Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation) – Which to Buy?

Apple AirPods are arguably the world’s favorite wireless noise-canceling earbuds. They are well-built, have great features like world-class ANC, multi-point pairing, in-ear detection, and, of course, sound fantastic. AirPods have been released in three different generations. And each one is more impressive and feature-packed than the previous generation. 

Or are they? 

Everyone can agree that, when it comes to AirPods, they are expensive. Not that this is to say they are overpriced, you get what you pay for. But they aren’t a “budget option” by any means. 

Since Apple still stocks all generations of AirPods, and the second-hand market is quite lively, many people have started wondering whether the new and improved version really is new and improved.

Well, I spent the last week comparing Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation). That way you can make a more informed decision if you are contemplating a purchase or an upgrade. 

Do you want to know who the better contender is? 

Then, you’ve come to the right place; this article is a ring-side seat to the Gen 2 AirPods vs Gen 3 AirPods showdown. 

Design, Build, Fit, and Comfort

At first glance, most folks would say there’s not much difference between 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods. Especially in design or size. Although, if you start examining them closer, you’ll find some subtle alterations. And these end up making quite a significant difference. 

The third generation has two main design differences… 

Firstly, the earbud cavity is a bit more rounded and is also slightly angled concerning the stem. The second big design difference is that the stem on 3rd Gen AirPods is slightly shorter when compared to 2nd Gen AirPods. 

What these two design differences mean in terms of fit and comfort is a mixed basket. Some folks enjoy the fit of the third generation because they weigh a bit less. And the angled design makes it sit a bit more snugly against the outer ear. 

On the other hand, some users complain that the third generation’s new design makes for an uncomfortable fit in your ear canal. This causes discomfort that is not immediately obvious but becomes more pronounced when you wear the earbuds for long periods.   

Sitting securely in your ear… 

Both designs are not the most secure-fitting earbuds. Going for a run or doing strenuous exercises is touch-and-go with the AirPods. But, if you had to pick one, then I’d say that the third generation will be a safer bet because of the more snug fit. 

Another reason to favor the third generation for fit and build is the IPX4 rating. The second generation doesn’t offer much protection against any kind of moisture. In most cases, taking them to the gym resulted in the internal circuits getting damaged by sweat. Conversely, third-generation AirPods should be more than capable of handling sweat and even a few drops of rain. 

New Sensors 

Both second and third-generation AirPods come with an arsenal of sensors designed to anticipate the needs of the user and react accordingly. The third generation has been fitted with a more modern skin-detector circuit, whereas the older Airpods still have an optical sensor.

These sensors are what enable the in-ear detection feature of the AirPods to work. The optical sensor from the older models worked well enough when the earbuds were removed and placed in the charging case or on a table. The problem is that users often don’t put the AirPods back into the case; instead, they place them in their pocket or a bag.

The optical sensors on older-generation AirPods would often get confused when this happened. As a result, playback would resume while the earbuds were in the user’s pocket, and the battery would die. The new circuit on Gen 3 AirPods is much more effective since it’s triggered by human skin and not just any surface. 

Apple has also updated the touch controls on 3rd-Gen AirPods… 

The new force sensor installed on the stem is a bit more responsive and sensitive than the previous generation. They both operate the same way – a bunch of taps and squeezes that allow you to perform multiple functions. 

One of the same features on second and third generation AirPods is Apple’s H1 chip. This provides seamless hands-free access to Siri which allows you to control volume, send messages, make calls use the internet, etc. 

The Case

Anyone who’s seen an AirPod Pro charging case will see that the third-generation case has a lot more in common with that than with its predecessor. The MegaSafe case is more robust and can be charged more efficiently, whether it be wirelessly or via the lightning cable. 

This brings me to the next big difference between Gen 2 and Gen 3 AirPods – wireless charging. The second-generation case doesn’t offer wireless charging. However, if you add a couple of dollars to your purchase, you can upgrade to a case with wireless charging. And you’ll still be paying less than the third-generation buds cost without any extras. 

The Controls

AirPods don’t come with an official companion app. Instead, you need to use an Apple device to control and customize the AirPods from the settings. In terms of firmware updates, you also need to use an Apple device like an iPhone or iPad to make it happen. 

When it comes to customizing and controlling AirPods from the settings app, it’s virtually identical. You can customize the touch controls, toggle in-ear detection, use the Find My feature, and choose which earbud gets used for phone calls. The only real difference between the third and second-generation AirPods in this respect is Spatial Audio. 

Spatial Audio 

Spatial Audio is a collaboration between Apple and Dolby Atmos. Essentially, it aims to create a three-dimensional listening environment using head-tracking technology. 

This feature is quite useful for watching videos if you want to create a sense of directionality. And what’s neat is that your source material only needs to be stereo. However, Spatial Audio is restricted to the third-generation standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and the Beats Fit Pro. 

Bluetooth, Codecs, and H1 Chip

When comparing Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation), there’s no real difference in Bluetooth connectivity and audio codecs. Both pairs utilize Bluetooth version 5.0, which means they provide the same speed and range. 

First and second-generation Airpods support the same codecs. Namely SBC and AAC. AAC or “Advanced Audio Coding” is an Apple codec that provides higher quality even though there’s still compression. It is considered one of the best non-lossless audio codecs. 

And, as mentioned, both AirPod generations come with Apple’s H1 chip. This chip facilitates lightning-fast connection and seamless recognition of all the devices registered to your Apple account. 

