AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Key Differences Highlighted
Key Points
- AirPods Pro 3 use silicone eartips in five sizes; AirPods 4 have an open‑fit design.
- Pro 3 deliver eight hours of playback with ANC, ten hours without; AirPods 4 provide five hours.
- Pro 3 are rated IP57, protecting against water jets and brief immersion; AirPods 4 are IP54.
- Active noise cancellation on Pro 3 is described as twice as effective as the prior Pro model.
- Pro 3 add automatic language translation and a heart‑rate sensor; AirPods 4 lack these features.
- Pricing: AirPods 4 at $129 versus AirPods Pro 3 at $249.
Apple’s latest earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, are compared with the AirPods 4 across design, battery life, water resistance, noise cancellation, extra features and price. The Pro 3 add silicone eartips, longer listening time, an 57‑IP rating, enhanced active noise cancellation, a heart‑rate sensor and translation mode, while the AirPods 4 retain an open‑fit design, shorter battery life, a lower water‑resistance rating and fewer premium features. Pricing reflects the added capabilities, with the Pro 3 costing significantly more than the AirPods 4.
Design and Fit
The AirPods Pro 3 feature silicone eartips that come in five sizes, including an extra‑small option, providing a seal that blocks more sound. In contrast, the AirPods 4 retain an open‑design that sits casually in the ear without eartips.
Battery Life
With active noise cancellation engaged, the Pro 3 deliver eight hours of listening on a single charge, extending to ten hours when only Transparency mode is used. The AirPods 4 offer five hours of playback before needing a recharge.
Water Resistance
Both models share a dust‑resistance rating of IP5, but the Pro 3 improve the water‑resistance rating to IP57, allowing them to survive splashes, powerful jets and immersion up to 30 minutes at a depth of one meter. The AirPods 4 are rated IP54, protecting them from splashes only.
Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a core feature of the AirPods Pro 3, described as twice as effective as the previous‑generation Pro model. Some AirPods 4 variants include ANC, but the lack of eartips limits passive noise isolation.
Additional Features
The Pro 3 introduce an automatic translation mode that detects spoken languages and translates them in real time, a built‑in heart‑rate sensor for exercise tracking, and a digital assistant that offers workout motivation. These capabilities are unique to the Pro 3, with the AirPods 4 lacking the heart‑rate sensor and offering translation only on the ANC‑enabled version.
Pricing
The AirPods 4 are priced at $129, while the AirPods Pro 3 carry a price tag of $249, nearly double the cost of the standard model. The higher price reflects the added eartips, longer battery life, higher water‑resistance rating, superior ANC and the extra health and translation features.