Apple’s AirPods have revolutionized the personal audio landscape, popularizing the true wireless earphone form factor and inspiring countless imitations. While many competitive options exist, the AirPods remain iconic for their distinctive design and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The recently launched AirPods (3rd Gen), priced at Rs. 18,500 in India, builds upon this legacy with a redesigned form factor reminiscent of the AirPods Pro, but without the Pro’s advanced features. This review delves into whether the AirPods (3rd Gen) are the best true wireless headset under Rs. 20,000, examining its design, features, sound quality, and overall performance.
A Refined Look and Feature Set
The AirPods (3rd Gen) mark a significant departure from their predecessors, embracing a design inspired by the AirPods Pro. The earpieces now boast shorter stems and feature a force-touch button on each earpiece for intuitive control. Unlike the AirPods Pro’s secure and noise-isolating silicone ear tips, the AirPods (3rd Gen) retain the outer-ear fit of the original AirPods, providing less isolation but potentially greater comfort for extended wear.
The larger earpieces with wider grilles contribute to a more secure fit compared to the AirPods (2nd Gen), though they lack the noise isolation of the AirPods Pro. The IPX4 water resistance rating allows the AirPods (3rd Gen) to withstand light splashes of water and sweat, making them suitable for workout sessions or light rain.
The force-touch controls offer a more precise and consistent response compared to the touch controls on previous models. A deliberate press on the earpiece provides tactile feedback, mimicking the feel of a physical button. This functionality allows for play/pause, track skipping, call answering, and Siri invocation without needing to reach for your smartphone.
The charging case of the AirPods (3rd Gen) has been redesigned to accommodate the new earpiece shape, becoming shorter and wider than its predecessor. It retains the Lightning port for charging at the bottom, with the pairing button at the back and the indicator light on the front. Notably, the case supports Qi wireless charging and is MagSafe compatible.
On the technology front, the AirPods (3rd Gen) utilizes Bluetooth 5 and the AAC codec as the default option when paired with Apple devices, although it also supports SBC codec for wider compatibility. Apple’s H1 chip powers the headset, enabling fast pairing and seamless connectivity with other Apple devices. The inclusion of a skin detection sensor automatically pauses music when removed from the ears, enhancing the user experience. However, active noise cancellation is absent on this model, and the package only includes a USB Type-C to Lightning charging cable.
Battery Life: A Notable Improvement
The AirPods (3rd Gen) boasts an improved battery life compared to the 2nd Gen and Pro models, delivering over 5 hours of usage time with both music and calls. The charging case provides an additional four full charges, resulting in a total battery life of around 25-26 hours per charge cycle. This impressive battery performance is a welcome addition, making the AirPods (3rd Gen) suitable for all-day usage without concerns about running out of power.
Spatial Audio and Siri: Enhancing Your Listening Experience
Apple’s Spatial Audio technology, first introduced with Apple TV, was later rolled out for Apple Music in mid-2021. The AirPods (3rd Gen) now embraces this technology, offering an immersive listening experience with head-tracking for compatible services. This feature creates a virtual surround sound effect, allowing the audio to dynamically adjust based on the user’s head movement.
The AirPods (3rd Gen) also supports full-fledged Siri integration, with the option to enable the hands-free "Hey Siri" wake phrase. This feature mirrors the functionality found on iPhones, iPads, and HomePods, allowing seamless voice control without touching the source device. Siri can perform various tasks, from reading out notifications and adjusting volume to fetching content, calling contacts, and more, enhancing the convenience and utility of the AirPods (3rd Gen).
Sound Quality: A Step Up with Adaptive EQ
Beyond the design enhancements, the AirPods (3rd Gen) features several audio improvements inherited from the AirPods Pro, including Adaptive EQ, custom high-excursion drivers, a high dynamic range amplifier, and Spatial Audio support. These upgrades elevate the sound quality, bringing it closer to the AirPods Pro but without active noise cancellation.
Adaptive EQ, a feature present in the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, automatically adjusts the equalizer settings based on the shape of the user’s ear. This ensures optimal sound tailored to each individual, delivering a more personalized listening experience.
Testing the AirPods (3rd Gen) with a variety of tracks revealed a noticeably improved sound quality compared to the 2nd Gen model. The sonic signature displayed a remarkable adaptability across different genres, accurately reproducing complex musical nuances.
Songs like "Snitch" by Netsky and Aloe Blacc featured a clear and detailed sound, with precise reproduction of the sonic elements across the entire frequency range. The punchy electronic track showcased the AirPods (3rd Gen)’s ability to handle dynamic ranges with ease.
"Holdin’ On (Skrillex and Nero Remix)" by Monsta, with its aggressive and fast tempo, further demonstrated the AirPods (3rd Gen)’s capacity for handling complex sonic textures and maintaining clarity during rapid transitions.
The slower and more refined "Truth" by Kamasi Washington showcased the earphones’ ability to bring out the intricacies of jazz instrumentation, seamlessly adjusting to subtle shifts in pace and tone.
A Balanced Performance: Good Sound, But No Active Noise Cancellation
The lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) on the AirPods (3rd Gen) is a double-edged sword. While it eliminates the potential for audio distortion caused by ANC processing, it also means that ambient sounds are readily audible. Although the earphones are sufficiently loud and clear for enjoyable listening in moderately noisy environments, the absence of ANC might be a dealbreaker for users seeking a more immersive and secluded listening experience.
While the AirPods (3rd Gen) lack ANC, the Adaptive EQ plays a crucial role in providing an overall well-balanced sound experience. The earphones are capable of tailoring the sound signature to different genres and tracks, ensuring a consistently pleasant listening experience.
Spatial Audio: A Captivating Immersive Experience
The AirPods (3rd Gen) supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and head-tracking, providing a captivating surround sound effect with exceptional accuracy. The head-tracking feature enhances the experience by dynamically adjusting the audio based on the user’s head movement, creating a truly immersive and engaging listening experience.
Calls: Clear Communication, But Limitations in Noisy Environments
Apple incorporates an acoustic mesh around the microphones to reduce wind noise and other ambient sounds during calls. While the effectiveness of this feature is not readily quantifiable, call quality on the AirPods (3rd Gen) was consistently good both indoors and outdoors.
The absence of active noise cancellation and sound isolation significantly impacted call clarity in noisy environments. Users seeking optimal call performance in bustling settings might be better served with a headset that offers ANC.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender for the Apple Ecosystem
The AirPods (3rd Gen), priced at Rs. 18,500, are relatively expensive considering the lack of active noise cancellation. However, they offer a compelling blend of features and performance, making them a strong choice for users within the Apple ecosystem. The AirPods (3rd Gen) seamlessly integrate with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, taking advantage of features like fast pairing, Siri integration, and Spatial Audio support.
While the AirPods Pro offer a superior audio experience with ANC, the AirPods (3rd Gen) present a compelling alternative for those seeking a high-quality, comfortable, and well-integrated true wireless experience without breaking the bank. Nevertheless, competitive options from other brands offer stronger passive noise isolation and ANC at similar or even lower price points.
Ultimately, the choice between the AirPods (3rd Gen) and other competitors depends on the user’s priorities and preferences. If seamless integration with Apple devices and a user-friendly experience are paramount, the AirPods (3rd Gen) are a strong contender. However, users seeking the most advanced features and the best possible sound isolation might find better options elsewhere.