Sadly, Android users can’t take advantage of the H1 chip’s benefits… 

The two most prominent setbacks are poorer connection quality and faster battery drainage. Another downside is that the AAC codec is very touch-and-go when it comes to Android devices. You’re probably better off sticking to SBC or getting another pair of non-Apple earbuds for your Android device.

Battery 

Between second and third-generation AirPods, there is a marked improvement in battery life. This applies to both the earbuds and the charging case.

Second-generation Airpods will deliver around four hours on a single charge. Third-generation AirPods will give you around six and a half. The 2nd generation charging case holds about three charge cycles. On the other hand, the robust and efficient MegaSafe charging case that ships with Gen 3 AirPods will hold about four extra cycles. 

Both cases can be charged via a lighting cable or wirelessly (if you go for the upgrade on the second-generation case). Furthermore, both cases support fast charging. This gives you around 180 minutes of playtime from a fifteen-minute charge or 60 minutes from about five minutes on the charger. 

Noise-Isolation/Background Noise

As far as noise isolation goes, we can start by saying that both first and second-generation AirPods don’t provide good isolation at all. There is little that passive isolation does to block out unwanted noises and frequencies. And, neither the second nor third-generation AirPods come with ANC. If you want that, you’ll need to look at something like Airpods Pro or Beats Studio Buds. 

What About Sound?

Let’s start by saying that neither AirPod generation lets you create your own EQ curve. So, you are choosing between two different curves. Both pairs of earbuds have a bit of a dip in the sub-bass frequencies and a definite boost in the higher lows. 

Third-generation AirPods do offer bass reflex ports and Adaptive EQ. Adaptive EQ is a feature that tries to compensate for the unsealed design of earbuds by adjusting the upper lows and mids. Some users believe that this feature improves the quality, while others believe it diminishes it. 

But, that’s not all…

The biggest difference between 3rd generation and 2nd generation AirPods is the sound profile. Second-generation Airpods have a definitive boost in the upper lows (around 100Hz to 150Hz). Third-generation AirPods go in almost the opposite direction by emphasizing the high end (2000Hz and upwards).

So, you’ll have to decide which one of these curves will suit you best. Overall, most users have said that they prefer the low-end focused sound of second-generation AirPods as opposed to the third generation. 

Microphone and Call Quality

When it comes to the quality of the microphone and the calls, the third generation takes the win. Both of the models use accelerometers, sensors, and enhancers to improve voice quality and call clarity. The third generation is just a bit more tweaked and improved. No doubt, thanks to feedback received from users of the second generation. 

Whether it’s in a quiet, almost ideal environment or a noisy street, third generation AirPods will do a better job of making your voice clear and audible. That is one of the advantages of 3rd generation AirPods vs 2nd generation AirPods.

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation) –  Comparison Table

Which One Should I Buy?

When it comes to these two pairs of AirPods, my first instinct is to not buy either. In my opinion, if you own a pair of second-generation AirPods and want to upgrade, upgrade to the Airpods Pro instead of the third generation. 

The only reason to get a pair of standard AirPods is if you want the semi-unsealed design. This is mostly for those who are concerned with safety. However, if you want superior sound quality and some better noise isolation you’ll be better off with a different brand, especially if you are an Android user. 

If your heart is set on choosing between one of these two…

My advice is to go for Gen 3 AirPods. The biggest plus points for the third generation are the IPX4 rating and more advanced software features. Another reason to buy third-generation AirPods is the software updates. 

Apple has always done a great job of providing good customer service and software updates. But the second generation is going on five years old now, so you can guarantee that support will be discontinued soon. Therefore, third-generation AirPods have more long-term value. 

What Should I Get Instead of The Third or Second Generation AirPods?

The first and most obvious recommendation would be the Airpods Pro, especially if you are an Apple user. They will provide you with a proper seal, a MetgaSafge Case with wireless charging, Active and Passive Noise canceling, and much more. 

Yes, the AirPods Pro is more expensive, but they are also a much better investment in the long run. If you want something that still has the un-sealed design then your best bet would be the Urbanista Libson wireless earbuds. They provide the same semi-open design but fit much more securely than AirPod earbuds. 

For a good AirPods alternative… 

I would recommend the Beats Studio Buds. They provide the same bass-heavy sound signature (with an improved high-end), and they also have very good ANC. These buds are well built with an IPX4 rating and hands-free access to Siri. The biggest reason to recommend Studio Buds is the fact they work equally well on iOS and Android.

From the software features to the fast pairing and the seamless switching between multiple devices, there is no difference between using them on Android and iOS. Some users have even said that the Studio Buds outperform the Apple earbuds on iOS devices as well as Android. 

I can also recommend the Beats Fit Pro to users who want something more focused on fitness and staying securely in their ears. Some other honorable mentions to make would be the Bose Sport Earbuds, Bose Quiet Comfort, and JBL Reflect Flow.

Have More Questions About Apple AirPods?

If so, have a look at our detailed articles on AirPods Blinking Orange? How to Fix It, What’s The Difference Between AirPods 1 and 2, How to Make Your AirPods Louder, AirPods Connected But No Sound, Do AirPods Work Well on Android Devices, and Can I Use Two Different AirPods for useful information and advice..

Apple AirPods (2nd generation) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation) – Final Thoughts

No doubt, Apple AirPods are great wireless earbuds. But unless you’ve got the cash for the AirPods Pro, I would recommend looking at another option instead of choosing second or third generation AirPods. For the same money, you can get better sound, better battery life, and a more secure fit with at least some water resistance.

Until next time, happy listening.