[Trying Apple AirPods 3] "Comfortable Fit with No Irritation"

Excellent Low-Frequency Quality... ANC Absence Is Regrettable

Apple's New Wireless Earphones 'AirPods 3rd Generation'

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Apple’s new wireless earphones, the AirPods 3rd generation (AirPods3), are designed to minimize fatigue when worn, maximizing the comfort advantage of open-type earphones.

After using the AirPods3 for several days, the aspect that impressed me repeatedly was the comfortable fit. Using earphones involves inserting something into the ear, so some degree of foreign body sensation is inevitable. The extent to which this sensation can be reduced affects users’ preferences and frequency of use. No matter how excellent the performance of earphones is, if the fit is not smooth, the various advantages of the earphones are instantly negated, making long-term use difficult.

The AirPods3 was the product that most effectively controlled the foreign body sensation among the wireless earphones I have recently tried. Most earphones require occasional adjustment due to discomfort, but the AirPods3 adhered lightly yet securely, making it very rare for the earphones to feel bothersome during use.

Apple New Wireless Earphones 'AirPods 3rd Generation'

In terms of the most essential function, sound quality, the AirPods3 clearly emphasized the bass. I felt that the booming bass output was quite good, noticeable even to those who are not particularly sensitive. For people who do not prefer music with a lot of high tones mixed in, this could definitely be an attractive factor.

The inclusion of a skin detection sensor, which only activates when in contact with the skin, reducing the possibility of malfunction, is also an appealing feature. Additionally, the usage time extends up to 6 hours, and with the charging case, up to 30 hours, which is longer than both its predecessor and the AirPods Pro. The IPX4 water resistance applied not only to the earphone units but also to the case is another welcome element.

Apple's New Wireless Earphones 'AirPods 3rd Generation'

However, the lack of an Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature is a factor that makes potential buyers hesitate. Without ANC, external noise from streets or public transportation flows in almost unchanged while listening to music.

Since ANC has become so widespread recently, those who have used earphones supporting ANC may find its absence quite significant. Considering that open-type earphones inherently have weaker noise isolation compared to in-ear types, and that some open-type products like Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Buds Live have ANC, the lack of ANC support is even more disappointing.

The price also adds to the dilemma. The AirPods3 is priced at 249,000 KRW, which is not much different from the AirPods Pro at 329,000 KRW. The price can be lower if purchased through open markets. Since the main functional difference is ANC, the choice will likely depend on whether ANC is necessary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.