AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 3 – Which Should You Buy?

Specs at a Glance

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Winner by Category

What They Have in Common

• Active Noise Cancellation: Both AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 include active noise cancellation that continuously adapts to outside noise, minimizing distractions. This feature uses external and internal microphones to counter unwanted sounds before they reach your ears. It’s valuable for commuting, flying, or focusing in noisy spaces.
• Transparency Mode: Both models feature Transparency Mode, letting users hear their surroundings while still listening to music or taking calls. It helps maintain awareness during outdoor activities or quick conversations. This blend of openness and clarity provides a natural listening balance.
• Spatial Audio: Both support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a surround-sound experience that mimics theater-quality immersion. As you move your head, the sound field adjusts to keep audio anchored in place. This makes music, movies, and games feel more realistic and engaging.
• Adaptive Audio: Both models blend active noise cancellation and transparency dynamically, adjusting in real time to your environment. Whether in quiet or loud places, the sound profile remains balanced. It helps ensure comfort and consistent audio quality wherever you go.
• Automatic Device Switching: Both AirPods connect seamlessly across Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. They detect which device you’re using and switch automatically without manual pairing. This saves time and simplifies multitasking across the Apple ecosystem.
• H2 Chip: Each model is powered by Apple’s H2 chip, improving sound quality, battery efficiency, and noise control. The chip enables real-time processing that adjusts music and voice clarity on the fly. It’s key to the overall responsiveness and precision of both earbuds.
• Touch Controls: Both support touch-sensitive controls for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or managing calls directly on the stem. The controls respond smoothly without needing to reach for your phone. It enhances convenience during workouts, commutes, or multitasking.
• Find My Integration: Both are compatible with Apple’s Find My network, helping users locate misplaced earbuds through precise tracking. You can view the last known location and play a sound to locate them. This reduces the risk of losing expensive earbuds.
• Personalized Volume: Each model learns your listening habits and automatically adjusts volume based on environment and preferences. It makes transitions between quiet and loud settings seamless. This ensures comfort without needing constant manual adjustments.
• Adaptive EQ: Both AirPods feature adaptive equalization that tunes music in real time to your ear shape. Microphones monitor sound and adjust low and mid frequencies accordingly. The result is consistent, rich sound tailored uniquely for every user.
• Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity: Both models use Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable, energy-efficient, and low-latency connection. This allows for faster pairing and improved audio streaming reliability. It benefits gamers and music lovers who prioritize uninterrupted playback.
• Sweat and Water Resistance: Each pair is built with IPX4 water resistance, protecting against sweat and light rain. This makes them reliable for workouts and daily outdoor use. It also extends the earbuds’ lifespan in varied environments.
• Siri Voice Control: Both AirPods respond to “Hey Siri” for hands-free control over music, messages, and navigation. Voice commands are processed quickly through the built-in microphones. This provides easy, voice-based control while on the move.
• Fast Charging Support: Both models charge quickly, offering hours of playback with just a few minutes in the case. This is useful when time is limited or before heading out. It ensures users stay connected without long downtime.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Do both models support Spatial Audio?
Yes, both support Apple’s dynamic Spatial Audio feature, which delivers an immersive 3D sound experience. When watching compatible movies or listening to Dolby Atmos tracks, the sound appears to move around you as if in a theater. Dynamic head tracking adjusts audio placement as you move your head, maintaining realism. This makes both models ideal for streaming, gaming, and cinematic listening experiences.

Can I use both models with Android devices?
Yes, both can connect to Android phones or tablets using standard Bluetooth. Audio playback, call quality, and noise cancellation will still function properly. However, you won’t get Apple-specific features like automatic device switching, spatial audio personalization, or Siri integration. Despite that, Android users still enjoy great sound quality and stability from either model.

Are the AirPods 4 and Pro 3 waterproof?
Both models carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning they can withstand sweat, splashes, and light rain. This makes them reliable for workouts, outdoor runs, or daily commutes in mild weather. However, they are not designed for swimming, showers, or heavy water exposure. To maintain longevity, it’s best to dry them after moisture contact.

