Airpods: Is the third generation of Apple headphones for investing 199 euros?

Next Gen!Launched a few weeks before the end of year celebrations, the new Apple AirPods (3rd generation) join AirPods (2nd generation) and AirPods Pro in the manufacturer's range.In a universe now very competitive, Apple wants to maintain its aura in our ears.

According to figures circulating in its competitors, the market share of the Cupertino firm in the world of headphones a hundred percent wireless (or "true wireless") would be 50 to 60 %.A quasi-monopoly.But in addition to the novelty effect, do new AirPods launched at 199 euros constitute the "must-have" in this area?

The choice of open-fit

The color does not change, the design slightly.With their small white upper with a reduced size of 33 %, the new AirPods remain identifiable among all.Distinctive sign compared to the AirPods pro launched two years ago: the raw airpods 2021 are in so-called "open-fit" format and not "intra-ear".They thus land at the entrance to the ears but do not sink into it.

This is a crucial element at the time of choice, because like the first and second generation airpods, Apple's new headphones do not have passive insulation.Hooked on the ears, they thus let the ambient noises pass.Some prefer this type of headphones, less intrusive than "intras" which however have the advantage of better insulating their user, but also of offering mechanically more present bass.

Limited codecs

Bluetooth 5.0, small headphones are compatible with classic AAC and SBC audio formats.But point of Aptx, Aptx HD or LDAC on the horizon.Behind these slightly barbaric names, less compressed Bluetooth codecs, with better speed*, therefore an increased quality of listening.Apple is satisfied with the minimum union.

Furthermore, if because of their open-fit format, the new AirPods do not have passive insulation, they do not offer more active insulation with a noise reduction system.At the same price, headphones like the Elite 7 Pro of Jabra offer them.The fact remains that Apple headphones are at the IPX4 standard.They thus resist splashing and sweat and can be used in the context of a sports activity.This is a plus compared to second generation AirPods, which have no protection.

Good ergonomics, good sound

Very pleasant to wear, light, finally discreet, and perfectly holding in the ears when you move your head, the new AirPods surprise by their beautiful audio signature.If very often the open-fit format of certain headphones is synonymous with its dish, lacking in personality, Apple here succeeds in getting rid of the small drawbacks of this form-factor with very good quality listening.Despite everything, we deplore the absence of an equalizer: we must accept the sound as provided.

Hot and well dosed, it is strongly similar to that of a "vinyl" rendering.Listening to album 10.000 Hz (2021 remastered) of the Versaillais Air duo seduced us with its beautifully restored cozy atmospheres.That of our hearts, Anne Sila's album, testified to the AirPods' ability to reveal the details of a score.And with Ed Sheeran's new album, we were able to enjoy the spatial audio sound.

3D audio not so gadget

The principle of space audio: by detecting the movements of the head, the AirPods restore the music as if the singer remained in his place, on a scene.Result: when you turn your head to the left, the interpreter's voice slowly slides towards the right earboard.When you turn your head to the right, the voice passes to the left.

Thus presented, the concept seems a little gadget, but by dint of listening, we end up finding a real interest in it, with a sound scene which seems much more natural, as if we were in a concert hall.

More and more numerous, albums remastered in space audio on the Apple Music platform offer this possibility: from Imagine by John Lennon, to Human de OnerePublic, via Let it Be des Beatles, Happier Than Ever by Billie Eillish, and evenThe story of Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg.What to discover music differently.Spatial audio is even more impressive with series or films, as with Foundation on Apple TV+, whose spatial audio sound offers a particularly immersive experience.

Validated in telework

The announced autonomy of new AirPods exceeds six hours promised by Apple.We have preserved the headphones throughout a day and were able to reach practically seven hours of listening.The small charging box (46.4 x 54.4 x 21.38 mm for 37.91 grams), which is compatible with wireless load, allows to reach around thirty hours of use.

Observation: Airpods are perfectly suited for teleworking use: their port for long hours does not bother.However, we would have liked that in addition to the next song functions, previous piece, play/break and launch of the Siri assistant, we can also modulate the listening volume directly from one or the other earpiece.Small consolation: with an iPhone, Siri announces the name of the person who calls.What to filter your calls without having to take out your smartphone…

On arrival, 3rd generation airpods fulfill their primary mission.But are too expensive for what they offer.At 199 euros, their ergonomics and their listening quality are certainly to be added, but the earphones do not have an active noise reduction system, application to personalize listening, and are satisfied with the most ordinary Bluetooth codecs.Unless you are an irreducible Apple Addict, there are headphones at the same price that can offer more.

* AAC: 250 kbps;SBC: 345 kbps;Aptx: 384 kbps;Aptx HD: 576 kbps;LDAC: 990 kpps.