Airpods 2nd vs 3rd Gen: Which Airpods Are Right?
Are you in the market for a new pair of wireless earbuds and torn between the Apple AirPods 2nd generation and the newer 3rd generation? You’re not alone! Both offer the convenience and seamless integration Apple is known for, but with key differences that might sway your decision.
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and value of each model. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and battery life to design and price. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the best AirPods for your needs and budget.
Whether you prioritize affordability or cutting-edge features, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both the AirPods 2nd generation and the AirPods 3rd generation. Get ready to find out which pair is the perfect fit for your ears and lifestyle!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | AirPods 2nd Gen | AirPods 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H1 | H1 |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes |
| Charging Case | Wired or Wireless | Wired or Wireless |
| Water Resistance | No | IPX4 (Sweat & Water Resistant) |
| Adaptive EQ | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (per charge) | Up to 5 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Total Battery Life (with case) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming microphones | Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Case Charging | Lightning | Lightning, MagSafe |
| Earbud Design | Universal | Universal |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- Airpod 2nd: Features a stem design similar to the original AirPods. They offer a comfortable fit for some, but can be less secure for others. The design is familiar but lacks some of the newer features found in more recent models.
- 3rd Gen: Boasts a shorter stem and a more contoured design, aiming for a more secure and comfortable fit. They are also sweat and water resistant (IPX4), making them more suitable for workouts.
- Winner: 3rd gen
Audio Quality
- Airpod 2nd: Delivers decent audio quality with a focus on ease of use. They lack some of the more advanced audio features found in later generations, and the sound profile is fairly basic.
- 3rd Gen: Offers improved audio quality with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ, providing a more immersive and personalized listening experience. The sound is generally more refined with better bass response.
- Winner: 3rd gen
Charging Case
- Airpod 2nd: Comes with a charging case that provides multiple additional charges. The case supports wired charging and optional wireless charging.
- 3rd Gen: Includes a redesigned charging case that is MagSafe compatible, offering wireless charging and a more convenient charging experience. The case itself has a longer battery life than the 2nd gen.
- Winner: 3rd gen
Battery Life
- Airpod 2nd: Offers up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case. Battery life can degrade over time with use.
- 3rd Gen: Provides up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. This is a significant improvement over the 2nd generation.
- Winner: 3rd gen
Water Resistance
- Airpod 2nd: Does not offer any official water resistance rating. They are not designed to withstand exposure to water or sweat.
- 3rd Gen: Features an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them resistant to sweat and splashes. This is a key advantage for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Winner: 3rd gen
Connectivity
- Airpod 2nd: Uses Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity, offering a reliable connection to Apple devices. Pairing is simple and seamless within the Apple ecosystem.
- 3rd Gen: Also uses Bluetooth 5.0. Connection quality is similar.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Airpod 2nd: Generally more affordable than the 3rd gen, making them a budget-friendly option. Price varies depending on retailer and any current promotions.
- 3rd Gen: More expensive than the 2nd gen due to its enhanced features and upgrades.
- Winner: airpod 2nd
Spatial Audio
- Airpod 2nd: Does not support Spatial Audio.
- 3rd Gen: Supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a more immersive listening experience.
- Winner: 3rd gen
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | AirPods 3rd Gen |
| Features | AirPods 3rd Gen |
| Battery Life | AirPods 3rd Gen |
| Design | Tie |
| Value | AirPods 2nd Gen |
| Overall | AirPods 3rd Gen |
What They Have in Common:
- Chip: Both models utilize Apple’s H1 chip, enabling seamless pairing, automatic switching between Apple devices, and “Hey Siri” functionality.
- Bluetooth: Both the 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods use Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and reliable wireless connection to your devices.
- Ease of Use: Both AirPods generations provide a simple and user-friendly experience, including easy setup, intuitive controls, and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Siri Integration: Both AirPods models fully support Siri, allowing users to control music playback, make calls, and get information with voice commands.
- Comfort: Both generations feature a lightweight and comfortable design, designed for extended wear.
Airpod 2nd vs 3rd Gen Buying Guide
Sound Quality
The AirPods 3rd generation offers a noticeable upgrade in sound quality compared to the 2nd generation. The 3rd gen features spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a more immersive listening experience. Bass response is also improved, leading to a richer and fuller sound. While the 2nd gen provides adequate sound for casual listening, the 3rd gen elevates the audio experience significantly, especially for music and movies. Consider your listening preferences and the importance of audio fidelity when making your choice.
Design and Comfort
Both generations share a similar stem-based design, but the 3rd gen has a shorter stem and a more contoured shape, which some users find more comfortable. The 2nd gen AirPods often fit well, but the 3rd gen is designed to fit a wider range of ear shapes. This can lead to a more secure fit, particularly during activities like workouts. However, comfort is subjective, and it’s recommended to try both models if possible to determine which fits your ears best. Consider your daily usage, activities, and potential for extended wear.
