Earbuds

Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 both use Apple's H2 headphone chip, but they are built for different listeners. AirPods 4 are the lower-cost open-fit option for daily listening, while AirPods Pro 3 add sealed tips, stronger noise control, heart rate sensing, and hearing health features.

Last updated: August 14, 2026

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Apple

Apple AirPods 4

An open-fit H2 AirPods model focused on comfort, simple Apple pairing, personalized spatial audio, and a lower official price.

Apple

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple's premium in-ear AirPods with stronger noise cancellation, heart rate sensing, hearing health features, and a MagSafe USB-C case.

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Specifications

FeatureApple AirPods 4Apple AirPods Pro 3

Product typeOpen-fit true wireless earbudsIn-ear true wireless earbuds with silicone tips

Official US price$129.00$249.00

Model / variant usedAirPods 4 with Charging Case (USB-C), base model without Active Noise CancellationAirPods Pro 3 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)

ChipApple H2 headphone chipApple H2 headphone chip; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in MagSafe Charging Case

Audio technologyCustom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier, Voice Isolation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, vent systemCustom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Personalized Volume, Loud Sound Reduction, Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, studio-quality audio recording, vent system

Noise controlNo ANC on base AirPods 4Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness

Health / fitness featuresNo Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection, or heart rate sensor officially listedHearing Test, Hearing Aid, Automatic Conversation Boost, Hearing Protection, heart rate sensor for workouts

SensorsDual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, optical in-ear sensor, motion-detecting accelerometer, speech-detecting accelerometer, force sensorDual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, skin-detect sensor, motion-detecting accelerometer, speech-detecting accelerometer, heart rate sensor, touch control

ControlsForce sensor controls, Siri, Siri InteractionsTouch control with press controls, volume swipe, Siri, Siri Interactions

Dust / sweat / water resistanceIP54 dust, sweat, and water resistantIP57 dust, sweat, and water resistant: AirPods Pro and charging case

Earbud dimensions30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm / 1.19 x 0.72 x 0.71 in30.9 x 19.2 x 27.0 mm / 1.22 x 0.76 x 1.06 in

Earbud weight4.3 g / 0.15 oz each5.55 g / 0.20 oz each

Case dimensions46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2 mm / 1.82 x 1.97 x 0.83 in47.2 x 62.2 x 21.8 mm / 1.86 x 2.45 x 0.86 in

Case weight32.3 g / 1.14 oz43.99 g / 1.55 oz

Charging caseCharging Case (USB-C); USB-C cable sold separatelyMagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop; works with MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified chargers, or USB-C; USB-C cable sold separately

Battery life - earbudsUp to 5 hours listening time on a single chargeUp to 8 hours listening time with ANC enabled; up to 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking; up to 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts; up to 10 hours in Transparency using Hearing Aid feature

Battery life - with caseUp to 30 hours listening time; 5 minutes in case gives around 1 hourUp to 24 hours listening time with ANC enabled; 5 minutes in case gives around 1 hour

ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3 wireless technologyBluetooth 5.3 wireless technology

Fit / tipsOpen fit; no silicone ear tipsSilicone ear tips in five sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L

Compatibility notesApple devices with latest iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS, or visionOS; can be used as Bluetooth headphones with limited functionality on non-Apple devicesApple devices with latest iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS, or visionOS; can be used as Bluetooth headphones with limited functionality on non-Apple devices

Warranty1-year limited warranty, per Apple's official Accessory Warranty page1-year limited warranty, per Apple's official Accessory Warranty page

Pros & Cons

Apple AirPods 4 — Pros

✓Lower official Apple price than AirPods Pro 3.

✓Open-fit design can feel easier for listeners who dislike sealed ear tips.

✓H2 chip, Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions, and Personalized Spatial Audio are included.

✓IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance is listed for AirPods 4.

Apple AirPods 4 — Cons

✕Base AirPods 4 do not include Active Noise Cancellation.

✕No heart rate sensor, Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, or Hearing Protection features.

✕No volume swipe control on the stem.

✕Shorter single-charge listening time than AirPods Pro 3 with ANC enabled.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 — Pros

✓Includes Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness.

✓Adds heart rate sensing for workouts and Apple hearing health features.

✓Longer official single-charge ANC listening time than AirPods 4 ANC mode.

✓IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance applies to both earbuds and charging case.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 — Cons

✕Higher official Apple price than AirPods 4.

✕In-ear silicone tips may not suit listeners who prefer an open-fit design.

✕Charging case total ANC listening time is up to 24 hours, while AirPods 4 can reach up to 30 hours without noise control.

