In the Apple catalog, there are several models of completely wireless Bluetooth headphones available, excluding those from the Beats by Dr. Dre brand, which is also owned by Apple. The 3rd generation AirPods are the most well-rounded option with a relatively good balance between quality and price. However, they lack an increasingly important feature – active noise cancellation. With the availability of much cheaper Bluetooth headphones that do have this feature, the AirPods are no longer the top choice for many users. If you’re comparing them to other Bluetooth headphones without active noise cancellation, the Marshall Minor III could be an option, although their price is noticeably lower than the AirPods. So, if you’re considering buying wireless headphones and ANC is not essential for you, the Minor III might be of interest. Let’s compare them head-to-head to find out their features, differences, and prices.
Specifications:
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation):
– Dimensions and Weight: 3.08 x 1.83 x 1.93 cm, 4.28 grams
– Sound Technology: Adaptive EQ, Apple Custom High Excursion Transducer, Custom amplifier with high dynamic range, Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
– Microphones: Two microphones with beamforming technology and inward-facing microphone
– Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 and H1 chip
– Controls: Press once to play audio, pause, or answer a call; Press twice to skip to the next song; Press three times to go back to the previous song; Press and hold to activate Siri
– Battery: Up to six hours of audio playback on a charge (up to five hours with spatial audio enabled); Up to four hours of talk time on one charge; Up to 30 hours of audio playback with the case; Up to 20 hours of talk time with the case; 15-minute quick charge equals 1.5 hours; Wireless charging compatible
– Endurance: Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
– Price: Starting from 199 euros
Marshall Minor III:
– Dimensions and Weight: 4 grams
– Sound Technology: 12mm driver, Driver Sensitivity: 93 dB SPL (179 mV @ 1 kHz), Controller type: dynamic, Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
– Microphones: Yeah
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC + aptX codecs)
– Controls: Touch sensor for control
– Battery: Up to five hours of playback; Up to 25 hours with the case; Wireless charging compatible
– Endurance: Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
– Price: 129 euros
When comparing the sound technology, both the AirPods and the Minor III lack active noise cancellation. However, the AirPods have Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which provides an immersive experience by surrounding the user with sound that moves as they move their head. On the other hand, the Minor III supports the aptX codec, offering improved audio quality and higher quality wireless sound.
In terms of compatibility, AirPods have a limited compatibility with non-Apple devices, while the Minor III works with both Android and Apple devices, as well as Windows and Mac computers.
Regarding price, the AirPods start at 199 euros, while the Minor III is priced at 129 euros. If you have a tighter budget or compatibility with different brands is important to you, the Minor III might be a more suitable option.
In conclusion, the 3rd generation AirPods are one of the best wireless Bluetooth headphones from Apple, but they are not perfect. They have a high price, lack active noise cancellation, and have limited compatibility. The Marshall Minor III, although they also lack ANC and have slightly less battery life, stand out for their design and sound. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
