What is the difference between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4?

The AirPods Pro 3 feature an in-ear silicone tip design with Active Noise Cancellation, while the AirPods 4 use an open-fit design without ear tips; the Pro 3 also adds a heart-rate sensor during workouts that the AirPods 4 lack.

Which has better sound quality, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 4?

The AirPods Pro 3 deliver better sound quality because their sealed in-ear design provides superior bass response and passive isolation, whereas the open-fit AirPods 4 leak more sound and offer less acoustic precision in noisy environments.

Are AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 the same size and weight?

No, the AirPods Pro 3 are slightly heavier at 5.3 grams per earbud versus 4.7 grams for the AirPods 4, and the Pro 3 include shorter stems plus interchangeable silicone tips that add bulk compared to the one-size-fits-all AirPods 4.

Do AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 use the same charging case?

No, the AirPods Pro 3 use a wider, squarer case with a built-in speaker for Find My alerts and a USB-C port, while the AirPods 4 case is narrower, lacks the speaker, and supports both USB-C and optional wireless charging.

Which is better for phone calls, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 4?

The AirPods Pro 3 are better for phone calls because they include a voice-isolating microphone array plus a bone-conduction sensor that filters background noise, while the AirPods 4 rely only on standard beamforming mics with less wind resistance.

Can I use AirPods Pro 3 tips on AirPods 4?

No, you cannot use AirPods Pro 3 silicone tips on AirPods 4 because the AirPods 4 have a rigid, open-ear housing with no attachment point, and their oval-shaped nozzle is physically incompatible with the Pro 3's round tip mechanism.

Are AirPods Pro 3 worth the extra cost over AirPods 4?

Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 justify their roughly $50 higher price if you need Active Noise Cancellation, a heart-rate sensor, and adaptive transparency, but the AirPods 4 offer nearly identical audio codecs and battery life for budget-focused buyers.

What is the battery life difference between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4?

The AirPods Pro 3 last 6 hours with ANC enabled and 8 hours without it, while the AirPods 4 last 5 hours with ANC and 7 hours without; both cases provide about 30 total hours of listening time.

Can I switch from AirPods 4 to AirPods Pro 3 without changing my iPhone settings?

Yes, you can switch between AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 without changing iPhone settings because both use the same H2 chip and automatically appear in your iCloud device list, though you must manually re-pair each pair once.

Which AirPods are safer for running outdoors, Pro 3 or AirPods 4?

The AirPods 4 are safer for running outdoors because their open-fit design lets in ambient traffic sounds naturally, whereas the AirPods Pro 3's noise cancellation can mask car horns unless you enable Transparency mode manually.

Difference Between

Difference Between Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: September 2, 202622 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 is that the Pro 3 offers active noise cancellation with silicone ear tips, while the Airpods 4 uses an open-fit design without noise cancellation. Airpods Pro 3 is an in-ear premium model with ANC and adaptive audio, while Airpods 4 is a standard open-ear model for everyday listening.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: AirPods Pro 3 offer in-ear silicone tips with active noise cancellation, while AirPods 4 use an open-fit design.
How each works: Pro 3 seals your ear canal for immersive sound, whereas AirPods 4 let ambient noise pass through naturally.
Performance and cost: Pro 3 deliver superior bass and adaptive transparency, but AirPods 4 cost less and feel lighter for daily wear.
Best-fit use case: Choose Pro 3 for noisy commutes and flights; pick AirPods 4 for all-day comfort and situational awareness.
Common decision mistake: Buyers often assume AirPods 4 include noise cancellation, but only the Pro 3 model actually blocks external sound.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4: Comparison Table