✕Some hearing health and Live Translation features depend on region, software, and compatible Apple devices.

Best used for

✦Use open-fit earbuds for podcasts, calls, and music when silicone ear tips feel uncomfortable.

✦Stay in the Apple ecosystem with automatic pairing, Siri, and Personalized Spatial Audio.

✦Buy new AirPods at Apple's lower official entry price instead of paying for Pro features.

✦Take quick calls with Voice Isolation and dual beamforming microphones.

✦Use earbuds for commuting or walking when full in-ear sealing is not a priority.

✦Carry a smaller USB-C charging case for everyday listening without needing MagSafe charging.

Best used for

✦Block more commute, flight, office, and gym noise with Apple's in-ear Active Noise Cancellation.

✦Track workouts with the built-in heart rate sensor for supported fitness use cases.

✦Use Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection, and other hearing health features where available.

✦Listen longer on a single charge with up to 8 hours of ANC listening time.

✦Use Transparency, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and volume swipe controls throughout the day.

✦Get a more secure sealed fit with five silicone ear tip sizes from XXS to L.

⚖️

Our Verdict

Choose AirPods 4 if you want the lowest-cost current AirPods, prefer an open-fit earbud, and mainly need easy Apple pairing, calls, podcasts, and casual music. Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you want the more complete Apple earbud: sealed in-ear fit, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, hearing health features, workout heart rate sensing, stronger durability, and much longer single-charge ANC listening time.

Where to buy Apple AirPods 4

Find best price on Amazon →

Where to buy Apple AirPods Pro 3

Find best price on Amazon →

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Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Apple AirPods 4 if...

→You want current-generation AirPods at Apple's lower official $129 price.

→You prefer an open-fit earbud instead of silicone ear tips that seal the ear canal.

→You mostly listen in quieter places and do not need Active Noise Cancellation.

→You want Apple H2 features such as Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions, and Personalized Spatial Audio without paying Pro pricing.

→You care more about small-case everyday convenience than premium fitness and hearing features.

→You want up to 30 hours of total listening time from the case for non-ANC use.

Choose Apple AirPods Pro 3 if...

→You want Apple's strongest AirPods noise control for flights, commuting, office noise, or gym use.

→You want heart rate sensing during workouts from the earbuds themselves.

→You want Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection, and related hearing health features where available.

→You want longer single-charge listening with ANC enabled, up to 8 hours officially.

→You want a sealed fit with five ear tip sizes for better isolation and stability.

→You want MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified, or USB-C charging flexibility from the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are AirPods Pro 3 better than AirPods 4?

A: AirPods Pro 3 are better if you want ANC, sealed silicone tips, heart rate sensing, hearing health features, and longer ANC battery life. AirPods 4 are better if you want lower cost and open-fit comfort.

Q: Do AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?

A: The base AirPods 4 used in this brief do not include Active Noise Cancellation. Apple also sells AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation as a separate higher-priced variant.

Q: Which is cheaper, AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3?

A: AirPods 4 are cheaper at Apple's official $129 price, while AirPods Pro 3 are listed at $249.

Q: Which AirPods are better for workouts?

A: AirPods Pro 3 are the stronger workout pick because they include silicone ear tips, IP57 resistance for the earbuds and case, and a heart rate sensor for workouts.

Q: Which AirPods have better battery life?

A: AirPods Pro 3 have much longer single-charge ANC listening time at up to 8 hours. AirPods 4 can reach up to 30 hours with the case, but the base model does not use ANC.

Q: Should I buy AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3 in 2026?

A: Buy AirPods 4 for affordable open-fit Apple earbuds. Buy AirPods Pro 3 if noise cancellation, hearing features, workout tracking, and premium charging case features are worth the extra cost.

Q: Do AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 use the same Bluetooth version?

A: Yes. Both AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 use Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology, per Apple's official technical specifications pages.

Q: Can AirPods Pro 3 charge in the same case as AirPods 4?

A: No, the two use different cases. AirPods 4 come with a Charging Case (USB-C) only, while AirPods Pro 3 come with a MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) that also works with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified chargers.

Sources & References

Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.

Last verified: August 2026

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Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple AirPods 4

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Specifications

Pros & Cons

Apple AirPods 4 — Pros

Apple AirPods 4 — Cons

Apple AirPods Pro 3 — Pros

Apple AirPods Pro 3 — Cons

Best used for

Best used for

Our Verdict

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Apple AirPods 4 if...

Choose Apple AirPods Pro 3 if...

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

Community (0)

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