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Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) involves considering their differences. The 2nd generation is slightly less expensive and offers good overall sound quality with slightly better performance for music listening. The 3rd generation, while a bit more pricey, provides a tighter soundstage, making for a more immersive listening experience, alongside improved microphone quality, build quality, and battery life. If calls and portability are important to you, the 3rd generation excels and is also sweatproof for exercise. However, if budget is a constraint and you prioritize straightforward music listening, the 2nd generation might be sufficient. Both options have similar comfort levels and support wireless charging, but for a marginally higher cost, the 3rd generation offers several enhancements that can be valuable for a user looking for a more robust feature set. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (3rd generation).
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
7.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$130
$170
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $130 and the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) costs $170.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.4
5.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Apple Airpods (3rd generation) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$130 | $170 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Apple | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 4.3 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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