Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds: Great Noise Cancelling Earbuds With Premium Sound and Portable Design, But Quality Control Issues

Published on May 30, 2023, 11:47 a.m.

Shure is a well-known audio brand that has delivered premium sound gear for decades. The AONIC 3 is their latest entry into the competitive noise cancelling earbuds market. In this review, we’ll see if the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds lives up to the Shure reputation for excellent audio performance and whether it can compete with popular models from Bose and Sony.
 Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds

Overview

The Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds have a sleek, low-profile design in black color. They utilize a single balanced armature driver to deliver striking sound. The key highlights are effective noise cancellation, great sound quality, and portable lightweight comfort. However, there are some quality control and customer service issues reported by users.

The key features include:

  • Striking full-range sound performance
  • Sound isolating technology blocks ambient noise
  • Sleek low-profile design for all-day comfort
  • Detachable cable for convenience
  • Inline remote + mic for call and playback control
  • Durable build quality for longevity

Design and Comfort

Weighing just 13.8 ounces, the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds is lightweight and fits securely with the over-ear design. Multiple tip sizes ensure you can find the perfect in-ear fit. The ergonomic shape allows for comfortable long-term wearing. The detachable cable is a plus for convenience and durability.

 Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds

Sound Quality

With a single balanced armature driver, the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds produces full-bodied and accurate sound across the frequency range. The sound profile is relatively neutral, with crisp highs and clear mids. The bass is punchy but could be slightly boosted for some users. Overall, the audio reproduction quality is very impressive for the price.

Noise Cancellation

The Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds utilizes Shure’s sound isolating technology to block ambient noise. It can reduce environmental noise by up to 37dB, allowing for an immersive listening experience even in loud environments. This makes it suitable for travel and commute. The noise cancelling effect is very effective at eliminating distractions.

Connectivity

The Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds uses a detachable 3.5mm audio cable for connectivity. It can plug into smartphones, laptops, airplane entertainment systems, and any device with a 3.5mm jack. However, it lacks wireless Bluetooth functionality.

Controls

The in-line remote houses three buttons for controlling music playback, call management, and volume. The intuitive buttons allow on-the-fly control while wearing the earbuds.

 Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds

Use Cases

The Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds are ideal for listening to music, podcasts, and calls during:

  • Commuting and travel, as the sound isolation blocks environment noise on trains, planes, etc.
  • Workouts, as the secure fit ensures the earbuds stay in place during exercise
  • Working in noisy office environments, reducing distractions
  • Relaxing at home while enjoying high-fidelity audio

Customer Feedback Analysis

Reviews of the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds are generally quite positive, with many users lavishing praise on the superb sound quality and effective noise isolation. The following key themes emerge from customer reactions:

Immersive Audio Performance

Numerous reviewers are blown away by the stunning audio fidelity the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds delivers. Many describe the sound as perfectly balanced, crystal clear, and extremely detailed. Some mention being able to pick out subtle nuances in their music that they never noticed before. The sound stage and imaging allow listeners to get lost in the music as if they were at a live concert. As one user poetically puts it, the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds makes their soul sing.

Noise Cancelling Capabilities

Users consistently report excellent noise isolation from the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds. The sound blocking abilities allow commuters to tune out loud trains and planes. Office workers can focus without disruptive ambient noise. The noise cancellation immerses you fully in your audio content according to customer reviews. However, some caution that the passive isolation makes the earbuds unsuitable if you need environmental awareness.

Comfort and Security

Multiple reviewers praise how lightweight and comfortable the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds feels during extended wear. The angled design and eartip options ensure a secure in-ear fit that stays put during exercise sessions. The earbuds practically disappear during use according to some reviews. The sturdy build gives users confidence in durability as well.

Frustrations Over Quality

Not all feedback is glowing though. A common complaint is units failing prematurely, developing audio cutouts or malfunctions after a few months of use. Others report receiving defective earbuds right out of the box. This indicates wider quality control issues that mar the overall product experience. Some call out Shure for lackluster customer service when trying to replace defective units.

Lack of Bluetooth

Many users lament the wired-only connectivity of the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds. They wish for Bluetooth functionality to untether from phones and amp up convenience. The omission of wireless capability feels like a missed opportunity by Shure according to these reviews.

