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

AirPods 3

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

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.

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.