AirPods 4 and AirPods 3 have some key differences, but both offer Apple’s latest audio technology. AirPods 4 includes a newer H2 chip, USB-C charging, and smart features like Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode. Meanwhile, the AirPods 3 still delivers strong performance with a affordable price. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
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Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
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Custom Driver and Amplifier:
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Adaptive Audio:
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Advanced Inward-Facing Microphone:
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Design:
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Charging:
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Touch Controls:
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Built-in Speaker:
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AIrPods 4 | AIrPods 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | H2 | H1 |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Charging Case | MagSafe and USB-C | MagSafe and Lightning |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | No |
| Voice Isolation | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Personalized Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Volume Swipe Controls | Yes | No |
| Inward-Facing Microphone | Advanced | Standard |
| Custom Driver | Improved | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP54 (dust, sweat, and water resistant) | Sweat and water resistant |
| Battery Life (with case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Microphone | Improved mics with voice isolation | Dual beamforming mics |
| Case Speaker | Yes | No |
| Find My Integration | Enhanced (with U1 chip support) | Standard |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the AirPods 4 if you:
Check AirPods 4 Best Price (See Also: How To Connect Earbuds To Discord ) Buy the AirPods 3 if you:
|
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | AirPods 4 |
| Custom Driver & Amplifier | AirPods 4 |
| On-Device Volume Controls | AirPods 4 |
| Microphone | AirPods 4 |
| Voice Isolation | AirPods 4 |
| Inward-Facing Microphone | AirPods 4 |
| Transparency Mode | AirPods 4 |
| Adaptive Audio | AirPods 4 |
| IP54 Rating | AirPods 4 |
| Built-in Speaker | AirPods 4 |
| USB-C Charging | AirPods 4 |
What They Have in Common
- Design and Fit: Both AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 feature Apple’s contoured, stemmed design that rests comfortably in the ear for long listening sessions without causing fatigue.
- Wireless Connectivity: Both models use Apple’s H1 chip for fast pairing, stable wireless connection, and seamless switching across Apple devices.
- Spatial Audio: Both support personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating an immersive, theater-like listening experience.
- Sweat and Water Resistance: Both AirPods are rated IPX4, meaning they can withstand sweat and splashes, making them suitable for workouts and daily use.
- MagSafe Charging Case: Both include a MagSafe-compatible charging case, allowing for easy wireless charging and longer battery life with convenient top-offs.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Do the AirPods 4 support USB-C charging?
Yes, the AirPods 4 come with a USB-C charging case, making them compatible with Apple’s latest charging standard across iPhone and iPad devices.
Are the AirPods 4 better than the AirPods 3 in terms of audio quality?
Yes, the AirPods 4 include an upgraded H2 chip and an improved custom driver and amplifier, which deliver clearer audio and enhanced sound detail compared to the AirPods 3.
Do either of these models have Active Noise Cancellation?
No, both the AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 lack Active Noise Cancellation as they are designed with an open-fit style that prioritizes ambient awareness.
Can I adjust the volume directly on the earbuds?
Only the AirPods 4 support on-device volume swipe controls, allowing users to change volume by swiping on the stem. AirPods 3 do not have this feature.
Are both models compatible with Personalized Spatial Audio?
Yes, both AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive listening experience.
(See Also:
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)
Do the AirPods 4 have a built-in speaker in the case?
Yes, the AirPods 4 case includes a built-in speaker that plays alert sounds for Find My and battery notifications, which the AirPods 3 case does not have.
What is the battery life of both models?
Both the AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 provide up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
Do the AirPods 4 include Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode?
Yes, the AirPods 4 include both Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode, allowing them to adjust to your environment in real-time. These features are not available on the AirPods 3.
Are the AirPods 4 more durable than the AirPods 3?
Yes, the AirPods 4 are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance, while the AirPods 3 are only sweat and water resistant without an official IP rating.
Which AirPods are better for voice calls and voice isolation?
The AirPods 4 feature an enhanced microphone system and machine learning-based voice isolation for clearer calls, giving them an advantage over the AirPods 3 in noisy environments.
[lwptoc]