AirPods 3 Pros and Cons (After Nearly Three Years of Daily Use): Tough Little Guys!

Honestly? I didn’t want to buy the third generation AirPods. I was still salty from the poor battery performance of the first and second generation models. When the second pair died on me, I reluctantly bought the AirPods 3, fully expecting the same ‘ol same ‘ol.

To my complete surprise, the AirPods 3 have turned out to be one of the best tech purchases I’ve made in years. They still felt fresh after two and a half years of daily use. Battery life, sound quality, ease of use, it’s all good. Apple got so much right with these.

Pros and Cons of the AirPods 3 (Third Generation)

Pros

1. Outstanding Battery Life
This is by far the biggest improvement over the previous generations. I can watch hours of YouTube or stream music for long stretches without worrying about them dying on me.

2. Surprisingly Good Sound Quality
I am of the opinion that the AirPods 3 sound every bit as good as the AirPods Pro 2. Bass is deep, highs are solid, and overall music actually sounds full-bodied. It was a bit of a shock the first time I put them in.

3. Super Comfortable Fit
The fit is just better than anything else I’ve tried, including my AirPods Pro. The AirPods 3 stay in place, no matter how much I move around.

4. Compact and Lightweight Case
The charging case is incredibly small and easy to carry. It fits in my jeans pocket, shirt pocket, or pretty much anywhere. I don’t feel like I’m hauling around a bulky battery brick.

5. Solid Build Quality
Despite near-daily use, the case and earbuds have held up really well. The hinge on the case still snaps shut like it’s brand new. No loose parts, no scratches on the case. The lightning port hasn’t worn out either. The only real blemish is a small crack starting to appear on the stem of one of the earbuds, but overall, the durability is impressive.

6. Flawless Connectivity
These things connect instantly every single time. Whether I’m pairing with my iPhone, MacBook, or even my Apple TV, I never have to fiddle with Bluetooth settings or re-pair them. They just work.

7. Great Value for the Price
Apple has a reputation for charging top dollar for everything. But with the AirPods 3, I honestly feel like they’re underpriced for what you get. Between the sound quality, battery life, reliability, and fit, I’ve easily gotten my money’s worth and more.

Cons

1. No Noise Cancellation
This is probably the biggest drawback, especially if you plan to use them outdoors or in noisy environments. Walking around a city, riding public transit, or sitting in a busy airport? Forget it. Even with the volume turned up, outside noise overpowers whatever it is I’m trying to listen to.

2. Not Ideal for Travel
Even though the case is wonderfully compact, the lack of noise cancellation means I never pack these for travel. I just can’t hear well them enough in airplanes or busy airport terminals. They’re best reserved for quiet environments like home or an office.

3. Limited Versatility
Because of the noise issue, I can’t use them while bike riding, walking in the city, or anywhere too active or loud. They’re amazing when I’m sitting at my desk or lying on the couch watching videos, but they aren’t my go-to for anything else.

4. Cracking in the Stem
One of the stems has developed a crack. It’s not super noticeable, and it hasn’t affected performance yet, but it’s there. After nearly three years, I guess some wear and tear is expected, but it’s still a bit concerning.

5. No Custom Fit Options Like the Pros
The AirPods 3 have a one-size-fits-most shape, and while they work great for me, not everyone will get the same experience. You’re basically stuck with what Apple gives you.