Aspect	Airpods Pro 3	Airpods 4
Definition	Premium in-ear earbuds with silicone ear tips for active noise cancellation.	Standard open-ear earbuds without ear tips, designed for all-day comfort.
Purpose	Delivers immersive audio and noise isolation for focused listening in loud environments.	Provides balanced sound with ambient awareness for everyday casual use.
Core Mechanism	Uses adaptive EQ and dual microphones with inward-facing mics for real-time noise cancellation.	Relies on open-back acoustic design with skin-detect sensors for automatic play/pause.
Fit Type	In-ear with four silicone tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) for a custom airtight seal.	Open-ear with rigid plastic housing that sits loosely in the ear concha.
Active Noise Cancellation	Full ANC with up to 2x more noise reduction than previous Pro models in tests.	No ANC; relies on passive isolation, which is minimal due to open design.
Transparency Mode	Adaptive Transparency reduces loud sounds like sirens while letting speech through.	No true transparency mode; natural ambient sound passes through by default.
Chipset	H2 chip with faster on-device processing for adaptive audio features.	H2 chip but without advanced computational noise handling or adaptive EQ.
Audio Driver	Custom high-excursion Apple driver with amplifier for deeper bass and crisp highs.	Single driver tuned for clarity, but bass response is less pronounced than Pro.
Spatial Audio	Dynamic head tracking with personalized spatial audio for movies and music.	Static spatial audio without head tracking; only fixed virtual surround.
Battery Life (Earbuds)	Up to 6 hours with ANC on, 7 hours with ANC off per single charge.	Up to 5 hours per charge with standard playback at moderate volume.
Battery Life (Case)	Total 30 hours with case, including 4 additional full charges via Lightning or USB-C.	Total 20 hours with case, providing roughly 3 full extra charges.
Charging Speed	5 minutes in case gives about 1 hour of listening time with ANC off.	5 minutes in case yields roughly 0.5 hours of playback, slower top-up.
Wireless Charging	MagSafe and Qi wireless charging supported with magnetic alignment.	Qi wireless charging only; no MagSafe magnetic snap or alignment.
Water Resistance	IP54 rated for sweat and water resistance, suitable for intense workouts.	IP54 rated for sweat and water resistance, identical to Pro 3 rating.
Weight per Earbud	5.3 grams each, slightly heavier due to silicon tips and extra mics.	4.7 grams each, lighter for prolonged wear without ear fatigue.
Microphone Quality	Dual beamforming mics with voice isolation for clearer calls in wind.	Single mic per side with noise reduction, less effective in loud settings.
Controls	Force sensor on stem for press, squeeze, and swipe volume gestures.	Force sensor on stem for press and squeeze, but no swipe volume control.
Volume Adjustment	On-stem swipe up or down to change volume without touching phone.	No on-ear volume control; must use phone or Siri for volume changes.
Siri Integration	Full "Hey Siri" with raised voice detection and head nod for yes/no replies.	"Hey Siri" works, but no nod or shake gesture recognition for responses.
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec, supports multi-device auto-switching.	Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec, same multi-device switching capability.
Case Type	Compact rounded case with speaker for Find My alerts and lanyard loop.	Smaller square case without speaker, but retains lanyard loop and Find My.
Case Dimensions	60.6 x 21.7 x 21.7 mm, slightly taller than Airpods 4 case.	50.6 x 24.5 x 21.0 mm, shorter and wider profile for pocket carry.
Ear Tip Options	Four sizes included in box, plus optional memory foam tips from third parties.	No ear tips available; fit is fixed and cannot be customized for seal.
Fit Test	In-app ear tip fit test measures seal quality with mic feedback.	No fit test feature since there are no interchangeable tips to verify.
Comfort for Long Wear	May cause pressure or fatigue after 2+ hours due to in-ear seal.	Designed for all-day wear; open design reduces ear canal pressure.
Noise Isolation	Passive isolation blocks up to 30 dB of ambient noise before ANC.	Passive isolation near zero; external sounds remain fully audible.
Price Range	Retails at $249 USD, often discounted to $199 during sales events.	Retails at $129 USD for base model, $179 with ANC version.
Release Date	Announced September 2023, shipping with iOS 17 compatibility.	Announced September 2024, shipping with iOS 18 and later.
Best Fit Scenario	Ideal for commuters, frequent flyers, and studio monitoring in noisy spaces.	Best for office work, light exercise, and users who need ambient awareness.

What Is Airpods Pro 3?

Airpods Pro 3 are Apple's third-generation premium wireless earbuds, launched in September 2025. They deliver active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and a redesigned in-ear fit. Airpods Pro 3 exist to replace the Airpods Pro 2 with better sound, longer battery life, and new health features.

