Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 have some important difference. AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s most advanced earbuds with noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, heart rate sensing, and better durability. AirPods 4 are Apple’s newest open-fit option designed for casual listening and long-wear comfort. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which model is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Noise Cancellation:
- AirPods Pro 3 features up to 4x more Active Noise Cancellation to block external noise for an immersive listening experience.
- AirPods 4 has no Active Noise Cancellation.
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Audio Features:
- AirPods Pro 3 includes Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Adaptive EQ to maintain consistent sound quality in changing environments.
- AirPods 4 has Adaptive EQ only
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Transparency Mode:
- AirPods Pro 3 supports Adaptive Transparency to let outside sounds in while reducing loud environmental noise.
- AirPods 4 has no Transparency Mode.
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Heart Rate Sensor:
- AirPods Pro 3 includes a heart rate sensor to track workout intensity and monitor health metrics.
- AirPods 4 has no heart rate sensor.
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Hearing Features:
- AirPods Pro 3 supports Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection to improve accessibility and protect hearing health.
- AirPods 4 has no hearing health features.
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Translation:
- AirPods Pro 3 features Live Translation to enable real-time conversation across languages.
- AirPods 4 has no translation feature.
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Controls:
- AirPods Pro 3 comes with touch controls with swipe for volume to provide quick on-ear adjustments.
- AirPods 4 uses a force sensor without volume swipe.
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Charging Case:
- AirPods Pro 3 includes a MagSafe USB-C case with UWB chip, speaker, and lanyard loop for easier tracking and charging flexibility.
- AirPods 4 comes with a standard USB-C case without UWB or MagSafe.
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Battery:
- AirPods Pro 3 has up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on to allow longer use between charges.
- AirPods 4 has up to 5 hours of listening time but up to 30 hours with the case.
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Conversation Awareness:
- AirPods Pro 3 features Conversation Awareness to lower media volume and enhance voices during speech automatically.
- AirPods 4 has no Conversation Awareness.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
AirPods Pro 3 |
AirPods 4 |
| Design |
In-ear with silicone tips |
Open-fit design |
| Noise Cancellation |
Up to 4x more ANC |
Not available |
| Transparency Mode |
Adaptive + standard transparency |
Not available |
| Conversation Awareness |
Available |
Not available |
| Personalized Spatial Audio |
Available |
Available |
| Heart Rate Sensor |
Yes |
Not available |
| Hearing Health |
Test, Aid, Protection |
Not available |
| Live Translation |
Available |
Not available |
| Controls |
Touch with volume swipe |
Force sensor |
| Battery Life |
Up to 8 hrs (ANC on), 24 hrs with case |
Up to 5 hrs, 30 hrs with case |
| Charging Case |
MagSafe USB-C with UWB, speaker, lanyard loop |
Standard USB-C case |
| Water Resistance |
IP57 |
IP54 |
| Ear Tips |
Five sizes included |
None |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you:
- Want premium features like ANC, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency Mode.
- Need heart rate tracking for fitness and health monitoring.
- Prefer an in-ear fit with multiple tip sizes for secure seal.
- Value higher dust and water resistance for outdoor use.
- Want advanced Find My tracking and MagSafe case compatibility.
Check AirPods Pro 3 Best Price
Buy the AirPods 4 if you:
- Prefer open-fit design for all-day comfort and casual listening.
- Do not need ANC, heart rate sensing, or hearing health features.
- Want a lighter, more affordable option with longer total case battery.
- Are upgrading from AirPods 2 or 3 and want a simple refresh.
Check AirPods 4 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Noise Cancellation |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Audio Features |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Transparency Mode |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Conversation Awareness |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Spatial Audio |
Tie |
| Heart Rate Sensor |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Hearing Features |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Translation |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Controls |
AirPods Pro 3 |
| Battery |
AirPods Pro 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Chipset: Both use the H2 chip for faster performance and efficient connectivity.
- Spatial Audio: Both support Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking for immersive sound.
- Adaptive EQ: Both adjust sound in real time for consistent audio quality.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Both offer stable and power-efficient wireless connection.
- Automatic Switching: Both switch seamlessly between iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Hey Siri Support: Both let you control music, calls, and directions hands-free.
- Find My Support: Both work with Find My to help you locate misplaced earbuds and case.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Do the AirPods Pro 3 have better noise cancellation than AirPods 4?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 have up to 4x more Active Noise Cancellation, while the AirPods 4 do not include noise cancellation at all.
Do both models support Adaptive Audio?
No, only the AirPods Pro 3 support Adaptive Audio that blends noise control based on surroundings. AirPods 4 rely on standard sound output without adaptive features.
Can AirPods 4 use Transparency Mode like AirPods Pro 3?
No, Transparency Mode is exclusive to AirPods Pro 3. AirPods 4 keep you aware of your surroundings naturally because of their open-fit design.
Do either of them have heart rate monitoring?
AirPods Pro 3 have a built-in heart rate sensor for tracking workouts and health data. AirPods 4 do not support heart rate monitoring.
Are both models water and sweat resistant?
Yes, both are water and sweat resistant but AirPods Pro 3 have a higher IP57 rating for better protection compared to the IP54 rating on AirPods 4.
Do AirPods 4 come with ear tips like AirPods Pro 3?
No, AirPods 4 have a one-size open-fit design with no ear tips. AirPods Pro 3 include five sizes of silicone tips for a customized fit and better noise isolation.
Which model has a longer battery life per charge?
AirPods Pro 3 last up to 8 hours with noise cancellation enabled, while AirPods 4 last up to 5 hours. However, AirPods 4 have a slightly longer total battery life with the case.
Do both models support Personalized Spatial Audio?
Yes, both AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive sound.
Is the charging case different between the two models?
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 come with a MagSafe USB-C case that includes a UWB chip, speaker, and lanyard loop. AirPods 4 have a simpler USB-C case without these extras.
Which model is better for people with hearing needs?
AirPods Pro 3 are better for hearing needs as they include Hearing Test, Hearing Aid support, Hearing Protection, and Conversation Boost. AirPods 4 do not have these features.
