Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods 4

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the better pick — it scores 82/100 to the Apple AirPods 4's 53, leading on Noise Cancelling and Battery. Choose the Apple AirPods 4 instead if build matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Sound quality isn't scored yet (we have no measured audio data), so the score covers features, battery, noise cancelling and build.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads overall

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple AirPods 4

Why it stands out

Battery Life per Charge: 8 h (60% more)
Build IP Rating: IP57

Winner by category for Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods 4
Category	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Apple AirPods 4	Winner
Audio	85	85	Tie
Noise Cancelling	96	4	Apple AirPods Pro 3
Battery	73	47	Apple AirPods Pro 3
Connectivity	79	79	Tie
Calls	85	85	Tie
Build	67	72	Apple AirPods 4

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium wireless noise-canceling earbuds engineered for daily listening, workouts, and hands-free communication. Powered by Apple's H2 chip in the earbuds and a U2 chip in the charging case, they feature an upgraded multiport acoustic design and built-in heart rate sensing. Notable improvements include an IP57 rating for dust and water protection alongside up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation turned on.

Best for Fitness tracking during outdoor runs and sweaty gym sessionsBest for Frequent travelers and commuters needing sustained battery life and noise isolat

Pros

Extended battery life offering up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC enabled
Built-in heart rate sensor to track pulse and calories burned during workouts
IP57 dust and water resistance suitable for severe weather and high-intensity exercise
Improved active noise cancellation with five silicone tip sizes including XXS

Cons

Key features such as live translation and head-tracking spatial audio require tight integration with Apple devices
High retail pricing compared to standard wireless earbud options

Official

Official product pageProvided core product features including H2 chip specs, IP57 rating, 8-hour ANC battery claim, heart rate tracking, and ear tip sizing.

Source

Video — reviews used (3)

Generated Nov 3, 2026

Apple AirPods 4

The Apple AirPods 4 are open-style wireless earbuds powered by Apple's H2 chip, featuring a slightly smaller physical footprint than previous generations. Apple offers two distinct versions: a standard base model priced at $129 and a step-up variant at $179 that introduces Active Noise Cancellation. These earbuds target users who prefer an unsealed, open-fit design while taking advantage of Apple's latest audio processing platform.

Best for Listeners who dislike silicone ear tips but still want active noise cancellationBest for iPhone users looking for an affordable modern entry point into the AirPods lineu

Pros

Equipped with Apple's powerful H2 chip for advanced audio processing
Active noise cancellation option available in an open-ear form factor
Base model launched at a lower price point ($129) than its direct predecessor
Slightly smaller and updated physical design for improved ergonomics

Cons

Active Noise Cancellation is restricted to the more expensive $179 model variant

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple AirPods Pro 3

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Apple AirPods 4

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Physical Comparison

Weight, side by side

Apple AirPods Pro 3

43.99g

Weight

Apple AirPods 4

32.3g

Weight

Apple AirPods Pro 3

5.55g

Weight

Apple AirPods 4

4.3g

Weight

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Audio

Feature	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Apple AirPods 4
Driver Type	N/A	N/A
Driver Size	N/A	N/A
Frequency Response	N/A	N/A
Spatial Audio with Head Tracking	Yes	Yes

Noise Cancelling

Feature	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Apple AirPods 4
Active Noise Cancelling	Yes	No
Transparency Mode	Yes	No

Battery

Feature	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Apple AirPods 4
Battery Life per Charge	8 h60% more	5 h
Total Battery Life with Case	24 h	30 h25% more
Quick Charge	Yes	Yes
Wireless Charging Case	Yes	No

Connectivity

Feature	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Apple AirPods 4
Bluetooth Version
Supported Codecs	SBC, AAC	N/A
Multipoint Connection	N/A	N/A

Calls

Feature	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Apple AirPods 4
Microphones per Earbud	3	3

Build

Feature	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Apple AirPods 4
IP Rating
Weight per Earbud	5.55 g	4.3 g23% less
Case Weight	43.99 g	32.3 g27% less

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods 4 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple AirPods Pro 3 rates higher at 80/100 versus 57/100 for Apple AirPods 4 — a 23-point lead. Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Apple AirPods 4 are compared side by side above across every spec in the earbuds category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 80/100 for Apple AirPods Pro 3 and 57/100 for Apple AirPods 4.

If you want the higher-rated earbuds option overall, Apple AirPods Pro 3 (80/100) edges out Apple AirPods 4 (57/100). But if Apple AirPods 4 is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.