Definition of Airpods Pro 3

Airpods Pro 3 are Apple's flagship true wireless earbuds featuring the H3 chip, adaptive transparency, and a new vented acoustic system. They support lossless audio via USB-C and offer up to 8 hours of listening per charge. Airpods Pro 3 integrate heart-rate and temperature sensing during workouts.

Key Characteristics of Airpods Pro 3

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
H3 chip	Delivers 2x faster noise cancellation processing and enables adaptive audio that adjusts to your environment in real time.
USB-C charging	Provides universal compatibility with modern chargers and supports lossless 24-bit audio from compatible Apple devices.
Heart-rate sensor	Tracks beats per minute during workouts and syncs data directly to the Apple Fitness app for accurate training metrics.
Temperature sensing	Monitors core body temperature during sleep and exercise, alerting you to fever or performance changes.
Adaptive transparency	Reduces loud environmental noises like sirens while still letting important sounds like conversations pass through clearly.
Vented acoustic system	Equalizes pressure inside the ear canal, reducing the plugged-up feeling common with traditional sealed earbuds.
Gesture controls	Adds a new pinch-and-slide motion to adjust volume, plus double and triple pinches for playback and call management.
IP57 rating	Survives full water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making them safe for heavy sweat and rain.
Find My integration	Uses the U2 ultra-wideband chip for precision finding when lost, showing exact distance and direction on your iPhone.
Battery case	Provides 30 total hours of listening with the case, and supports fast charging for 1 hour of playback in 5 minutes.

Common Examples of Airpods Pro 3

Daily commuter - Active noise cancellation blocks subway rumble and bus engines, making crowded transit rides noticeably quieter.
Gym athlete - Heart-rate sensor tracks cardio intensity during runs, while the IP57 rating handles heavy sweat without damage.
Remote worker - Adaptive transparency filters keyboard clicks and office chatter while keeping your voice clear on video calls.
Frequent flyer - Vented acoustic system reduces ear pressure changes during takeoff and landing, improving comfort on long flights.
Night sleeper - Temperature sensing monitors overnight body heat, providing sleep quality insights in the Health app each morning.
Gamer - Low-latency mode reduces audio delay to 80ms, keeping game sound effects synced with on-screen action.
Podcast listener - Conversation boost feature amplifies voices in noisy environments, making dialogue easier to follow.
Music producer - Lossless USB-C audio delivers studio-grade sound quality, preserving every detail in high-resolution tracks.
Outdoor runner - Transparency mode keeps traffic sounds audible while the secure fit prevents earbuds from falling out.
Multitasker - Automatic device switching moves audio between iPhone, iPad, and Mac without manual reconnection.

Advantages and Limitations of Airpods Pro 3

Advantages	Limitations
Superior noise cancellation outperforms Airpods Pro 2 by 2x, blocking more low-frequency sounds like airplane engines.	Expensive at $249, costing $50 more than Airpods Pro 2 and $100 more than standard Airpods 4.
New heart-rate sensor adds workout tracking without needing a separate Apple Watch for fitness data.	Requires an iPhone or iPad with iOS 26 or later; Android users lose most advanced features entirely.
Lossless audio over USB-C delivers CD-quality sound that Bluetooth cannot match, ideal for audiophiles.	Battery life of 8 hours per charge falls short of Sony WF-1000XM5's 10-hour rating.
IP57 water resistance allows full submersion, unlike Airpods 4's IP54 splash-only protection.	Vented design leaks more sound at high volumes, so nearby people may hear your music in quiet rooms.
U2 chip precision finding locates lost earbuds within centimeters, even under couch cushions.	Temperature sensor only works during sleep or workouts, not continuously throughout the day.
Adaptive transparency reduces dangerous noise spikes while keeping speech clear, unlike standard transparency.	Gesture controls require learning new pinch-and-slide motions; accidental touches happen during adjustment.
Wireless charging case supports MagSafe, Qi, and Apple Watch chargers for flexible power options.	Earbud stems remain longer than Airpods 4, making them more visible and less discreet in public.
Find My integration works even when earbuds are in the case, unlike Airpods 4 which only locate individual buds.	No ear tip size customization beyond three fixed sizes; some users need third-party foam tips for secure fit.
Fast charging provides 1 hour of playback in just 5 minutes, perfect for quick top-ups before leaving.	Firmware updates require keeping them near an iPhone; no standalone Android update method exists.
Conversation boost amplifies voices in front of you, making them ideal for noisy restaurants or meetings.	Case is bulkier than Airpods 4's compact design, taking up more pocket space when carried daily.

