Airpods Showdown: Gen 3 vs Gen 2 – Which Should You Buy?
Are you in the market for new wireless earbuds and torn between the latest and the classic? The choice between the AirPods (3rd generation) and the AirPods (2nd generation) can be a tough one. Both promise seamless integration with your Apple devices, but they offer different features and experiences.
This comparison dives deep into the key differences to help you make the best decision. We’ll explore sound quality, design, battery life, and price, dissecting each aspect to reveal which AirPods model reigns supreme for your needs. Get ready to discover which AirPods will best fit your lifestyle.
Whether you’re a music lover, a podcast enthusiast, or a frequent caller, understanding the nuances between the AirPods (3rd generation) and the AirPods (2nd generation) is crucial. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each model, ensuring you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect pair.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | gen 3 | gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H1 | H1 |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | No |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | No |
| Charging Case | MagSafe & Lightning | Lightning |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming | Dual beamforming |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Controls | Force Sensor | Double-tap |
| Case Design | Wider | Narrower |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- Gen 3: Features a shorter stem and a more contoured design, similar to AirPods Pro. This offers a more comfortable and secure fit for some users. However, it may not fit all ears perfectly.
- Gen 2 Airpods: Maintains the original AirPods design with a longer stem. This design is familiar to many and can be comfortable. Some users find they don’t fit as snugly.
- Winner: gen 3
Audio Quality
- Gen 3: Boasts improved audio quality with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ, delivering a more immersive listening experience. Offers richer bass and clearer highs.
- Gen 2 Airpods: Provides decent audio quality, but lacks Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ. Sound is generally good, but not as refined or immersive.
- Winner: gen 3
Spatial Audio
- Gen 3: Supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a theater-like listening experience that adapts to your head movements.
- Gen 2 Airpods: Does not support Spatial Audio.
- Winner: gen 3
Battery Life
- Gen 3: Offers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
- Gen 2 Airpods: Provides up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
- Winner: gen 3
Charging Case
- Gen 3: Includes a MagSafe charging case, offering convenient wireless charging. Also features improved water resistance.
- Gen 2 Airpods: Comes with a standard charging case, with optional wireless charging available as a separate purchase.
- Winner: gen 3
Water Resistance
- Gen 3: Rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance.
- Gen 2 Airpods: Not water-resistant.
- Winner: gen 3
Chipset
- Gen 3: Features the H1 chip for seamless pairing and enhanced performance.
- Gen 2 Airpods: Also uses the H1 chip, offering similar performance in pairing and connectivity.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Gen 3: Generally more expensive due to its advanced features and improvements.
- Gen 2 Airpods: More affordable, representing a budget-friendly option.
- Winner: gen 2 airpods
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | gen 3 |
| Features | gen 3 |
| Design | Tie |
| Battery Life | gen 3 |
| Value | gen 2 |
| Water Resistance | gen 3 |
What They Have in Common:
- Design: Both AirPods generations feature a lightweight, comfortable design with a stem. The overall aesthetic is similar, emphasizing a minimalist and clean look.
- Ease of Use: Both generations offer seamless pairing with Apple devices and easy switching between devices. They also both support automatic ear detection and pause/play functionality.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both AirPods use Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and reliable wireless connection to your devices. This ensures a consistent audio experience.
- Microphones: Both AirPods include dual beamforming microphones, which help to focus on your voice and reduce background noise during calls. This improves call quality in various environments.
- Charging Case: Both generations come with a charging case that extends the battery life of the earbuds. The cases are compact and designed for portability.
- Compatibility: Both generations are compatible with a wide range of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. They also work with other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Gen 3 Vs Gen 2 Airpods Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
The AirPods 3 feature a redesigned, shorter stem and a more contoured shape, offering a more universal fit compared to the original AirPods design. This design change aims to improve comfort, especially for those who found the previous generation less secure. The Gen 2 AirPods, however, maintain the same design as the originals, which may not fit all ear shapes perfectly. The Gen 3 also adds pressure-relieving vents for prolonged comfort.
