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  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Style
    2. Comfort
    3. Controls
    4. Breathability
    5. Portability
    6. Case
    7. Build Quality
    8. Stability
    9. Headshots 1
    10. Headshots 2
    11. Top
    12. In The Box
  5. Sound
    1. Sound Profile
    2. Frequency Response Consistency
    3. Raw Frequency Response
    4. Bass Profile: Target Compliance
    5. Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
    6. Treble Profile: Target Compliance
    7. Peaks/Dips
    8. Imaging
    9. Passive Soundstage
    10. Virtual Soundstage
    11. Weighted Harmonic Distortion
    12. Test Settings
  6. Isolation
    1. Noise Isolation - Full Range
    2. Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
    3. Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
    4. ANC Wind Handling
    5. Leakage
  7. Microphone
    1. Microphone Style
    2. Recording Quality
    3. Noise Handling
  8. Active Features
    1. Battery
    2. App Support
  9. Connectivity
    1. Wired Connection
    2. Bluetooth Connection
    3. Wireless Connection (Dongle)
    4. PC Compatibility
    5. PlayStation Compatibility
    6. Xbox Compatibility
    7. Base/Dock
    8. PC / PS4 Compatibility
  10. Comments

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Apple AirPods (1st generation)
Apple AirPods (3rd generation)

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated Jan 15, 2024 03:46 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.8

Updated Jan 17, 2025 08:32 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless Picture
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless Picture

Variants

  • AirPods (1st generation) (White)
  • AirPods (3rd generation) (Lightning Charging Case - White)
  • AirPods (3rd generation) (White)

Our Verdict

Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless

Apple AirPods (3rd generation) Truly Wireless

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are better for most purposes than the Apple AirPods (1st generation). The 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life, a better control scheme, and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. They support Spatial Audio and head tracking for virtual surround sound and also come with a case that supports wireless charging. They may also be less comfortable since they have a bulkier design that can put pressure on the inside of your ears. Ηowever, both versions have a one-size-fits-all design, so it depends on the size and shape of your ears.

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