What Is Airpods 4?

Airpods 4 are Apple's 2024 base-model wireless earbuds, replacing the Airpods 3. They deliver spatial audio, USB-C charging, and improved fit. They exist to offer core Airpods features without the Pro's noise cancellation or higher price.

Definition of Airpods 4

Airpods 4 are open-ear true wireless earbuds with the H2 chip, supporting Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive Audio. Unlike Airpods Pro 3, they lack silicone tips and active noise cancellation. They provide seamless Apple device pairing and up to 30 hours total battery with the case.

Key Characteristics of Airpods 4

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
H2 chip	Delivers smarter noise reduction during calls and more efficient power use, matching the Pro 3's processing core.
Open-ear design	Sits outside the ear canal, allowing ambient sound in naturally; ideal for runners or office users who need awareness.
USB-C charging	Uses the universal USB-C port; the case also charges via Qi or MagSafe, replacing the old Lightning connector.
Spatial Audio	Head-tracked, theater-like sound that adapts to your head movement, supported by dynamic head tracking.
IP54 rating	Resists sweat, dust, and light rain, making them safe for workouts, unlike the lower IPX4 on older models.
Adaptive Audio	Automatically blends transparency and noise reduction during calls, but only for voice, not music playback.
Gesture controls	Press the stem to play/pause, skip tracks, or answer calls; squeeze to reject a call or switch modes.
Battery life	Offers 5 hours per charge (30 with case), slightly less than Pro 3's 6 hours but with a lighter case.
No ear tips	Provides a universal fit for most ears, but may fall out during intense exercise; no size options exist.
Find My support	Locates the earbuds individually via the Find My app, including a precise location for the case.

Common Examples of Airpods 4

Standard Airpods 4 – The base model with H2 chip, USB-C case, and no noise cancellation; priced at $129.
Airpods 4 with ANC – Adds active noise cancellation and wireless charging, but still lacks ear tips; costs $179.
Airpods 4 for Android – Works as standard Bluetooth earbuds, but loses Apple-specific features like spatial audio.
Airpods 4 for calls – Uses beamforming mics and voice isolation to reduce wind noise during phone calls.
Airpods 4 for fitness – IP54 rating and secure fit make them a budget alternative to Beats Fit Pro for gym users.
Airpods 4 for travel – The ANC variant reduces engine hum, but open design still lets in loud announcements.
Airpods 4 for students – Seamless Mac/iPad switching and long battery suit lecture listening and note-taking.
Airpods 4 with MagSafe – The ANC version's case snaps onto MagSafe chargers, adding convenience for Apple users.
Airpods 4 for seniors – Simple stem controls and loud, clear audio make them easier to use than touch-only buds.
Airpods 4 as backup – A reliable spare pair for work, with stable connectivity and fast pairing to any Apple device.

Advantages and Limitations of Airpods 4

Advantages	Limitations
Lightweight open fit that many find more comfortable for all-day wear than in-ear Pro 3 tips.	No active noise cancellation on the base model, so loud environments like subways or open offices are distracting.
USB-C charging aligns with modern devices, so you can share one cable with a MacBook or iPad.	Battery life drops to 5 hours per charge, which is 1 hour less than Airpods Pro 3's 6-hour rating.
H2 chip provides clear call quality with wind reduction, outperforming many cheaper earbuds in voice tests.	No ear tip options mean a poor seal for some ears, leading to bass that sounds thin or weak.
IP54 dust and sweat resistance makes them safer for workouts than the older IPX4-rated Airpods 3.	Open design leaks sound at high volumes, so people nearby can hear your music in quiet rooms.
Cheaper than Pro 3 by $120, offering core Apple features like spatial audio and Find My for less.	Lacks the Pro 3's adaptive transparency, which automatically lowers loud noises like sirens or drills.
Case supports both Qi and MagSafe wireless charging, giving flexible power options without extra accessories.	No volume control on the stems; you must use Siri or your phone, which is inconvenient during runs.
Gesture controls are intuitive and physical, reducing accidental touches compared to touch-sensitive rivals.	ANC version's noise cancellation is weaker than Pro 3's, as it can't create a tight seal without tips.
Seamless auto-switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac works flawlessly, saving time in multi-device setups.	Not water-resistant enough for swimming or heavy rain; IP54 only handles sweat and light splashes.
Smaller case than Pro 3's, fitting easily in jeans pockets, and it's 10 grams lighter in total weight.	No wireless charging on the base $129 model, forcing you to use a cable unless you pay extra.
Find My can locate each earbud separately, which helps recover a single dropped bud more easily.	Android users lose spatial audio, auto-pause, and Find My, making them less versatile than cross-platform buds.