Sound Quality
AirPods 3 significantly improve sound quality with spatial audio and adaptive EQ. Spatial audio creates a more immersive, theater-like listening experience, while adaptive EQ automatically tunes the music to the shape of your ear. Gen 2 AirPods offer good sound quality, but lack these advanced features. The Gen 3 also boasts improved bass response and clarity compared to the Gen 2, making music and calls sound richer.
Features and Functionality
AirPods 3 introduce several new features, including sweat and water resistance (IPX4), MagSafe charging, and longer battery life. The Gen 2 AirPods lack these features, offering only basic water resistance and standard charging. The added MagSafe charging and the improved battery life on the Gen 3 provide a more convenient and user-friendly experience, making them suitable for active lifestyles and extended use.
Battery Life and Charging
AirPods 3 offer a longer battery life compared to the Gen 2 AirPods. With the charging case, the Gen 3 can provide up to 30 hours of listening time, while the Gen 2 offers up to 24 hours. A 5-minute charge in the Gen 3 case yields about an hour of listening time, and the Gen 3 case supports both Lightning and MagSafe charging, offering more charging options.
Price and Value
The price difference between the AirPods 3 and Gen 2 is a significant factor. While the Gen 3 offers improved features and performance, they come at a higher price point. The Gen 2 AirPods are often available at a lower price, making them a more budget-friendly option. Consider your budget and the importance of advanced features when deciding which AirPods model offers the best value for your needs.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both AirPods generations easily connect to Apple devices via Bluetooth. However, the Gen 3 has the latest Bluetooth version, potentially offering a more stable and reliable connection. Both are compatible with devices running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. The Gen 3 also includes improvements in connectivity, making the pairing process even faster and more seamless across your Apple ecosystem.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy gen 3 If…
- You want improved audio quality with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ.
- You value a more comfortable and secure fit.
- You need water resistance for workouts or outdoor use.
- You want the latest features and a longer battery life.
Buy gen 2 airpods If…
- You are looking for the most affordable AirPods option.
- You don’t need Spatial Audio or Adaptive EQ.
- You are primarily using them indoors.
- You want a familiar design and basic functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between AirPods 3 and AirPods 2?
The AirPods 3 feature a new design with a shorter stem, improved sound quality with spatial audio, adaptive EQ, and longer battery life. They also include MagSafe charging and are sweat and water-resistant. AirPods 2 lack these advanced features, offering a more basic experience.
Does AirPods 3 have noise cancellation?
No, the AirPods 3 do not feature active noise cancellation (ANC). They offer spatial audio and other enhancements to improve sound quality, but they rely on passive noise isolation through their design. If noise cancellation is a high priority, consider AirPods Pro.
Are AirPods 3 waterproof?
The AirPods 3 are sweat and water-resistant (IPX4 rated), which means they can withstand splashes and light rain. However, they are not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water. Avoid using them in the shower or during swimming.
How long does the battery last on AirPods 3?
The AirPods 3 offer up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. A 5-minute charge in the case provides about an hour of listening time. The Gen 2 offers up to 5 hours listening time, and 24 hours with the case.
Do AirPods 3 have a better fit than AirPods 2?
The AirPods 3 feature a new design with a more contoured shape and shorter stem, which generally provides a more secure and comfortable fit for a wider range of ear shapes. This is a significant improvement over the Gen 2, which has a more generic fit.
Can I use AirPods 3 with Android phones?
Yes, you can use AirPods 3 with Android phones, but you won’t have access to all the features. You’ll still be able to listen to music and take calls via Bluetooth, but features like spatial audio, automatic device switching, and the ear detection might not work.
Is it worth upgrading from AirPods 2 to AirPods 3?
If sound quality, battery life, and features like spatial audio are important to you, then upgrading from AirPods 2 to AirPods 3 is a worthwhile investment. The Gen 3 offers significant improvements in all these areas. However, if you are happy with the Gen 2 and your budget is tight, it may not be necessary.
Final Verdict
The AirPods 3 offer a compelling upgrade over the AirPods 2, with better sound quality, improved design, longer battery life, and added features like spatial audio and MagSafe charging. While the Gen 2 remain a good value, the advancements in the Gen 3 make them the superior choice for most users seeking a premium listening experience and enhanced functionality. The overall improvements make them the better product.
Winner: AirPods 3