In summary, reviewers find the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds to be an audio revelation and recommend them for the stellar sound. But quality control woes need addressing to unlock the full potential of this otherwise capable noise-cancelling earbud.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Superb sound reproduction and audio fidelity
- Effective active noise cancellation up to 37dB
- Secure and comfortable fit for long wear
- Convenient controls and broad device compatibility

Cons:
- Lacks Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Quality control issues reported
- Customer service and warranty support need improvement

Value for Money

At around $200, the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds is reasonably priced for premium noise cancelling earbuds. The excellent audio performance and noise isolation provide robust value. However, the quality control problems mean value suffers when you receive a defective unit. Overall, the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds provides good value if you get a properly functioning pair.

 Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds

Conclusion

The Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds delivers outstanding audio performance and great noise cancellation in a compact design. It shines for sound quality and noise isolation. However, the lack of Bluetooth and quality control problems prevent it from being truly elite. Addressing these flaws would make the Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds one of the top choices among premium earbuds.

 Shure AONIC 3 True Wireless Earbuds

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the striking feature of the Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds?

The most striking feature of the Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds is their remarkable full-range sound, delivered by a single, vented balanced armature driver. This design ensures that users experience music the way it was meant to be heard, with clear and immersive audio quality.

How effective is the noise isolation of the Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds?

The Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds feature sound isolating technology that can block up to 37 dB of noise, providing users with an uninterrupted listening experience. Whether you’re in a noisy environment or traveling, these earbuds excel at keeping external noise out, allowing you to focus solely on your music or calls.

Are the Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds compatible with smartphones?

Yes, the Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds are compatible with both Apple and Android devices that have a 3.5 mm connection. This versatility ensures that users can enjoy high-quality audio whether they’re using an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or other compatible smartphones.

How durable are the Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds?

The Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds are engineered for professional wear and tear, ensuring a lifetime of use. With their durable build quality, users can rely on these earbuds for consistent performance, whether they’re used during workouts, travel, or everyday activities.

What accessories are included with the Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds?

The Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds come with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a detachable 3.5mm communication cable, a fit kit with a variety of sleeves for the perfect fit, a 1/4” adapter, and a hard carrying case. Additionally, the earbuds are backed by a two-year warranty, providing users with peace of mind.

Tips

  • For the best sound quality and comfort, experiment with the different ear tip options provided in the fit kit to find the perfect fit for your ears.
  • To ensure the longevity of your earbuds, handle them with care and store them in the provided carrying case when not in use.
  • Take advantage of the detachable cable feature to easily connect your earbuds to various devices, including laptops and in-flight entertainment systems.

Knowledge

  1. The Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds feature a sleek, low-profile design that prioritizes long-wearing comfort.
  2. These earbuds are compatible with other MMCX cable accessories, allowing for further customization and versatility.
  3. Users can enjoy clear calls and convenient controls with the integrated remote and mic, making it easy to manage phone calls and music playback.
  4. The lightweight and portable design of the earbuds makes them ideal for use on the go, whether you’re commuting, exercising, or traveling.
  5. With their balanced armature driver and sound isolating technology, the Shure AONIC 3 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds deliver exceptional audio performance across a wide range of genres and listening environments.

Specifications

  • Driver: Single balanced armature with BassPort
  • Frequency response: Unknown
  • Noise cancellation: Up to 37dB ambient noise reduction
  • Impedance: Unknown
  • Battery life: N/A
  • Connectivity: Detachable 3.5mm cable
  • Eartip sizes: 4 sizes (XS/S/M/L)

What’s in the Box

The Shure AONIC 3 box includes:

  • AONIC 3 earbud pair
  • 3.5mm detachable cable
  • Fit kit with 4 sizes of eartips
  • 1/4” adapter
  • Carrying case

How to Use

  1. Choose the eartip size that fits most comfortably in your ears from the fit kit. Attach the tips onto the earbuds.
  2. Insert the earbuds into your ears with the cable looping over and around your ears. This provides a secure fit.
  3. Connect the 3.5mm cable to your smartphone, laptop or audio device.
  4. Use the in-line remote to control volume, calls, and music playback.
  5. To remove, gently twist and pull the earbuds out. Detach the cable as needed.