Similarities Between Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4

Shared Aspect	How Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 Are Alike
Core Purpose	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 deliver premium wireless audio for music, calls, and media on Apple devices.
Product Category	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 are both true wireless stereo earbuds with a charging case.
Bluetooth Chip	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 use Apple's latest H2 chip for efficient connectivity and processing.
Audio Codec	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both support AAC and SBC codecs for high-quality audio streaming.
Active Noise Cancellation	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 feature active noise cancellation to reduce ambient sound.
Transparency Mode	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both offer transparency mode to let outside sound in naturally.
Adaptive Audio	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 include Adaptive Audio that blends noise cancellation and transparency dynamically.
Conversation Awareness	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both lower media volume automatically when you start speaking.
Touch Control	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 use stem-based squeeze and swipe controls for playback and volume.
Voice Assistant	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both support "Hey Siri" for hands-free voice commands and requests.
Spatial Audio	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 support personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
Charging Case	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both come with a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging case.
Battery Life	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 provide up to 6 hours of listening time per charge.
Fast Charging	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both support 5 minutes of charging for about 1 hour of playback.
Water Resistance	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 have an IP54 rating for sweat and water resistance.
Bluetooth Version	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both use Bluetooth 5.3 for stable, low-latency connections.
Find My Support	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 integrate with Apple's Find My network for locating lost earbuds.
Ear Tip Fit Test	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both include a software-based ear tip fit test for optimal seal.
Microphone Array	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 use multiple microphones for clear call quality and voice pickup.
OS Compatibility	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both require iOS 17 or later for full feature functionality.
Automatic Switching	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 seamlessly switch between paired Apple devices automatically.
Audio Sharing	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both support sharing audio with another pair of Airpods on the same device.
Firmware Updates	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 receive over-the-air firmware updates through the iPhone.
Case Battery	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both have a case that provides up to 30 hours of total listening time.
USB-C Port	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 use a USB-C connector for wired charging of the case.
Sensor Suite	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both include skin-detect and motion sensors for automatic ear detection.
Low Latency Mode	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 offer a low-latency mode for gaming and video editing on Apple devices.
Health Features	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both support hearing test, hearing aid, and hearing protection features.
Voice Isolation	Both Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 use machine learning to isolate your voice during phone calls.
Long-Term Support	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 both receive ongoing software updates from Apple for years after release.

Airpods Pro 3 or Airpods 4: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Airpods Pro 3 for active noise cancellation and a secure in-ear fit; choose Airpods 4 for all-day comfort and a lower price. The one deciding variable is your need for sealing out environmental noise, which the Pro 3 handles far better than the open-fit Airpods 4.

When to Use Airpods Pro 3

Choose Airpods Pro 3 when you commute by plane, train, or bus, work in a loud open office, or need adaptive transparency to hear conversations while blocking machinery hum. Their silicone tips suit intense workouts, and the 50% louder bass compared to Airpods 4 benefits bass-heavy music. Budget-conscious buyers should note the Pro 3 costs roughly $50 more.

When to Use Airpods 4

Choose Airpods 4 when you prioritize all-day wear without ear canal pressure, such as during long calls, podcasts, or light desk work. Their open design suits users with sensitive ear canals or those who need to hear traffic while running outdoors. The smaller charging case (30% less volume than Pro 3) fits easily in a pocket, and the lower price makes them ideal for casual listeners.

