Whether it's price, detailed specs, audio quality, or different features, what are the differences between Apple's AirPods 2 and AirPods 3? We tell you all about it.
As you probably know, Apple has finally lifted the veil on its third-generation wireless headphones, the AirPods 3. Offered at 50 euros more than AirPods 2, Apple's new headphones aren't intended to replace them since both are now available for purchase. But they take advantage of a myriad of novelties, which we will analyze and compare here.
In terms of design, the AirPods 3 are not that different from the AirPods 2. They do not benefit from the active noise canceling feature, but have l’audio spatial or adaptive equalizer. They also take advantage of the power of Apple's H1 chip, MagSafe and Siri. They are also resistant to sweat and water thanks to the IPX4 certification. So what are the differences between AirPods 2 and AirPods 3? The answer here.
What are the design differences between AirPods 2 and AirPods 3?
What strikes you when you compare the AirPods 2 to AirPods 3 is indeed the design. The new headphones take advantage of shorter stems, similar to AirPods Pro. They should therefore fit better in the ears than the AirPods 2, which are closer to the EarPods, released in 2017.
- AirPods 2 dimension:
- Height: 40,5 mm
- Width: 16,5 mm
- Thickness: mm 18
- Weight: 4g (each)
- AirPods 3 dimension:
- Height: 30,79 mm
- Width: 18,26 mm
- Thickness: mm 19,21
- Weight: 4,28g (each)
AirPods 3 also benefit a less imposing case (lower, wider), similar to the case of AirPods 3.
- AirPods 2 case:
- Height: 53,5 mm
- Width: 44,3 mm
- Thickness: mm 21,3
- Weight: g 38,2
- AirPods 3 case:
- Height: 46,40 mm
- Width: 54,40 mm
- Thickness: mm 21,38
- Weight: g 37,91
What are the differences in functionality for AirPods 2 and AirPods 3?
AirPods 3 take advantage of a myriad of new features. We will first mention the fact that they are used by pinch and not by tapping. Second, they can be located much more precisely than AirPods 2, with the Apple Finder application (like AirTags).
Finally, it should be noted that the AirPods 3 benefit from skin sensors instead of optical sensors. A little novelty that Apple did not really discuss during its conference, but which can make all the difference in use. The goal is that audio playback does not trigger on its own, for example when you slip your headphones into your pocket without their case.
On the other hand, note that neither pair has active noise reduction. To take advantage of it, it will therefore be necessary to go upmarket and rather go on the AirPods Pro, sold € 279.
In addition, AirPods 3 take advantage of the codec AAC-ELD, which improves the clarity of the voice. They also benefit from l’audio spatial and a adaptive equalizer, in addition to the SBC and AAC codecs already present in the AirPods 2. This allows, in fact, to better hear your interlocutors and to enjoy better overall sound quality.
“Thanks to spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, the sound envelops you completely and gives you a three-dimensional listening experience for music, TV shows and movies. Immerse yourself in 360 ° sound as if you were in your own concert hall or movie theater, ”Apple says of AirPods 3.
Finally and according to Apple, the AirPods 3 benefit faster pairing. Just put them near your iPhone or iPad and tap Sign In to pair them with every device in your iCloud account. If you're listening to music on your Mac, you can answer a call on your iPhone without having to change your device.
Which headphones have the best battery life?
AirPods 3 are not only compatible with MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, but they are also more capable in terms of battery life. According to Apple, AirPods 3 are able to hold up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge (up to 5 hours with spatial audio on) and up to 4 hours talk time on a single charge. Overall, that's an hour longer than AirPods 2.
For the MagSafe charging case, Apple promises up to 30 hours of listening and up to 20 hours of talk time, instead of 19 hours for AirPods 2. In total, 5 minutes of charging in the case gives about 1 hour of listening or about 1 hour of talk time.
Which are the most durable?
Like AirPods Pro, the new headphones are IPX4 certified, which means they are resistant to sweat and rain. A detail for some, a key point for others. They are therefore much more durable than their ancestors, although it will nevertheless be necessary to remain alert and be careful not to drop them in water.
See also: iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13: what are the differences?
AirPods 3 and AirPods 2: what are the price differences?
The range of Apple AirPods now starts at 149 € with AirPods 2. Then come AirPods 3, invoiced at 199 €, then AirPods Pro, sold for 279 €. Finally, we find the AirPods Max, offered at 629 €. Here is the current price list.
- AirPods 2 : 149€
- AirPods 3 : 199€
- AirPods Pro: 279€
- AirPods Max : 629€
For information, the AirPods 3 also cost around 20 € more than the AirPods 2 when they were released two years ago, in 2019. A difference that is explained by the new hardware and, probably, by the current shortage of chips. .
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What to choose between AirPods 2 and AirPods 3?
As for which choice to make between AirPods 2 and AirPods 3, it will all depend on your needs. At € 129, AirPods 2 are now more accessible and allow you to afford Apple wireless headphones with decent sound and good features at "low price".
On the other hand, for 50 € more put on the table, AirPods 3 benefit from both welcome and justified innovations : a more modern design, better sound quality, longer battery life and many features such as spatial audio, adaptive equalizer, IPX4 certification or the more advanced Locate function.
Finally, if active noise reduction is a determining element for you, you will have to go instead on the AirPods Pro, offered at 279 €. Or wait for the next model, the AirPods Pro 2, which is long overdue.
