Design and features:This Bluetooth wireless portable earbud model provides very good sound. Its non-isolating design doesn't muffle outside sounds so you'll be able to hear that door bell ring, train announcement, or car horn when you are wearing these earphones. The AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case has an integrated microphone and player function controls. Additional features include - Either earpiece can be used alone for one ear monitoring of Bluetooth streamed audio and telephone communications. Carrying case/charging cradle has built-in rechargeable battery that the manufacturer claims can be used to recharge the earphone batteries up to 4 times (around 30 hrs. of total playtime) between its own charges, can be recharged via USB to Lightning cable. Manufacturer claims water resistance (IPX4) for both earphones and Carrying case/charging cradle. Has Adaptive EQ feature that the mfr. claims automatically tunes sound based on how the AirPods (3rd generation) fit in the user’s ears. Automatic Ear Detection pauses music when one AirPod (3rd generation) is taken out of ear and resumes when it is put back when used with some Apple devices. Automatically connects to unlocked Apple mobile devices and to all cloud connected Apple products. Apple Siri voice control can be activated by voice ("Hey Siri" wakeup phrase) or by pressing and holding one of the earphones, and is only available when the Apple mobile device or computer is WiFi or cellular data connected to the Internet. Has spatialized audio feature that works with some Apple mobile devices when using specific apps with movie, TV, video, and specific music content that creates a virtual surround sound field and can keep the audio image stable even when the user's head moves. Compatible with the "Audio Sharing" feature of later Apple mobile devices that allows connection and simultaneous audio playback with independent volume control of two sets of AirPods. To check the battery, hold the AirPods (3rd generation) next to the Apple mobile device. Has quick charge feature: 5 min of charging will provide 1 hrs. of playtime. Compatible with the "Optimized Battery Charging" feature of Apple mobile devices that Apple claims can be used to improve the lifespan of the earphones' batteries. Compatible with the "Find My" feature of Apple mobile devices that can be used to help locate the headphones if they are misplaced. Provides audio when used with all Bluetooth audio devices, but most features (Siri control, audio sharing, naming the earphones, Automatic Ear Detection on/off, setting mic to left or right earpiece only, spatialized audio, mobile device battery proximity check, optimized battery charging, and misplaced headphone tracking) are not available unless the earphones are used with Apple devices that are using later Apple iOS versions. Bluetooth connected Apple mobile devices will display headphone connection on the lock screen. The AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case comes with Charging cradle/recharger battery/carrying case, USB-C to Lightning connector charging cable. Same as Apple AirPods (3rd generation) except charging case charges with Lightning connector cable only and is not wireless charging compatible.
Sound quality:We found the AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case delivers sound quality that falls in the very good range - it reproduces music and voice very well although it does have some noticeable sonic quirks. The bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep, but is slightly to somewhat prominent and boomy. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is even, but is bit grainy and hazy. The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is fairly extended but a bit smeared and a touch prominent and sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound reminiscent of bacon frying). The sound also has a good sense of liveliness and is somewhat open--sound-wise it almost seems like you don't have anything plugging up your ears and does a decent job of recovering room ambience. Warmish character. The overall sound can best be summarized as slightly to somewhat bassy and a bit grainy and hazy. The Spatial Audio feature has a noticeable effect on the sound.
Comfort and Fit:We found that these earphones produce no pressure in ear canal.
Small/Medium/Large
Users with small to large sized ear bowls will probably find that this model stays in place with no problems for casual use, they are stable even during vigorous head movement, and they are unobtrusive so it's easy to forget they are being worn.
The controls are on the earphone stems that hang out of the ears and can be actuated without causing ear discomfort.
The short stems make this model less prone to being knocked loose than the longer stems on the 1st and 2nd generation AirPods.
