Real size
Apple AirPods 4
US$99.00
Best Offer
- See more
Apple AirPods Pro 3
US$199.99
Best Offer
- See more
Looking for wireless earbuds that work seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad or Mac?
The Apple AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 share several important features, including the H2 chip, Personalized Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation and convenient integration with the Apple ecosystem.However, they are designed for very different users.
The standard AirPods 4 use an open-ear design without silicone ear tips or Active Noise Cancellation. They are lighter, less expensive and more comfortable for listeners who do not like the sealed feeling of traditional in-ear earbuds.
The AirPods Pro 3 use silicone and foam-infused ear tips to create a stronger acoustic seal. They add advanced active noise cancellation, transparency mode, heart-rate sensing, hearing-health features, longer single-charge battery life and a more secure fit for exercise.
Main Difference
The most important difference is the way the two earbuds fit inside the ear. The AirPods 4 have an open-ear design. They rest inside the ear without using silicone tips. This allows more environmental sound to enter naturally and can feel more comfortable during long listening sessions.
The AirPods Pro 3 have a sealed in-ear design with foam-infused silicone tips available in five sizes: XXS, XS, S, M and L. The tighter seal improves passive sound isolation, bass response and Active Noise Cancellation while providing greater stability during physical activity.
Therefore, the AirPods 4 prioritize simplicity and open-ear comfort, while the AirPods Pro 3 prioritize isolation, sound performance and advanced features.
Design and Comfort
The AirPods 4 have been redesigned with a shorter stem and a more refined shape. Each earbud weighs approximately 4.3 grams, making them extremely light and easy to wear for extended periods.
Because there are no silicone tips entering the ear canal, the AirPods 4 may be more comfortable for users who experience pressure or irritation with sealed earbuds. Their open design also makes it easier to remain aware of traffic, coworkers and conversations without activating a special listening mode.
However, the fit is not adjustable. Since everyone has a different ear shape, the AirPods 4 may fit perfectly for some users but feel loose for others.The AirPods Pro 3 weigh approximately 5.55 grams per earbud. They are slightly heavier, but Apple redesigned the internal and external structure to improve stability.
The five included ear-tip sizes allow users to find a more personalized fit.The Pro model is generally the more secure choice for running, gym workouts and other activities involving frequent movement. However, some people may still prefer the less intrusive feeling of the AirPods 4.
Best for open-ear comfort: AirPods 4
Best for a secure and adjustable fit: AirPods Pro 3
Sound Quality
Both models use Apple’s H2 headphone chip, a custom high-excursion driver, a high-dynamic-range amplifier, Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
AirPods 4 provide clear vocals, detailed high frequencies and improved bass compared with older entry-level AirPods. Apple’s computational audio system adjusts the sound according to how the earbuds sit in the user’s ears. Personalized Spatial Audio can also create a more immersive experience when listening to compatible music or watching movies and television programs.
The AirPods Pro 3 use a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture with more precise airflow control. Apple states that this design improves bass response, vocal clarity and the width of the soundstage.The sealed ear tips also prevent low-frequency sound from escaping. In practical use, this should give the AirPods Pro 3 deeper and more consistent bass, particularly in noisy environments.
The AirPods 4 can still sound excellent in a quiet room, but external noise may make it more difficult to hear subtle details. The AirPods Pro 3 provide the more controlled and immersive listening experience.
Sound-quality winner: AirPods Pro 3
Active Noise Cancellation
The standard AirPods 4 do not include Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple also sells a separate AirPods 4 model with Active Noise Cancellation, but that is not the standard “AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds” version considered in this comparison. The regular model does not include ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode or Conversation Awareness.
The AirPods Pro 3 include Apple’s advanced Active Noise Cancellation system. Apple states that they remove up to twice as much unwanted noise as the AirPods Pro 2 and up to four times as much as the original AirPods Pro. Their foam-infused silicone tips also provide passive isolation before electronic noise cancellation is applied.
This makes the AirPods Pro 3 considerably better for:Airplane and train travel;Public transportation; Busy offices; Gyms; Cafés; Studying in noisy environments and Listening at lower volumes without external noise competing with the music.
For buyers who consider noise cancellation essential, the AirPods Pro 3 are the clear choice.
Noise-cancellation winner: AirPods Pro 3
Transparency and Adaptive Audio
The AirPods Pro 3 include Transparency mode, allowing environmental sound to pass through the microphones while the earbuds remain sealed in the ears.
Adaptive Audio intelligently combines Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency according to the surrounding environment. Conversation Awareness can detect when the user begins speaking and automatically reduce media volume, returning it to the previous level after the conversation ends.
The standard AirPods 4 do not need a traditional Transparency mode because their open design naturally allows outside sound to enter. However, they cannot actively control how much environmental noise reaches the user.