Is there a difference in battery life?
Battery life is nearly identical, offering up to six hours of listening time per charge with ANC active. With the case, users get over 24 hours of total playback. The H2 chip in both models manages power efficiently, extending battery life during lighter use. Real-world endurance may vary depending on noise control settings and volume levels.

Can I control volume directly on the earbuds?
Yes, both earbuds allow users to adjust volume with a simple swipe gesture along the stem. The touch sensors respond precisely, enabling quick changes without taking out your phone. You can also skip tracks, answer calls, or switch modes from the same interface. This gesture-based system keeps the experience seamless and intuitive.

Do both have active noise cancellation?
Yes, both feature Apple’s adaptive active noise cancellation, which continuously monitors external sounds and neutralizes them using opposite sound waves. This helps reduce distractions in environments like public transport or busy streets. The Pro 3, however, offers slightly deeper cancellation thanks to its in-ear seal. Still, both provide a strong, immersive listening experience ideal for focus and travel.

Can I find my AirPods if I lose them?
Yes, both AirPods integrate with Apple’s Find My network, allowing precise location tracking through your iPhone or iCloud. You can view their last known position on a map or play a sound to locate them nearby. The case also supports tracking, ensuring you can find either component. This smart safety feature helps prevent loss and saves replacement costs.

Do both work with Apple Watch?
Absolutely, both models pair effortlessly with Apple Watch and other Apple devices. You can play music, handle calls, and even use Siri directly from your wrist. This makes workouts or runs simpler without carrying your phone. The seamless connectivity showcases how both models fit neatly into Apple’s device ecosystem.

Can I use only one AirPod at a time?
Yes, both AirPods can function independently, letting you use either the left or right earbud while the other charges. The system automatically switches to mono mode to maintain full audio balance. This setup is convenient for calls, podcasts, or situations where you need one ear free. It also helps conserve battery life during extended use.

How long does it take to charge fully?
Both earbuds reach a full charge in about an hour, while the charging case takes slightly longer. A quick five-minute charge provides several hours of playback in emergencies. Wireless charging may take longer but offers greater convenience. Users can check charging progress directly on connected Apple devices.

Do both models have in-ear detection?
Yes, both AirPods automatically detect when you insert or remove them from your ears. Playback pauses when removed and resumes once reinserted. This automation saves battery and keeps your experience smooth. It’s especially useful during conversations or when multitasking.

Can I connect them to multiple devices?
Yes, both models seamlessly switch between Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. This includes iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Apple TV. The handoff occurs automatically when you play audio on a different device. It eliminates manual pairing and supports multitasking across the Apple ecosystem.

Do both support Adaptive Audio?
Yes, both feature Adaptive Audio that intelligently blends Transparency Mode and ANC. The earbuds automatically adjust sound levels based on surroundings – reducing volume in quiet spaces and increasing control in noisy areas. It makes transitions smooth when moving between environments. This adaptability enhances comfort without needing manual switching.

How good is the call quality?
Call quality is excellent on both models, powered by dual beamforming microphones that isolate your voice from background noise. The H2 chip refines audio processing to ensure speech clarity even in windy or busy conditions. Voices sound natural and consistent across calls or video chats. It’s reliable for professional or personal communication alike.

Can I share audio with another pair of AirPods?
Yes, both support Apple’s Audio Sharing feature, allowing two pairs of AirPods to connect to one device. This makes watching movies, listening to music, or sharing a podcast with a friend simple and private. Audio remains perfectly synced across both pairs. It’s a small but thoughtful feature for shared entertainment moments.

Are there voice commands available?
Yes, both AirPods respond to “Hey Siri,” enabling hands-free commands for music, navigation, or messages. Siri’s responsiveness is quick thanks to the integrated H2 chip. You can also control smart home devices or check notifications without touching your phone. This integration helps keep daily tasks convenient and accessible.

Do both work with non-Apple laptops?
Yes, both can pair easily with Windows or other laptops using Bluetooth. They function well for video calls, streaming, or meetings. However, you’ll miss out on Apple-exclusive perks like automatic switching or personalized Spatial Audio. Still, sound performance and microphone clarity remain impressive for general use.