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Apple AirPods (1st generation) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
Apple AirPods (1st generation) ($30) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation) ($55) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right true wireless.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple AirPods (1st generation) | Apple AirPods (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $55 |
| Weight | 46g | 46.5g |
| Chip | Apple W1 | Apple H1 |
| Battery | 5h per charge, 24h with case | 6h per charge, 30h with case |
| Charging | Lightning case only | Lightning, MagSafe or Qi |
| Fit | One-size, non-sealed | One-size, non-sealed |
| Weight | 46g (Apple published: 4g bud x2 + 38g case) | 46.5g (Apple published: 4.28g bud x2 + 37.91g case) |
| Water | — | IPX4 sweat/water resistant |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods (1st generation)
- The device that started the true-wireless category
- Automatic pairing across Apple devices, still instant
- Cheapest way into the AirPods shape
- Genuinely small and light at 4g per earbud
- No noise cancellation or Transparency mode
- Case charges via Lightning only, no wireless pad
- Battery is a decade old on any used pair
- No volume control, tap-only for playback and Siri
Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
- Force-sensor stem controls, no more taps
- MagSafe charging case
- IPX4 resistance, first in the base AirPods line
- Adaptive EQ tunes output to fit in real time
- Still no ANC or Transparency
- Shorter stem changes the grip some people relied on
- Non-sealed fit remains a wall against isolation
- Costs more used than 1st/2nd gen for a fit-only upgrade
Apple AirPods (1st generation) is the better value at $30. Both are part of our curated true wireless index — tap through to check current pricing.
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