AirPods 3 (2021) vs AirPods 2 (2019): comparison and differences

In brief

AirPods 3, for whom?

The third generation AirPods are the most advanced. If we compare them to AirPods 2, we notice clear differences beneficial for the user, whether in terms of autonomy, design, functionalities or even charging. But to summarize, although the AirPods (3rd generation) win the prize in this comparison with the AirPods 2, they are in fact only an update of the latter. There are therefore many more similarities than differences between the two pairs.

The only downside: the third generation of AirPods is more expensive, by fifty euros.

AirPods 2: the best value for money

Looking more closely at their case, we still see that the AirPods 2 therefore remain an excellent choice, even better value for money. Because let's remember, but AirPods are much more expensive than many competing brands that are equally - or even more - qualitative. Certainly, the 2019 AirPods are less durable and are not MagSafe compatible or water resistant, but their sound is almost as good as that of the 2021 AirPods.

Indeed, the second generation AirPods are certainly not entitled to Spatial Audio but this option remains anecdotal to date. They also don't have adaptive EQ. Other audio specificities are missing in comparison to the AirPods 3, but only experts on the subject should notice this, but we know that they are clearly not the target of Apple which on the contrary aims at the general public.

Detailed comparison

Design

As mentioned above, the AirPods 3 are therefore waterproof, which is confirmed by their IPX4 certification which was not granted to the AirPods 2. A quick comparison of the dimensions is also necessary. We are therefore entitled to 40.5 x 16.5 x 18 mm for the AirPods 2 compared to 30.79 x 18.26 x 19.21 mm for the AirPods 3. In short, the 2021 headphones are shorter and a bit wider. Their weight is also heavier, but the difference is only 0.28 g.

And the charging case, then? History repeats itself: it is lower and wider, with an almost similar thickness. The same goes for weight: the difference is minimal, and you probably won't notice the difference on a daily basis.

However, be aware that neither AirPods (3rd generation) nor AirPods (2nd generation) are in-ear, so they are not stable if you move around a lot. In this case, it is better to opt for AirPods Pro.

• Also read: our comparison of AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

Comparative assessment AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3 (design): 1 point for the waterproofness of AirPods 3

Autonomous: AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3

It's not necessarily noticeable on a daily basis depending on the volume chosen, but the battery of the AirPods 3 lasts longer than that of the AirPods 2.Our detailed comparisonthus speaks of six hours on a single charge, against “only” five hours for the second generation AirPods. In total autonomy (with the case), the difference is clearer: twenty-four hours for AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3 at thirty-six hours.

Comparative assessment AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3 (battery): victory for the AirPods 3

The case for MagSafe charging

AirPods 3 are compatible with MagSafe wireless (induction) charging, unlike AirPods 2 which only has a Lightning socket. Furthermore, they only need five minutes of power to get about an hour of listening time or the same amount of calls. Their USB-C cable is thus more efficient than the USB-A cable of the AirPods (2nd generation), which only offers two hours of conversation for around fifteen minutes of connection.

Comparative review AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3 (charging): AirPods 3 charge faster and wirelessly

AirPods 3 features not found on AirPods 2

AirPods 3 are compatible with Spatial Audio, have adaptive equalization and offer more touch controls. This is not the case for AirPods 2019. For voice control, however, no difference: “Dis, Siri” is present on both models.

Comparative assessment AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2 (features): tie, Spatial Audio is very gadgety

Better compatibility with AirPods 2?

If we now compare the list of devices that can pair without a hitch with the AirPods 2 with that of the 2021 AirPods, we see that there are some notable differences. Notably the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5s which are not announced as eligible for connection with third generation AirPods. So of course, this will always be possible with some technical manipulations with the Bluetooth chip, but these are strongly discouraged so as not to void the warranty.

Same thing for the first iPad Air, the iPad mini 3, the iPad mini 2 and the iPod touch 6. However, don't forget that as the AirPods 3 are newer, they will in theory be supported more a long time…

Comparative assessment AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3 (compatible devices): surprise victory for the AirPods 2!

Audio comparison

Beyond Spatial Audio which is therefore only offered by a few apps for the moment, you should know that the AirPods 2 do not have either “custom designed high excursion Apple transducer” unlike AirPods 3. No adaptive equalization or amplifier “high dynamic range custom designed“.

Comparative review AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2 (sound): only experts will tell the difference

AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: the sensors

The motion accelerometer and the voice detector accelerometer are included on AirPods 2019 and on AirPods 2021. But AirPods 3 also have a pressure sensor and can detect the skin to restart a title after removing the earbuds from the poached. This is not the case with the AirPods 2, although they have two optical sensors.

Comparative assessment AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2 (sensors): best responder with AirPods 3

Price comparison

Finish with the price comparison. You will find prices from 149 euros for AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3 from 199 euros. However, be aware that as AirPods (2nd generation) are older, they are often on sale. But be careful not to make a mistake, because they also existed with wireless charging, for more money. This model is just no longer available in the Apple Store.