The AirPods 4 provide more natural awareness, while the AirPods Pro 3 provide more control.
Best for natural environmental awareness: AirPods 4
Best for intelligent noise management: AirPods Pro 3
Call and Microphone Quality
Both earbuds include dual beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone and Voice Isolation.Voice Isolation uses computational audio to reduce background noise and make the user’s voice clearer during phone calls, FaceTime conversations and online meetings. This is especially useful in windy conditions, cafés and other moderately noisy locations.
Both models should provide strong call performance when connected to compatible Apple devices. However, the AirPods Pro 3 benefit from their tighter fit and additional noise-management features, which may make conversations easier to hear in loud environments.
The difference may be relatively small in quiet places, but the AirPods Pro 3 are more appropriate for frequent calls made in noisy surroundings.
Call-quality winner: AirPods Pro 3
Battery Life
The standard AirPods 4 provide up to five hours of listening time on a single charge. With the USB-C charging case, total listening time increases to as much as 30 hours. Five minutes inside the case provides approximately one additional hour of listening.
The AirPods Pro 3 provide up to eight hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. When used with Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking, the estimate decreases slightly to approximately 7.5 hours.With the MagSafe charging case, the AirPods Pro 3 provide up to 24 hours of total listening time with ANC enabled. Five minutes of charging also provides approximately one hour of listening.
This creates an interesting result:The AirPods Pro 3 last considerably longer on one earbud charge.The AirPods 4 provide a higher advertised total when repeated case recharges are included.The AirPods Pro 3 deliver their battery estimate while using Active Noise Cancellation.
For long uninterrupted sessions, flights or workdays, the AirPods Pro 3 have the advantage.
Best single-charge battery: AirPods Pro 3
Best advertised total with the case: AirPods 4
Controls
Both models use stem-based controls. Users can press the stem to play or pause audio, answer calls, skip tracks, return to a previous track and activate Siri. Both also support Siri Interactions, allowing compatible commands to be answered by nodding or shaking the head.
The AirPods Pro 3 add touch-sensitive volume control. Users can swipe up or down on the stem to adjust volume without reaching for their iPhone or asking Siri.
The standard AirPods 4 do not offer swipe-based volume adjustment.
Controls winner: AirPods Pro 3
Fitness and Heart-Rate Monitoring
The AirPods Pro 3 include a built-in optical heart-rate sensor designed for workouts.
When paired with an iPhone, they can measure heart rate and estimate calories burned across as many as 50 workout types in the Fitness app. Users can also follow Move ring progress and access compatible Apple Fitness+ metrics.The AirPods 4 do not include a heart-rate sensor.
This does not make the AirPods Pro 3 a complete replacement for an Apple Watch in every situation, but it provides an additional fitness-tracking option for users who prefer exercising without a watch.
Combined with their more secure fit and stronger water resistance, the AirPods Pro 3 are the better model for regular exercise.
Fitness winner: AirPods Pro 3
Sweat, Water and Dust Resistance
The AirPods 4 and their charging case have an IP54 rating. They are resistant to dust, sweat and light water exposure, making them appropriate for ordinary workouts and use in light rain.The AirPods Pro 3 and their charging case have a stronger IP57 rating. This provides improved protection against sweat and water, making them more suitable for intense exercise and unpredictable weather.
Neither product should be considered completely waterproof, and neither is designed for swimming.
Durability winner: AirPods Pro 3
Hearing-Health Features
The AirPods Pro 3 provide several hearing-health functions that are not available on the standard AirPods 4.
Depending on regional availability and device compatibility, these include:
1. Hearing Test
2. Hearing Aid functionality
3. Automatic Conversation Boost
4. Active Hearing Protection
5. Loud Sound Reduction
The Hearing Aid feature is intended for eligible users with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, while Hearing Protection can help reduce exposure to loud environmental noise. Availability may vary according to local regulations and software requirements.
The AirPods 4 provide safe-listening information through compatible Apple devices, but they do not offer the complete hearing-health system found in the Pro model.
Hearing-health winner: AirPods Pro 3
Final Verdict
The AirPods Pro 3 are the better wireless earbuds overall. They provide stronger sound isolation, more advanced noise cancellation, better single-charge battery life, fitness tracking, hearing-health features and a more versatile charging case.
They are the better option for frequent travelers, commuters, athletes, professionals working in noisy environments and users who want Apple’s most complete in-ear audio experience.
However, the AirPods 4 offer better value for casual users. They provide many of Apple’s essential features at a substantially lower price and may be more comfortable for anyone who dislikes silicone ear tips.
The decision ultimately depends on fit and listening environment. Choose the AirPods 4 for lightweight, open-ear comfort and affordability. Choose the AirPods Pro 3 for maximum sound quality, isolation and advanced features.