So, the straight answer is no, the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation don't have active noise cancellation (ANC).
Unlike the AirPods Pro, these ones don't have the tech to actively block out background noises.
Instead, these AirPods focus on offering something called Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. It's all about giving you an immersive sound experience, creating a sort of surround sound effect—like having your own mini sound studio—but without the ANC.
As far as sound quality goes, they're pretty good according to our research. You'll find clarity and a nice bass, but because of their open fit design, they don't really block out outside noise in louder settings.
This makes them less effective for noise isolation when compared to the AirPods Pro, which are designed to minimize external sounds.
Comfort-wise, it's kind of mixed. Some people think they're super comfy, while others, especially those with smaller ears, say they can feel a bit loose, affecting how well they block out ambient noise—since a snug fit is key for that.
If active noise cancellation is essential for you, especially in noisy environments, you might want to consider the AirPods Pro. They have ANC and are made to filter out unwanted sounds.
But if you're more about having a nice, immersive audio experience without ANC, the 3rd Gen AirPods could still work well for you.
So, think about what's more important for your listening habits—do you want spatial audio immersion or noise cancellation?
That'll help you figure out which AirPods are the right pick for you.
How we researched this
Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from 20 retailers, and a look at hundreds of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.
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