Common Misconceptions About Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4

Common Myth	The Reality
Airpods Pro 3 are louder than Airpods 4 because they are pro.	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 deliver similar maximum volume, but Airpods Pro 3 add active noise cancellation for clearer sound.
Airpods 4 have silicone ear tips just like Airpods Pro 3.	Airpods 4 use a rigid plastic shell with no ear tips, while Airpods Pro 3 include soft silicone tips for a sealed fit.
Airpods Pro 3 are newer than Airpods 4 because the number is higher.	Airpods 4 released after Airpods Pro 3, so the number does not indicate release order or generation recency.
Airpods 4 cannot connect to Android phones at all.	Airpods 4 pair with Android via standard Bluetooth, but Airpods Pro 3 offer the same basic Bluetooth connectivity.
Airpods Pro 3 have better battery life than Airpods 4 in every mode.	Airpods 4 last longer on a single charge without noise cancellation, while Airpods Pro 3 drain faster when ANC is active.
Airpods 4 lack any form of noise cancellation entirely.	Airpods 4 offer an optional ANC version, but the base Airpods 4 model has no active noise cancellation.
Airpods Pro 3 fit every ear shape perfectly without adjustment.	Airpods Pro 3 include four silicone tip sizes for a custom fit, but Airpods 4 rely on a one-size-fits-all hard shell.
Airpods 4 sound worse than Airpods Pro 3 because they cost less.	Airpods 4 produce balanced audio, but Airpods Pro 3 add richer bass and adaptive EQ for more detailed sound.
Airpods Pro 3 are waterproof and safe for swimming.	Airpods Pro 3 resist sweat and splashes with IP54, but neither Airpods Pro 3 nor Airpods 4 are rated for submersion.
Airpods 4 have no microphones for phone calls.	Airpods 4 include built-in microphones for calls, but Airpods Pro 3 use a more advanced beamforming mic array.
Airpods Pro 3 require an iPhone to adjust the volume controls.	Airpods Pro 3 support touch-based volume swipes on the stem, while Airpods 4 require the connected device for volume changes.
Airpods 4 are simply a cheaper copy of Airpods Pro 3 with no extra features.	Airpods 4 feature a redesigned open-fit shape and optional ANC, but Airpods Pro 3 add transparency mode and adaptive audio.
Airpods Pro 3 have a longer wireless range than Airpods 4.	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 share the same Bluetooth range of about 30 feet from the paired device.
Airpods 4 cannot use Siri voice commands hands-free.	Airpods 4 support hands-free Siri with "Hey Siri," but Airpods Pro 3 also offer the same voice activation feature.
Airpods Pro 3 come with a wireless charging case included in the box.	Airpods Pro 3 include a MagSafe-compatible case, but Airpods 4 base model ships with a standard USB-C charging case.
Airpods 4 have worse call quality than Airpods Pro 3 in noisy streets.	Airpods 4 filter background noise adequately, but Airpods Pro 3 use bone conduction and mesh mics for clearer calls.
Airpods Pro 3 are too heavy to wear during running or workouts.	Airpods Pro 3 weigh about 5.3 grams per bud, while Airpods 4 are lighter at 4.3 grams, making both suitable for exercise.
Airpods 4 have no spatial audio support at all.	Airpods 4 support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, but Airpods Pro 3 add personalized spatial audio profiles.
Airpods Pro 3 work only with Apple devices and nothing else.	Airpods Pro 3 pair with Android and Windows via Bluetooth, but Airpods 4 also work as standard Bluetooth headphones.
Airpods 4 are completely useless for people who wear glasses or hats.	Airpods 4 fit fine with glasses or hats, but Airpods Pro 3 may feel more secure due to the sealed silicone tip grip.
Airpods Pro 3 have a replaceable battery that users can swap easily.	Airpods Pro 3 batteries are sealed and non-user-replaceable, just like Airpods 4, requiring service or replacement over time.
Airpods 4 do not pause music when you remove one bud from your ear.	Airpods 4 include in-ear detection that pauses audio, but Airpods Pro 3 offer the same automatic pause feature.
Airpods Pro 3 are the only model with a skin-detect sensor for auto-pause.	Airpods 4 also use skin-detect sensors to avoid accidental playback, but Airpods Pro 3 add this sensor for better accuracy.
Airpods 4 have no companion app for adjusting sound settings.	Airpods 4 work with iOS settings for basic EQ, but Airpods Pro 3 offer a fuller suite of controls in the Bluetooth menu.
Airpods Pro 3 are significantly more durable than Airpods 4 when dropped.	Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 share similar build quality, but Airpods Pro 3 have a slightly stronger IP54 dust and water rating.
Airpods 4 cannot be tracked if lost because they lack a chip.	Airpods 4 support Find My network tracking, but Airpods Pro 3 also include the same U1 or H2 chip for location pings.
Airpods Pro 3 are the only pair that supports quick pairing with an iPhone.	Airpods 4 also pop up instantly on iPhone for pairing, but Airpods Pro 3 add the same one-tap setup experience.
Airpods 4 have a shorter battery life than Airpods Pro 3 with ANC off.	Airpods 4 last up to 5 hours per charge, while Airpods Pro 3 last 6 hours with ANC off, so Airpods Pro 3 win slightly.
Airpods Pro 3 are the only model with a stem for touch controls.	Airpods 4 also have a stem with squeeze controls, but Airpods Pro 3 add volume swipe gestures on the stem surface.
Airpods 4 are a direct upgrade that makes Airpods Pro 3 obsolete.	Airpods 4 target users who want an open fit, but Airpods Pro 3 remain better for noise isolation and customizable ear tips.

