Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or taking calls, choosing the right wireless earbuds makes a big difference in your daily experience. Let's compare Apple's AirPods 3rd Generation ($169.99) and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179.99) to help you make the best choice.
The wireless earbud market has come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. When the AirPods 3rd Generation arrived in late 2021, they brought significant improvements like spatial audio (which creates a theater-like surround sound experience) and better battery life. The newer AirPods 4, released in early 2024, introduced active noise cancellation (ANC) to Apple's standard AirPods line for the first time – a feature previously reserved for the Pro models.
The biggest difference between these models is how they handle external noise. The AirPods 3 rely on their physical fit to block noise, while the AirPods 4 actively cancel it out using microphones and sound processing. Here's what that means in practice:
In real-world use, the difference is noticeable. The AirPods 4 handle noisy environments much better, making them ideal for commuting or office work. However, both models deliver excellent sound quality for movies and music, with spatial audio that makes content feel more immersive.
The technological leap between these models is significant:
The newer H2 chip in the AirPods 4 enables more advanced features and better battery efficiency. Bluetooth 5.3 provides more stable connections and better range.
Both models offer:
The AirPods 4 add:
Battery life is where things get interesting:
The battery life difference comes down to the power requirements of ANC. If you're planning long listening sessions without access to the charging case, the AirPods 3 might be the better choice.
Both models use an open-ear design without silicone tips. They're lighter than the Pro models and don't create a seal in your ear canal. This means:
The AirPods 4 have a slightly refined design that many users find more stable, but the difference is minimal.
At just $10 difference between models ($169.99 vs $179.99), the decision really comes down to features rather than price. The AirPods 4 offer significantly more technology for a minimal price increase, making them the better value for most users.
Both models excel for home theater use thanks to their spatial audio capabilities. When watching movies or TV shows that support Dolby Atmos, you'll get a surprisingly immersive surround sound experience. The AirPods 4 have a slight advantage here because:
However, the AirPods 3 still provide an excellent home theater experience, especially in quiet environments.
Choose the AirPods 3 if:
Choose the AirPods 4 if:
For most users, the AirPods 4 are worth the slight premium. The addition of ANC, adaptive audio features, and improved sound quality make them more versatile and future-proof. However, the AirPods 3 remain an excellent choice for users who prioritize battery life or prefer a simpler feature set.
Remember that both models work best within the Apple ecosystem, automatically switching between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. They're both great choices – it just depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use them.
| Apple AirPods 3rd Generation ($169.99) | Apple AirPods 4 ANC ($179.99) |
|---|---|
| Noise Reduction - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| Physical blocking only | Active Noise Cancellation + Adaptive Audio |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day listeners | |
| 6 hours (single charge), 30 hours (with case) | 4 hours with ANC (5 without), 20-30 hours (with case) |
| Chip Technology - Affects features and connection stability | |
| H1 chip, Bluetooth 5.0 | H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3 (better range and stability) |
| Special Features - Key differentiators for daily use | |
| Basic spatial audio, Auto-switching | Enhanced spatial audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation |
| Charging Port - Matters if you're transitioning to USB-C | |
| Lightning connector | USB-C (more universal compatibility) |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise or rain | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX4 (splash resistant) |
| Sound Quality - Critical for music and content enjoyment | |
| Good balanced sound | Enhanced drivers, better bass response, clearer highs |
| Price/Value - Consider features vs. cost | |
| Base model, good value for basic needs | $10 more for significant feature upgrades |
AirPods 4 deliver better overall sound quality with enhanced drivers, improved bass response, and clearer highs. The Active Noise Cancellation also helps improve perceived sound quality by reducing background noise.
AirPods 4 are superior for calls due to improved microphones, Voice Isolation technology, and Active Noise Cancellation. The Conversation Awareness feature also automatically adjusts volume during in-person interactions.
Both models have identical IPX4 water resistance and similar fit. Neither has ear tips for secure fit, making them equally suitable for light exercise but not ideal for intense workouts.
Yes, both function as standard Bluetooth earbuds with non-Apple devices, but you'll lose special features like automatic device switching and easy pairing.
Yes, both support spatial audio for gaming, but AirPods 4 offer enhanced processing and better overall audio quality. Both work well for casual gaming but aren't ideal for competitive gaming due to slight audio latency.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: recordingnow.com - apple.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - support.apple.com - apple.com - portableone.com - apple.com - bhphotovideo.com - apple.com - apple.com - tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com
