Last fall, Apple released the long-awaited third-generation AirPods. The differences are clear at a glance because the design has been clearly adjusted and the charging case is smaller. You will not only see changes on the outside, but the AirPods have also received some improvements internally.
The AirPods 2021 still contain an Apple H1 headphone chip that ensures a fast connection with your devices. In addition, you can use the Pods for longer thanks to the improved battery and battery life. Because the AirPods are popular, it is interesting to compare the facts and differences.
Differences between AirPods 3rd generation and AirPods 2019
The differences below are new for the 2021 model or improved over the second generation.
- A new design inspired by the AirPods Pro without ear tips
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- A microphone inside for Adaptive EQ
- Specially designed high-excursion speaker driver from Apple
- Specially designed amplifier with a wide dynamic range
- Skin detection sensor to check if the AirPods are in the ear
- Pressure sensor to control the AirPods
- Find My Network support
- Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
- Up to 6 hours of listening time on a full charge
- Up to 30 hours of listening time with charging case
- 5 minutes of charging is good for 1 hour of listening or talk time
- MagSafe Charging Case
- The package includes a Lightning to USB‑C cable
- €20 cheaper compared to the previous generation in combination with a wireless charging case
- AirPods 3rd generation now on sale for € 199
- AirPods 2nd generation without wireless charging case for €149
Similarities AirPods 3rd Generation and AirPods Pro
Now that the 3rd generation AirPods are very similar to the AirPods Pro, it is also interesting to compare these devices. They contain a number of similarities. Below is an overview of options that can be found on both the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro.
- H1 headphone chip
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- The microphone on the inside for, among other things, Adaptive EQ
- Specially designed high-excursion speaker driver from Apple
- Specially designed amplifier with a wide dynamic range
- Pressure sensor to control the AirPods
- Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
- Find My Network support
- MagSafe charging case (new for the Pro since 18/10/2021)
Exclusive to the AirPods Pro
- Silicone ear tips design
- Active Noise Canceling
- Transparency mode
- Ventilation system for air pressure reduction
- Two optical sensors to check if the AirPods are in the ear
- Call amplification (accessibility function)
Battery life AirPods 2021, 2019 and Pro
The battery life of the AirPods 3rd generation has increased considerably. Up to 6 hours of listening time and up to 4 hours of talk time on a full charge. If you use spatial audio, the listening time is up to 5 hours. Thanks to the MagSafe charging case, you can extend the battery life of the AirPods up to 30 hours. Quickly charge the AirPods? 5 minutes in the case is good for 1 hour of listening or talk time.
In comparison: The AirPods Pro has a listening time of 4.5 hours with active noise cancellation (5 hours without). The AirPods 2nd generation has a battery life of 5 after a full charge. In both cases, you can charge the AirPods in the case and extend the battery life up to 24 hours of listening time.
Wireless charging
Anyone who purchases the new AirPods 2021 will immediately receive a wireless charging case. With the previous generation, you had to specifically choose this. As a result, the combination of AirPods with a wireless charging case has become € 20 cheaper from € 229 to € 199.
The charging case for the AirPods 3rd generation and AirPods Pro now features MagSafe support. This means that you can position them more easily on the MagSafe chargers from Apple and other manufacturers.
Spatial audio and Adaptive EQ support
All AirPods models can use Dolby Atmos through Apple Music . This means that you can listen to music in spatial audio. This is now also added to the AirPods 3 for films and series. Thanks to this function, you can enjoy virtual surround sound.
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking surrounds you with sound and brings a whole new dimension to music, series, movies and more. The sound comes from all sides as if you are in the middle of your own cinema or concert hall. Just like with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max , the position of the head is also taken into account with these models.
Apple states that the sound quality is better than ever, thanks to the improved speakers, the music sounds fuller and the bass has been improved by 30% compared to the previous model. The AirPods 3rd generation has Adaptive EQ. This automatically adjusts the music to the shape of your ears, so that the sound is always equally full. This is made possible by the new microphone inside, which hears what you hear and will then adjust the audio by adjusting the medium and low frequencies.