Conclusion

Difference Between Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4 comes down to fit and features. AirPods Pro 3 offer silicone ear tips with active noise cancellation; AirPods 4 provide an open design without ear tips. Choose AirPods Pro 3 for immersive sound; choose AirPods 4 for all-day comfort.

FAQs on Difference Between Airpods Pro 3 and Airpods 4

What is the difference between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4?: The AirPods Pro 3 feature an in-ear silicone tip design with Active Noise Cancellation, while the AirPods 4 use an open-fit design without ear tips; the Pro 3 also adds a heart-rate sensor during workouts that the AirPods 4 lack.
Which has better sound quality, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 4?: The AirPods Pro 3 deliver better sound quality because their sealed in-ear design provides superior bass response and passive isolation, whereas the open-fit AirPods 4 leak more sound and offer less acoustic precision in noisy environments.
Are AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 the same size and weight?: No, the AirPods Pro 3 are slightly heavier at 5.3 grams per earbud versus 4.7 grams for the AirPods 4, and the Pro 3 include shorter stems plus interchangeable silicone tips that add bulk compared to the one-size-fits-all AirPods 4.
Do AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 use the same charging case?: No, the AirPods Pro 3 use a wider, squarer case with a built-in speaker for Find My alerts and a USB-C port, while the AirPods 4 case is narrower, lacks the speaker, and supports both USB-C and optional wireless charging.
Which is better for phone calls, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 4?: The AirPods Pro 3 are better for phone calls because they include a voice-isolating microphone array plus a bone-conduction sensor that filters background noise, while the AirPods 4 rely only on standard beamforming mics with less wind resistance.
Can I use AirPods Pro 3 tips on AirPods 4?: No, you cannot use AirPods Pro 3 silicone tips on AirPods 4 because the AirPods 4 have a rigid, open-ear housing with no attachment point, and their oval-shaped nozzle is physically incompatible with the Pro 3's round tip mechanism.
Are AirPods Pro 3 worth the extra cost over AirPods 4?: Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 justify their roughly $50 higher price if you need Active Noise Cancellation, a heart-rate sensor, and adaptive transparency, but the AirPods 4 offer nearly identical audio codecs and battery life for budget-focused buyers.
What is the battery life difference between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4?: The AirPods Pro 3 last 6 hours with ANC enabled and 8 hours without it, while the AirPods 4 last 5 hours with ANC and 7 hours without; both cases provide about 30 total hours of listening time.
Can I switch from AirPods 4 to AirPods Pro 3 without changing my iPhone settings?: Yes, you can switch between AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 without changing iPhone settings because both use the same H2 chip and automatically appear in your iCloud device list, though you must manually re-pair each pair once.
Which AirPods are safer for running outdoors, Pro 3 or AirPods 4?: The AirPods 4 are safer for running outdoors because their open-fit design lets in ambient traffic sounds naturally, whereas the AirPods Pro 3's noise cancellation can mask car horns unless you enable Transparency mode manually.