Apple - headphones
Apple AirPods 3
AirPods 3 is tracked as a headphones option for shoppers focused on basic iPhone earbuds, open fit, calls.
Best for basic iPhone earbuds, open fit, calls when the current US reference price is meaningfully below competing options.
Score
8.4 / 10
Price
$129
Released
Oct 26, 2021
Data last verified Jun 29, 2026. Status: available.
Should you buy it?
A practical ownership call
- Buy it if you want basic iPhone earbuds and open fit.
- Skip it if street pricing can change quickly.
- Check current US street pricing before paying launch-level money.
North America availability
US availability
AirPods 3 is tracked as a US-market option through official brand channels and mainstream electronics retailers.
Canada note
AirPods 3 may be available in Canada through brand stores or major electronics retailers, but pricing should be checked separately in CAD.
Common retailers
Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target
Deal timing
holiday sales, travel season, back-to-school, Prime Day-style events
Use official Apple warranty terms and the retailer return window as the baseline before buying in North America.
Price and availability notes
Specs source
Apple official product materials and public North America launch documentation are used as editorial references.
Price source
Apple US launch pricing and common North America street-price patterns are maintained as editorial USD references.
Image note
Local editorial SVG placeholder /images/products/airpods-3.svg follows the /images/products/{slug}.{ext} naming convention and should be replaced only with permitted assets.
Buying scores
Noise Cancellation
8.2
Sound Quality
8.3
Comfort
8.3
Battery
8.2
Call Quality
8.8
Value
9.1
Pros
- Good fit for basic iPhone earbuds
- Competitive when discounted in the US market
- Useful alternative inside the headphones shortlist
Cons
- Street pricing can change quickly
- Does not replace higher-end options for demanding users
Who should skip it
Skip Apple AirPods 3 if street pricing can change quickly, does not replace higher-end options for demanding users would affect your daily use. Compare the alternatives below before committing, especially if a neighboring product is discounted or better aligned with your ecosystem.
Specifications
| Type | True wireless earbuds |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Active noise cancellation |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 to 10 hours per charge with case top-ups |
| Charging | USB-C charging |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Weight | Lightweight earbuds with charging case |
| Water Resistance | Sweat resistant on supported models |
Featured in rankings
Best Cheap Headphones for Students
Best Cheap Headphones for Students ranked for North America shoppers by noise cancellation, comfort, call quality, battery life, sound tuning, app support.
Best Earbuds for iPhone
Best Earbuds for iPhone ranked for North America shoppers by noise cancellation, comfort, call quality, battery life, sound tuning, app support, and.
Popular comparisons
Soundcore Life Q30 vs AirPods 3: Which Should You Buy?
Compare Soundcore Life Q30 and AirPods 3 by noise cancellation, comfort, call quality, battery life, sound tuning, app support, and return-window risk,.
Soundcore Space One Pro vs AirPods 3: Which Should You Buy?
Compare Soundcore Space One Pro and AirPods 3 by noise cancellation, comfort, call quality, battery life, sound tuning, app support, and return-window.
Compare
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Alternatives
Soundcore
Soundcore Space One Pro
Best for budget ANC upgrade, adaptive noise, value when the current US reference price is meaningfully below competing options.
Apple
AirPods 4 with ANC
Best for iPhone earbuds, open fit ANC, daily carry when the current US reference price is meaningfully below competing options.