AirPods 3 review: Are Apple's new wireless headphones worth their price?

The AirPods 3 stand out from previous models with a new design and the arrival of spatial audio. With a price that is close to 200 euros.

It's the first real redesign of Apple's original AirPods. After the arrival of the AirPods 2 with beneficial but discreet novelties, the AirPods 3 (199 euros) take a step forward: their design has been completely redesigned, to approach that of the AirPods Pro (279 euros). Putting aside a slight improvement in autonomy, the other novelty is the arrival of the spatial audio mode, attractive although still imperfect.

The qualities of the AirPods 3

A “light” AirPods Pro design

As their price positioning indicates, the AirPods 3 are between the AirPods 2 and the AirPods Pro. Unlike the latter, they are not in-ear, but they take up a large part of the lines, which can, according to some teasing minds, give them a false air of a hair dryer. With a significantly shortened upper compared to the previous model.

This aesthetic evolution has no effect on their good behavior in the ear, including during exercise. Like the AirPods 2, the AirPods 3 proved very comfortable and securely attached during a long run. The shortened rod can however make their manipulation more dangerous than before, at least during the first uses.

Overall enticing spatial audio

Inherited from the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, the spatial audio function arrives on these AirPods. According to Apple's promise, it allows “360° sound as if you were in your own concert hall or cinema”. Two possibilities are offered: a fixed spatial audio, or a spatial audio which analyzes the movements of the head to give the illusion that the sound comes from a source placed in front of you.

Our impressions are different, depending on whether it is about films and series, or about music. In the first category, the spatial audio is convincing, with - promise kept - a real impression of being in a cinema. It now works with the main streaming services (Netflix, Disney+ and of course Apple TV+). Only downside: spatial audio only activates on streaming applications, and not on their web version, accessible from a Mac.

It is much more difficult to pass judgment on spatial audio as it is offered on Apple Music (in Dolby Atmos) or by converting the sound coming from another service (eg Spotify).

After several hours of listening, the spatial audio is generally satisfactory, with often more enveloping sounds and, sometimes, the rediscovery of our favorite tracks. But in other cases, the function is disappointing, not bringing the extra soul promised by Apple.

Overall, the balance remains positive: spatial audio is a real argument if you watch films and series on an iPhone or iPad, and proves attractive on a significant part of the music tracks. However, we hope that Apple will make the necessary corrections to fully keep its promise.

Increased autonomy

The AirPods 3 gain one hour of battery life, and now provide 30 hours of listening time including the charges allowed by the case (compared to 24 hours for the AirPods 2). The evolution is appreciable, especially in the event of prolonged use over a weekend without means of recharging, or during a long trip. Note that the AirPods 3 come with a magnetic MagSafe wireless charging case.

Ease of use at its finest

Unsurprisingly, the AirPods 3 prove to be just as childish to use as the brand's other earphone models, immediately pairing with an iPhone, iPad or MacBook. Where some Bluetooth headphones are finicky to set up, AirPods are detected and activated in no time.

Weaknesses of the AirPods 3

Reserved for iPhone users

The consequence of this perfect harmonization with the Apple ecosystem is, as for the other models, the brake on the purchase of AirPods if you have an Android smartphone. They will then be functional, like any pair of Bluetooth headphones, but without a large part of their functions.

A high price

At 199 euros, the AirPods 3 are as expensive as other models intended for Android mobiles (for example from Oppo or Samsung) which benefit from active noise cancellation, a function reserved for AirPods Pro. As often, it will be relevant to closely scrutinize a possible price drop, especially since the Pro model often falls below the 230 euro mark.

Conclusion

With such an aesthetic refresh, the AirPods 3 should easily find their audience, especially as a statutory product. The arrival of the spatial audio mode will justify their high price for cinephiles and audiophiles, despite some disappointments in the second area.

For those who do not have an iPhone, the AirPods 3 remain difficult to recommend as the Android universe cuts their interest. With iPhone owners, they could especially see themselves competing with AirPods Pro on sale. For basic uses, the AirPods 2, sold for 50 euros less, remain an excellent choice.