AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 3: which one should you buy?
Both are Apple's current earbuds for iPhone, but they are built for different people. The AirPods 4 (the standard model compared here) rest in the ear without silicone tips and skip active noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 3 seal the ear with tips, add Apple's strongest in-ear noise cancellation and track your heart rate during workouts.
Quick verdict
Apple AirPods 4
Choose the AirPods 4 if in-ear tips bother you and you mainly listen at home, at the office or on walks.
See price on Amazon
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if you commute or fly, want strong noise cancellation, or want heart rate tracking for workouts.
See price on AmazonSide-by-side comparison
| Feature | Apple AirPods 4 | Apple AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Open fit, no silicone tips | Sealed in-ear, 5 ear tip sizes |
| Active noise cancellation | No (standard model) | Yes, up to 2x more than AirPods Pro 2, per Apple |
| Battery per charge | Up to 5 h | Up to 8 h with ANC |
| Total with case | Up to 30 h | Not specified in this listing |
| Health features | No heart rate sensing listed | Heart rate sensing for up to 50 workout types, hearing test and Hearing Aid feature |
| Live Translation | Not listed | Yes, with Apple Intelligence |
| Water resistance | IP54 (earbuds and case) | Not specified in this listing |
| Chip and spatial audio | H2, Personalized Spatial Audio | New acoustic architecture, 3D audio |
| Amazon rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
Fit and noise: the key choice
This is the question that decides it. The AirPods 4 sit loosely in the ear, which many people find more comfortable for hours and keeps you aware of your surroundings, but they let outside noise in and give less bass. The AirPods Pro 3 seal the ear canal with silicone tips (now in five sizes), which is what makes their noise cancellation work and gives fuller bass, but some people find tips less comfortable.
Health and smart features
The AirPods Pro 3 go beyond music: Apple lists heart rate sensing for up to 50 workout types, Live Translation with Apple Intelligence, a hearing test and a Hearing Aid feature. The AirPods 4 focus on the basics done well: the H2 chip, Personalized Spatial Audio and Voice Isolation for clearer calls.
Battery and durability
The Pro 3 last longer per charge: up to 8 hours with noise cancellation, versus up to 5 hours for the AirPods 4 (30 hours in total with their case). Apple rates the AirPods 4 and their USB-C case IP54 for dust, sweat and water.
Which one should you buy?
AirPods 4 are better for
- People who dislike in-ear tips
- Home, office and walks where you want to hear what's around you
- Calls and podcasts at a lower price
AirPods Pro 3 are better for
- Commuters, flights and noisy offices
- Workouts, with heart rate sensing
- Anyone who wants the most features from Apple
Frequently asked questions
Do the AirPods 4 have noise cancellation?
The standard AirPods 4 compared here do not. Apple sells a separate AirPods 4 version with active noise cancellation.
Do AirPods work with Android?
They connect as Bluetooth earbuds, but many smart features, especially on the AirPods Pro 3, require an iPhone.
Which AirPods last longer?
The AirPods Pro 3: up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancellation, versus up to 5 hours for the AirPods 4.
How this comparison was made: we compared the manufacturers' official specifications and public Amazon buyer ratings for both products. We haven't tested these units hands-on. Features listed as not specified simply aren't mentioned in the Amazon listing we checked. Check the latest price and details on Amazon before you buy.
Want more options? See all products in our audio buying guide.