The AirPods Pro 3 are finally here, bringing with them a host of new features. They've got more battery life, improved sound and enhanced noise canceling. You'll also find a new heart rate sensor on board alongside the Live Translation feature. A new pair of earbuds for a new era of Apple Intelligence.
The new AirPods Pro 3 now sit alongside the AirPods 4 in Apple's lineup. Those give you two options — an ANC and a non-ANC variant — and pack in Spatial Audio and an open fit. Crucially, AirPods 4 cost less than the AirPods Pro 3. But which is the best wireless earbuds for you? Let's dig into all the AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4 differences you need to know.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Price and availability
The AirPods Pro 3 cost $249, and you can preorder them from the Apple Store now. That's the same launch price as their predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2.
The AirPods 4 are cheaper. They cost $129 in their non ANC form and $179 if you opt for the version with ANC. They've also been out for longer, and so we've seen discounts that bring the non-ANC variant to under $100 — that's a veritable Apple bargain.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Design
The design philosophy of both AirPods models is the same, as you might expect. They're both white plastic earbuds with small charging cases. But the parts that go into your ears are actually quite different.
The AirPods 4 are a less secure, more open fit. If you don't like the more invasive fits of silicon-tipped earbuds, they might just be the option for you. The case is smaller than the AirPods Pro 3 case as well, making it easier to fit into a pocket or bag.
The AirPods Pro 3 are an improvement on the old model, with a more compact shape and size. They're larger than the AirPods 4, but more secure thanks to the new foam-infused ear tips that also offer better noise isolation. And you can take your pick of five sizes, including XXS.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Controls
The AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods 4 share a control method — touch sensitive stems. Both let you play/pause your music with a squeeze and change track with multiple taps, but the AirPods Pro 3 take it up a notch.
You can swipe the touch panel on the AirPods Pro 3 and change the volume. It might seem minor, but it makes a big difference in usability. Apple's touch controls are reliable and well thought out so either are good, but the extra functionality of the AirPods Pro 3 gives them the win.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Sound quality
The AirPods 4 are not a sonic powerhouse. They sound fine for their form factor and price, but fall down when compared to the competition. They're too thin sounding, with little in the way of sub-bass or very high-end detail. There's Spatial Audio on board in both models.
The AirPods Pro 3 are yet to meet my ears, but they're apparently improved over the AirPods Pro 2 — which sounded good. The AirPods Pro 3 have increased bass and better detail, according to Apple, and their soundstage has been widened. If you're looking for the best sound, then the AirPods Pro 3 are the way to go.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Features
The AirPods 4 are cheaper than the AirPods Pro 3, and they mostly come at the expense of features. They do have head-tracked Spatial Audio support and there's an option that includes ANC, but that's about it. Unless you consider the silicon tip-less design a feature — I do not.
There are far more features available in the AirPods Pro 3. You'll find the hearing health features, including hearing aid mode (which is FDA approved). Then there's the new heart rate monitor, so you can leave your Apple Watch at home when you go for a run. There are more noise-canceling modes as well.
There's a new feature that both pairs of buds are getting — Live Translation. That will translate conversations you're having in real time, using the power of a connected iPhone. The iPhone needs to have Apple Intelligence support.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: ANC
The AirPods 4 with noise canceling are able to block some noise. Not very much noise, but enough to make a difference when you're trying to listen to your music. There are much better ANC options out there.
The AirPods Pro 3's ANC is almost certain to be more impressive than that found in the AirPods 4. It's 2x better than the ANC in the AirPods Pro 2 according to Apple, which blocked out loads of noise.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Battery life
The AirPods 4 battery life simply isn't good enough. You get 5 hours of listening with ANC off, and 4 hours when you turn it on. That's half of some of the competition, and means you need to constantly charge them.
The AirPods Pro 3 battery has stepped things up. They have 8 hours of juice with ANC on, and 10 hours in transparency mode. That's now some of the best battery life around, and more than any other in-ear buds from Apple.
AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Verdict
There was only one way this was going to go from the start. The AirPods Pro 3 are looking to be fair superior earbuds, with greater specs and more impressive features. You also get massively improved battery life, hearing health, a heart rate monitor, improved sound, better ANC and. more.
If you're looking to spend less money and want some Apple earbuds, the AirPods 4 remain a solid choice. But overall the AirPods Pro 3 are the earbuds to buy if you're looking to maximize your investment for the long haul.
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