The Apple AirPods 3rd generation are very good for sports and fitness. The earbuds and case are very light, small, and feel sturdy enough to withstand a few accidental drops and bumps. They're also rated IPX4 for resistance against being splashed with water.

IPX4 rating for water resistance., Great build quality.

No stability fins or ear tip options.

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) represent a big step up from their predecessors in terms of audio performance, connectivity, and design - and while they come with a price increase, we think they’re a worthy upgrade if you have the older AirPods. However, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for Android users. The AirPods 3 are unsurprisingly optimized for use within the wider Apple ecosystem, so Android users miss out on a lot of the extra features that set them apart from other true wireless earbuds on the market, and the lack of noise cancellation means they aren’t the most high-spec earbuds at this price.

Impressive spatial audio; Easy to use; Comfortable, subtle design;

No active noise cancellation; No interchangeable eartips; Battery life could be longer

Small, compact design; Much improved sound; Unmatched iOS and macOS integration;

No ANC; Poor in loud environments;

Great sound quality; Sweat and water resistance; Long battery life; Skin-detect sensor very welcome;

AirPods Pro aren’t that much more expensive; No noise cancelling;

Great sound quality; Sweat and water resistance; Long battery life; Skin-detect sensor very welcome;

AirPods Pro aren’t that much more expensive; No noise cancelling;

The new AirPods (3rd Gen) sound excellent, and come packed with useful features. As an upgrade to the earlier AirPods, they're exactly what you'd hope for (as long as you don't prefer in-ear tips). But you need to be prepared to live with sound leaking in.

Dynamic, detailed sound, Great new design, Improved battery life, Outer-ear fit ideal for some…

…But the fit isn't for everyone, Battery life still average overall, Sound leaks in, Smart features are only for iOS

While better-sounding alternatives exist, the AirPods 3 are daily delights with a strong selling point in spatial audio Spatial audio support is a real bonus Balanced, clear and detailed sound Strong battery life Beaten for transparency Still no on-bud volume adjustment Fit won't be for everyone

From the butt of jokes to wireless trendsetter, Apple’s AirPods are serious business now. The true wireless earbud market is a huge deal in accessories, and all eyes were on late 2021’s AirPods (3rd generation) launch to see just what Apple could do for the midrange.

Tight iPhone integration, Solid battery life, Improved audio performance, Spatial audio is clever, IPX4 water resistance

Fit won't suit every ear, No active noise cancellation, Open design means you hear ambient noise

We can certainly recommend AirPods 3rd Gen, especially to those using Apple Music. The Spatial Audio experience is too good to miss out on. But we would implore anyone interested to seriously consider the AirPods Pro, if it’s affordable, as the benefits are worth the extra in our eyes.

Good sound, Long battery, Comfort upgrade on Gen 2