Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Apple AirPods 4
The Verdict
Apple's AirPods 4 deliver better value at $129 versus the AirPods 3's $169 asking price. Both skip active noise cancellation, but the AirPods 4 compensate with the H2 chip enabling Voice Isolation for clearer calls and Bluetooth 5.3 for improved stability. Battery life favors the AirPods 3 at 6 hours per charge compared to 5 hours, though both reach 30 hours total with their cases. The AirPods 3 offer MagSafe wireless charging, while AirPods 4 switched to USB-C, making them more universally compatible. Water resistance differs slightly: IP54 on the AirPods 4 versus IPX4 on the AirPods 3, though both handle sweat and light splashes adequately. Sound quality relies on similar Apple-designed drivers with Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio on both models. At $40 less, the AirPods 4 provide nearly equivalent features with modern connectivity standards and better calling capabilities. Choose AirPods 3 only if you heavily depend on wireless charging or need that extra hour of battery life per session. For most users, AirPods 4 offer superior value without meaningful real-world compromises.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Buy the Apple AirPods 4 if…
- →Best open-ear fit comfort — virtually disappears in the ear
- →Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- →USB-C charging case finally replaces Lightning
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Apple AirPods 4
Pros
- Best open-ear fit comfort — virtually disappears in the ear
- Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- USB-C charging case finally replaces Lightning
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration across all devices
- IP54 dust and water resistance for workouts
Cons
- No active noise cancellation — pay $50 more for ANC model
- Open design leaks sound and lets ambient noise in
- AAC only — no aptX or LDAC for Android users
- 5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen | Apple AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (each) | 4.3 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | 5 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C, 5-min charge for 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | Apple H2 chip, custom driver |
| Features | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ auto-tunes music to ear shape, USB-C charging case, H2 chip with Voice Isolation for calls, Automatic device switching across Apple devices, Find My integration with precision finding |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP54 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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