

The new AirPods have a different shape and shorter stems than the preceding model. Once paired, you can instantly connect the buds to all Apple devices that use the same iCloud account. All you need to connect them to your iPhone is to open their case nearby, then tap on its screen. The seamless pairing process has always been one of the main reasons to consider AirPods, and the latest ones are not an exception. They are great for everyday use and light exercising, but not well suited for more strenuous activities like HIIT workouts, sprints, or jumping jacks. So are the audible clicks after every interaction.īecause they lack silicone ear tips, the third-generation AirPods don’t fit as snugly as their Pro sibling. Controlling the audio playback and taking calls by squeezing each stem is simply more convenient. The new AirPods’ stem controls with force sensor are the same as those of the Pro model, and vastly better than the touch-sensitive ones of the first two generations. Having an open design that can help you stay aware of your surroundings is one of the reasons why the earphones are so popular, and you can simply opt for the AirPods Pro if noise cancellation is a must for you. The third-generation AirPods don’t have onboard noise cancellation, and that’s not a surprise - the previous generations lack the functionality as well. The earbuds also maintained an excellent connection with an iPhone, an iPad Pro, and a MacBook Pro while I tested them. Compared to the first generation AirPods, the ability to block out background noise when talking has improved immensely. They also performed great during phone, FaceTime, and Zoom calls, too. Like all Apple earphones, the latest ones are ideal for enjoying a broad range of audio content - from podcasts and audiobooks, all the way to classical concertos.

Listening to a live jazz album with head tracking made me feel like I was attending a real-life performance. There’s even an option to activate dynamic head tracking - a cutting-edge feature that will “shift” the audio source as you move your head around.

Adaptive EQ utilizes an inward-facing microphone to adjust the sound based on the unique shape of your ears, and spatial audio makes compatible music and video content (Apple offers a ton of both) more immersive. Compared to the previous generation, the new AirPods support adaptive EQ and spatial sound - a duo of standout features in the pricier Pro model.