Battery Life and Charging
The 3rd generation AirPods boasts improved battery life compared to the 2nd gen. The 3rd gen offers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, while the 2nd gen provides up to 5 hours. The charging case of the 3rd gen also provides more additional charges. Both cases offer fast charging capabilities. Battery life is a crucial factor for those who listen for extended periods, and the 3rd gen clearly outperforms the 2nd gen in this regard. The 3rd gen charging case also supports MagSafe charging for added convenience.
Features and Functionality
The 3rd generation AirPods introduces several new features absent in the 2nd gen. Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking is a significant addition, enhancing immersion. The 3rd gen also offers sweat and water resistance, providing durability during workouts and outdoor activities. The 2nd gen provides basic functionality, including easy pairing with Apple devices. The 3rd gen clearly offers a more feature-rich experience, making it a compelling choice for users seeking advanced capabilities and enhanced durability.
Price and Value
The 2nd generation AirPods are generally more affordable than the 3rd generation, making them a more budget-friendly option. However, the price difference reflects the improved features and performance of the 3rd gen. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize. If you are looking for the best value, weighing the price difference against the improvements in sound quality, battery life, and additional features is essential. Check for sales and promotions to get the best deals.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both AirPods generations seamlessly integrate with Apple devices, offering easy pairing and switching between devices. They utilize Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The 3rd gen offers improved Bluetooth performance, which can result in a more stable connection. Both generations are compatible with iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. The overall experience is very similar, but the 3rd gen may have a slight edge in terms of connection stability. Ensure your devices are compatible before making a purchase.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy AirPods 2nd Gen If…
- You’re on a budget and looking for a more affordable entry point into the AirPods experience.
- You primarily use your AirPods for casual listening and calls.
- You don’t need the advanced features of the 3rd generation, like Spatial Audio or Adaptive EQ.
- You prefer the original AirPods design.
Buy AirPods 3rd Gen If…
- You want the latest features, including Spatial Audio for a more immersive listening experience.
- You value improved audio quality and a more comfortable fit.
- You desire longer battery life and a more water-resistant design.
- You want the convenience of MagSafe charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in sound quality?
The 3rd gen AirPods feature spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a more immersive audio experience. They also have improved bass response and overall clarity compared to the 2nd gen. The 2nd gen offers good sound, but the 3rd gen provides a significant upgrade, especially for music and movies, leading to a richer and more detailed listening experience.
Which AirPods are more comfortable?
The 3rd gen AirPods have a redesigned, more contoured shape and shorter stem, which some users find more comfortable. The 2nd gen AirPods have a more standard design. Comfort is subjective, so it’s best to try both if possible. The 3rd gen’s design is meant to fit a wider range of ears, which can improve comfort during extended use.
How does battery life compare between the two?
The 3rd gen AirPods offer longer battery life, providing up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge compared to the 5 hours of the 2nd gen. The 3rd gen charging case also provides additional charges. The 3rd gen provides a significant improvement in battery performance, making it a better choice for extended listening sessions.
Do the 3rd generation AirPods have any water resistance?
Yes, the 3rd generation AirPods are sweat and water-resistant. This feature enhances their durability and makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. The 2nd generation AirPods do not have any official water resistance rating, making them more vulnerable to damage from moisture. The 3rd gen offers more protection.
Are the charging cases different?
Yes, the charging case for the 3rd generation is slightly different, offering MagSafe compatibility and a longer battery life compared to the 2nd gen case. The 3rd gen case also provides more additional charges. Both cases offer fast charging. The 3rd gen’s case also has a more rounded shape compared to the 2nd gen.
Which AirPods are better for phone calls?
Both generations provide good call quality, but the 3rd gen AirPods have improved microphones and voice clarity, leading to a better calling experience. The 3rd gen also features a mesh covering over the microphones to reduce wind noise. While the 2nd gen is adequate, the 3rd gen offers a noticeable upgrade in call quality.
Are the 3rd generation AirPods worth the extra cost?
Whether the 3rd gen is worth the extra cost depends on your priorities. If you value improved sound quality, longer battery life, spatial audio, and water resistance, then the 3rd gen is likely worth the investment. However, if you’re on a budget and only need basic functionality, the 2nd gen still provides a good experience. Evaluate your needs and budget.
Final Verdict
The 3rd generation AirPods clearly excels over the 2nd generation in several key areas. With improved sound quality, battery life, and added features like spatial audio and water resistance, the 3rd gen delivers a more premium experience. While the 2nd gen remains a viable option, the enhancements of the 3rd gen justify the higher price for most users seeking a superior audio experience.
Winner: AirPods 3rd Gen