Why AirPods 3 Are An Upgrade For Running And Working Out

If you like to listen to music or podcasts during your workout routine, Apple’s AirPods 3 make a perfect companion. But what makes these wireless earbuds an unrivaled choice when it comes to running and working out?

The AirPods 3’s extended battery life, Spatial Audio feature, and Adaptive EQ make them an excellent choice for use while exercising. They fit some user’s ears better than AirPods or AirPods Pro, and they’re sweat-resistant as well, though there’s no noise cancellation on this model.

After taking them out on a few runs or trips to the gym, most AirPods 3 users agree that the earbuds are a worthwhile improvement over previous generations of the AirPods and similar options from Apple’s competitors. Let’s take a look at the features that make AirPods 3 ideal for working out.

Are AirPods 3 Good for Working Out?

Many users reported that the second generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro model occasionally pop out during squats or other exercises — and that’s certainly not something you want to deal with while you’ve got heavy weights in hand.

Luckily, the AirPods 3 (on Amazon) seem to have a much better grip, and they won’t easily pop out — not even during a deadlift.

These earbuds also have the same design and speaker positioning as the AirPods Pro (on Amazon) model. With their excellent built-in EQ, you can enjoy beautiful atmospheric sounds to satisfy your ears. 

However, if you’re a huge fan of noise cancellation while in the gym, the AirPods 3 won’t make the cut; unfortunately, they don’t feature the Active Noise Cancellation feature of AirPods Pro. Compare all features of AirPods 3rd Generation and AirPods Pro in our guide.

Still, you’ll barely hear your gym buddies or any other ambient noises if you adjust the AirPods 3 volume to the max — it’s the only workaround.

What About Running?

If you found trouble running with previous AirPods models, you might find better luck with the AirPods 3. These buds won’t easily fall out when you’re running, thanks to their shorter stems and plastic ear tips, which don’t get as slippery as their silicone counterparts (such as on the AirPods Pro) when you sweat.

While you might feel like adjusting them once in a while, these buds don’t budge unnecessarily. Their oblong shape helps them maintain a snug fit without putting extra pressure on your ears.

Furthermore, AirPods 3 have an open-air, non-sealing design to help you stay more tuned in to the ambient sounds of the world around you. This comes in handy if you share a route with other runners, bikes, or cars, and need to stay somewhat alert.

Are AirPods 3 Sweat-Resistant?

The AirPods 3 are sweat-resistant and can withstand moderate exposure to light water splashes.

The AirPods 3 will likely hold out against the kind of sweat you expect from an average workout since the sleek plastic casing doesn’t hold moisture. However, they might not hold up if you sweat profusely and it seeps deep enough to mess with the internal electronics.

Since these buds have an IPX4 rating, you can only expect them to survive light splashes of water from every direction. They’ll work after exposure to negligible amounts of sweat, but only if you dry them off immediately after.

If you ever get your AirPods wet by accident, Apple recommends you pat them dry with a lint-free cloth. And if you suspect water or sweat has gotten inside them, your best bet is to allow them to air-dry before charging them. Don’t expose them to any form of heat! 

If you try to charge your AirPods just after they’ve been exposed to sweat, you’ll likely damage the case, which isn’t water-resistant.

Are AirPods 3 Noise-Cancelling?

Unfortunately, AirPods 3 don’t offer Active Noise Cancellation; you’ll have to turn to the AirPods Pro model to enjoy this feature if you’d like to tune out the sounds of weights crashing down at the gym.

However, when you’re walking or jogging around the neighborhood, you might want to hear what’s going on around you anyways.

And despite the lack of a noise cancellation feature, these earbuds still offer Spatial Audio, so you can be fully immersed in whatever you’re listening to.

AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro: Which Is Better for Working Out?

The AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro share several important features like the high-performance H1 chip, Spatial Audio, motion and speech-detecting accelerometers, Adaptive EQ, and sweat and water resistance.

The design of the AirPods 3 means they simply hook into your ears, while the Pro model has in-ear silicone tips you need to push lightly into the ear canal. 

While the silicone ear tips are meant to create a firm seal and beef up the audio quality with Active Noise Cancellation, not all users like the feel of the silicone. 

Many people prefer a less intrusive sensation in the ears during strenuous workouts, and the AirPods 3 do the trick. Moreover, the AirPods Pro are slightly larger and heavier, which makes them more likely to come out of your ears unexpectedly.

The AirPods 3 also offer about an extra hour of battery life, which will certainly come in handy if you like to go on long walks or runs.

All in all, the AirPods 3 are very similar to the Pro model, giving you almost all the same features without leaving as large of a dent in your wallet. 

Unless you really can’t do without the Active Noise Cancellation feature and the fit of the in-ear silicone tips found in the AirPods Pro, you’ll probably want to stick with AirPods 3.