AirPods 3 Review
True-wireless · 2021
Specdex verdict The AirPods 3 scores 82/100 — a competent mid-range pick when the price is right, but watch our cheaper-and-better alternatives below.
Apple's AirPods 3 — 2021 true-wireless earbuds.
AirPods 3 versus its closest rivals
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
Who's the AirPods 3 for?
Quick verdicts for the most common buyer profiles, derived from the sub-scores above.
Compute scores trail current top-tier — look at our step-up alternatives below if performance is the priority.
Battery sub-score of 78 trails category leaders by a meaningful margin — see the “Best for Battery” lists.
Mid-tier pricing at $179 — review whether the score-per-dollar lines up against the cheaper alternatives we recommend.
In the box
What you get when you unbox the AirPods 3.
- Earbuds
- Wireless charging case
- USB-C cable
- 3 sizes of ear tips (S/M/L)
Standard contents — region/SKU may vary; confirm at retailer.
Full score breakdown
Editorial · Specdex scoreSub-scores are Specdex's own assessment, weighted by category. They are not endorsed by, sourced from, or affiliated with the manufacturer. How we score →
Specifications
Manufacturer-sourced where verifiable| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | True-wireless |
| Release year | 2021 |
AirPods 3 generations
Side-by-side with the products it replaced and what comes next — the comparisons people actually search for.
Cheaper alternatives to the AirPods 3
Same category, at least 20% cheaper, best-scoring picks from our catalog.
Step up from the AirPods 3
Higher-scoring earbuds if you've got more to spend.
More from Apple
All Apple products on Specdex →
Also consider
Where the AirPods 3 appears on Specdex
Curated lists, spec rankings, and buying guides where this product is mentioned or ranked.