AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Complete Comparison Guide

Verdict

The AirPods 4 win decisively on design and durability. Apple refined the ergonomics with shorter stems and more angular inserts that fit a wider range of ear shapes more securely. According to CNET's hands-on testing, the AirPods 4 "fit better than the AirPods 3" for most testers.

More importantly, the IP54 rating represents a significant upgrade over the AirPods 3's IPX4 certification. The added dust resistance means the AirPods 4 can handle gym workouts, outdoor runs, and dusty environments without worry. The smaller, lighter charging case slides more easily into pockets, and the shift to USB-C charging means you can use the same cable for your iPhone 15/16, iPad, MacBook, and AirPods.

The only design advantage the AirPods 3 retain is MagSafe wireless charging (included standard), while only the $179 AirPods 4 with ANC model supports wireless charging. If wireless charging is essential and you're buying the base $129 AirPods 4, you'll need to rely on USB-C wired charging.

Verdict

Apple made three key upgrades that dramatically improve the AirPods 4's sound quality: the H2 chip (the same powerhouse in AirPods Pro 2), a redesigned acoustic architecture with a new amplifier, and repositioned drivers angled to direct sound more precisely into your ear canals.

The results are impressive. RTINGS' measurements confirm the AirPods 4 deliver "a fuller-sounding bass response" with enhanced depth and clarity across all frequencies. The sound is cleaner, with better instrument separation and a more spacious soundstage. As CNET's review notes, "there's more depth and fullness across genres—it's not AirPods Pro 2 quality, but it's better than before."

For phone calls, the Voice Isolation feature powered by the H2 chip is a game-changer. It uses computational audio to separate your voice from background noise, making calls dramatically clearer in noisy environments like busy streets, coffee shops, or windy outdoor settings. The AirPods 3 offer decent call quality, but they can't match the AirPods 4's advanced voice processing.

Both models support Personalized Spatial Audio, which uses head tracking to create an immersive, theater-like sound experience. But the H2 chip in the AirPods 4 processes spatial audio more efficiently, resulting in lower latency and more precise head tracking.

Verdict

This is where the AirPods 4 completely transform the game. The $179 AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are the first open-ear earbuds with functional ANC that actually works. According to PCMag's expert testing, they deliver "the best active noise cancellation we've experienced in an open-ear design."

How effective is it? CNET's real-world tests found the AirPods 4 ANC can "cut down plane engine noise levels by about 40%," which is remarkable for earbuds without silicone tips. Apple says the noise cancellation matches the original AirPods Pro and is roughly half as effective as the AirPods Pro 2. While that's not elite-tier ANC, it's a monumental achievement for open-ear buds and dramatically improves listening in noisy environments.

Conversation Awareness is one of my favorite new features. When you start speaking, the AirPods 4 automatically lower your music volume and enable transparency mode, so you can have conversations without removing your earbuds. It works similarly to Sony's Speak-to-Chat feature, and it's incredibly convenient for quick interactions at checkout counters or asking colleagues questions.

Siri Interactions bring gesture control to AirPods. When Siri asks you a question (like "Would you like me to read this message?"), you can nod your head for yes or shake it for no. It sounds gimmicky, but it's surprisingly useful when your hands are full or you're mid-workout.

Adaptive Audio intelligently blends ANC and Transparency mode based on your environment, automatically adjusting how much outside sound you hear. Walk from a quiet office to a noisy street, and the AirPods 4 adapt in real-time.

The AirPods 3, unfortunately, offer none of these features. They're standard open-ear earbuds with no noise control whatsoever. For the same $179 launch price, the AirPods 4 with ANC are in a completely different league.

Verdict

The AirPods 3 win on battery life, but only marginally. They deliver 6 hours of continuous listening per charge compared to the AirPods 4's 5 hours (with ANC off) or 4 hours (with ANC on for the $179 model). That extra hour might matter if you're on long flights or have marathon listening sessions, but for most users, 5 hours is plenty for daily use.

Both models offer 30 hours of total listening time with their charging cases, and both support fast charging—5 minutes in the case gives you about 1 hour of playback. In real-world use, you'll likely charge them overnight and enjoy all-day battery life with either model.

The battery life difference comes down to the AirPods 4's more power-hungry H2 chip and additional features. The tradeoff is worth it considering the dramatic improvements in sound quality, ANC capability, and smart features. Unless you regularly need 6+ hours of uninterrupted listening, the AirPods 4's 5-hour runtime won't be a dealbreaker.

Verdict

Both models offer excellent Apple ecosystem integration with automatic device switching (seamlessly move between iPhone, iPad, Mac) and instant pairing (just open the case near your iPhone). However, the AirPods 4 enhance the user experience with several meaningful upgrades.

The force sensor controls work identically on both models—pinch the stem to play/pause, skip tracks, or activate Siri. But the AirPods 4 add Siri Interactions, allowing you to respond to Siri prompts with head nods or shakes. It's surprisingly useful during workouts or when cooking.

For the $179 AirPods 4 with ANC, Apple includes a speaker in the charging case, which plays a sound when you use Find My to locate lost earbuds. The standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 3 lack this feature—a small but helpful addition if you misplace your case frequently.

The shift to USB-C charging is a double-edged sword. It's more convenient if you've already upgraded to iPhone 15 or later and use USB-C accessories. But if you're still on Lightning-based devices, you'll need to carry an extra cable. The AirPods 3 support MagSafe wireless charging standard, while only the $179 AirPods 4 model offers wireless charging (compatible with Qi and Apple Watch chargers).

Overall, the AirPods 4 deliver a more refined, feature-rich user experience that justifies the upgrade, especially with the added convenience features in the ANC model.

Verdict

The AirPods 4 offer dramatically better value, and it's not even close. At $129 starting price, the standard AirPods 4 cost $50 less than what the AirPods 3 originally launched for, yet they deliver:

• Superior sound quality (H2 chip vs H1)
• Better build quality and durability (IP54 vs IPX4)
• More advanced features (Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions)
• Improved fit and comfort for most users
• Modern USB-C charging

For $179, the AirPods 4 with ANC are an absolute steal. At the same price the AirPods 3 launched for, you get all the above improvements plus groundbreaking active noise cancellation, Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, wireless charging, and a speaker in the case. It's like comparing a 2021 economy car to a 2024 luxury sedan at the same price.

The only scenario where the AirPods 3 make sense is if you find them heavily discounted—under $100 on clearance sales. At that price point, they're decent budget earbuds for casual listeners. But at typical retailer prices of $129-149, they're overpriced compared to the superior AirPods 4.

As SoundGuys concludes in their comparison: "The AirPods 4 is the winner here... you get new features such as nodding your head to interact with Siri, improved call quality and spatial audio processing."