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Apple selling AirPods 3 without wireless charging for $10 less — but don't buy them

AirPods 3

Last updated

Hidden amongst Apple's big announcements on Wednesday was a quiet debut of AirPods 3 without a wireless charging case for $10 less, but there are better options.

Available through Apple, the updated third-generation AirPods are available with the wireless charging case for $179 or with one that only supports Lightning for $169. Otherwise, all functionality is identical between the two.

AirPods 3 with Lightning case
AirPods 3 with Lightning case

This is a bad deal. The $10 savings is far less than the $40 savings users routinely have when choosing the AirPods 3 with wireless charging.

Apple AirPods 3 earbuds

AirPods (3rd Generation)


Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) feature Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking. Prices are in USD and are subject to change at any time.

For instance, today, on our Price Guide, AirPods 3 are on sale for $29 off at Amazon, cheaper than the new Lightning-only version. And, Black Friday is coming.