AirPods 3 stand out as some of the best earbuds one of the hottest accessories on the market. They're sleek, compact, and work seamlessly with other Apple gadgets. AirPods may not be the most affordable compared to other earbuds, but that hasn't stopped them from being a hit every single year.
That brings us to AirPods 3. Released in late 2021, AirPods 3 are an impressive evolution on the tried-and-true AirPods formula. They have a revamped design that's more comfortable, improved audio quality, longer battery life, and wireless charging — all for $179. It's a combination that's undoubtedly hard to argue with, but what about for people who need transparency mode?
Unfortunately, that's where AirPods 3 lose some of their luster. Just like AirPods 2 before them, there's no way for the earbuds to amplify those background noises the way AirPods Pro can.
Earbuds To Get If You Need Transparency Mode
If transparency mode is a must-have feature for someone, the good news is that there are other alternatives out there. Take the Beats Fit Pro, for example. They sound great, have a sporty design, transparency mode, and even active noise cancellation. The best part? They cost $199 (just $20 more than AirPods 3). There's also AirPods Pro. They also have transparency mode and active noise cancellation, along with a more familiar AirPods design. The retail price is a bit more expensive at $249, though they're occasionally on sale for $200 or less.
If anything, this serves as a good reminder of just how varied Apple's earbud portfolio is these days. Want earbuds with a one-size-fits-all design, seamless Apple integration, and the lowest price possible? AirPods 3 are a solid bet. They don't have more advanced capabilities like transparency mode or ANC, but the features they do offer are all top-notch. And for someone who does need those extra things, the Beats Fit Pro and AirPods Pro are both solid options in their own right. There may be a future where AirPods 4 or AirPods 5 get transparency mode as a default feature, but for now, that's reserved for Apple's more expensive options.
Source: Apple