After months of rumors, Apple has officially announced AirPods 3. The new generation of its best-selling headphones arrive with a look very similar to the AirPods Pro, as well as several of the company’s star functions related to sound, such as compatibility with spatial audio or the dynamic equalizer.
The third generation AirPods are an intermediate option between the AirPods 2, which remain for sale, and the AirPods Pro. Compared to the model announced in 2019, they win in design, sound quality, autonomy and charge. Compared to the Pro model, they lose the sound cancellation and the Talk amplification function, but offer more battery.
Regarding the price, the second generation AirPods now cost 149 euros, while the AirPods 3 are marketed for 199 euros. The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, can be purchased on the Apple website for 279 euros. The price difference between the third generation headphones and the AirPods Pro is 80 euros. Of course, only on the Apple website.
The AirPods Pro, remember, have been on the market since October 2021. The Cupertino company never lowers the prices of its products on your website, but it does so on other official channels, such as Amazon. Therefore, it is common that after several months the price of this model drops considerably at authorized dealers. Today, They can be purchased on Amazon for about 209 euros.
The price difference between the AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro is minimal
The difference of the models to be trade on Amazon compared to AirPods 3 it is only 10 euros. For that small price difference it is possible to opt for headphones with active noise cancellation. Maintaining, in addition, the modern design, a good – although not the best – battery life and the rest of the specifications present in the AirPods 3, such as Dolby sound or resistance to sweat and rain.
We must bear in mind that AirPods Pro sold on Amazon do not include MagSafe compatible case. Apple, on the other hand, has slightly updated the Pro model with a case compatible with the magnetic system. Therefore, users who purchase the device on their website will be able to dock the charging case with a compatible charger or accessory.
This feature, of course, is not a really important change, since AirPods Pro without MagSafe continue to benefit from the wireless charging case.
So which AirPods are the most recommended?
Considering that the AirPods Pro are only 10 euros more at authorized dealers, where the device is brand new and comes with a warranty, acquiring the AirPods 3 hardly makes sense. However, and despite the small price difference, the third generation AirPods could also be an interesting option for some users.
For instance, the new padless design may be more comfortable for some people. In addition, despite the fact that these lack noise cancellation, they have greater autonomy than that of the AirPods Pro. Therefore, they can also be an interesting alternative to those consumers who prioritize autonomy.