Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) vs Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation)
Apple's latest AirPods 4 with ANC edges out the 3rd Gen with meaningful improvements for just $10 more. Both feature Spatial Audio and Apple's seamless ecosystem integration, but the AirPods 4 introduce genuine Active Noise Cancellation in an innovative open-fit design—a first for non-sealing AirPods. Battery life drops slightly to 5 hours with ANC enabled versus the 3rd Gen's 6 hours, though total case capacity remains 30 hours. The newer H2 chip powers superior features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Voice Isolation for calls. Charging flexibility improves significantly with USB-C, Qi wireless, and Apple Watch charger compatibility, replacing the 3rd Gen's Lightning-only approach. Build quality is nearly identical at 4.3g per bud with IP54 water resistance (marginally better than IPX4). For users prioritizing noise cancellation and call quality in a familiar form factor, the AirPods 4 represent the better investment. The 3rd Gen suits those satisfied with passive isolation and willing to save $10.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (per bud) | 4.3 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs buds, up to 30 hrs total with case | 5 hrs buds (ANC on), up to 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe (depending on case variant) | USB-C, Qi wireless, Apple Watch charger |
| Features | Apple H1 chip, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ adjusts sound to ear geometry, Skin-detect sensor for auto-play/pause, Force sensor controls, MagSafe Charging Case option | Active Noise Cancellation in an open-fit (non-tip) design, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, H2 chip, Find My (case speaker, no Precision Finding U1), Voice Isolation for calls |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds and case) | IP54 (buds and case) |
| Drivers | — | Custom Apple low-distortion driver with high-dynamic-range amplifier |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking at a mid-range price
- Comfortable open-fit design — no silicone tips needed
- IPX4 water and sweat resistance on both buds and case
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration with quick pairing
- MagSafe charging case option is convenient
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Open-fit allows ambient noise in — poor passive isolation
- No aptX or hi-res codecs — AAC only
- Limited usefulness outside the Apple ecosystem
- Short per-charge battery life compared to ANC rivals
Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation)
Pros
- First open-fit AirPods with active noise cancellation
- Much more comfortable than Pro for users who dislike silicone tips
- Smaller, lighter case with USB-C and wireless charging
- Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio, and Conversation Awareness
- Cheaper than AirPods Pro 2
Cons
- ANC is weaker than tip-sealed earbuds like AirPods Pro 2
- No swappable ear tips means fit may not suit everyone
- AAC only — no hi-res or lossless codecs
- No Precision Finding (no U1 chip in case)
- No wireless charging on the cheaper non-ANC variant (this model has it)
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