits appeal for some buyers.

Read the full review

imore.com

iMore describes the AirPods 3 as a strong upgrade with better battery life, improved sound, IPX4 resistance, and a better in-ear fit for many users. The review’s main reservation is that the lack of ANC and the fixed fit will not suit everyone.

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techgearlab.com

TechGearLab finds the AirPods 3 competent but not outstanding: the sound is described as only okay, the fit is open and non-customizable, and there is no active noise cancelling. Battery life and call quality are judged decent, but the reviewer is not enthusiastic about the sound.

Read the full review

whathifi.com

What Hi-Fi notes that the AirPods 3 deliver better battery life and a more capable feature set than the AirPods 2, though not class-leading overall. The review emphasizes the improved runtime and the upgraded audio and design as the main reasons to consider them.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Mixedacross 4 videos

Reviewers agree the AirPods 3 deliver improved sound quality with more bass, a comfortable open-fit design, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, making them a solid everyday choice.

Reviewers liked

  • Improved sound quality with better bass and clear vocals
  • Comfortable open-fit design for many users
  • Seamless Apple ecosystem integration and MagSafe charging

Reviewers flagged

  • No active noise cancellation
  • Hard plastic tips may not fit securely for all ear shapes
  • Price too close to AirPods Pro, which offers more features
10:53

AirPods 3 Review: Easy Mode!

Marques Brownlee5M viewsNov 2021

The reviewer finds the AirPods 3 to be a solid, well-rounded pair of earbuds that excel at everyday use, with significantly improved sound quality and a comfortable fit for most people, though he personally prefers silicone-tipped alternatives like the AirPods Pro due to his ear shape. He notes they lack noise cancellation and a built-in EQ, but praises their seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, MagSafe case, and overall convenience, concluding they are an easy recommendation for most users.

10:30

Apple AirPods 3 - Unboxing & Review!

UrAvgConsumer992.9K viewsOct 2021

The reviewer finds the AirPods 3 to be a solid upgrade over the previous generation, with improved sound, a shorter stem, and useful features like skin detection and MagSafe charging. However, he notes that the lack of ear tips means they may not fit everyone well, and he personally prefers the AirPods Pro for their in-ear seal and bass response. Overall, he considers them a good option for those who dislike ear tips and are looking for a mid-range price point.

5:30

AirPods 3 Review: AMAZING Earbuds With One Small Problem...

Mark Spurrell571.4K viewsNov 2021

The reviewer praises the AirPods 3 as a solid, comfortable, and great-sounding addition to Apple's lineup, with improved bass and battery life. However, he notes a significant drawback: their price is very close to the often-discounted AirPods Pro, making the Pro a better value unless you specifically want to avoid silicone tips. He recommends waiting for a deal on the Pro unless the open-fit design is a priority.

3:32

AirPods 3 In 2026! (Still Worth Buying?) (Review)

Simple Alpaca2.4K viewsJan 2026

The reviewer reflects on the aging AirPods 3 in 2026, noting they still offer decent battery life, spatial audio, and a comfortable build for some, but criticizes the dated H1 chip, lack of noise cancellation, and Lightning port. They suggest newer models like the AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2 may be better buys, making the AirPods 3 a less compelling option now.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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