Looking for high-end wireless earbuds? You're probably considering the new Apple AirPods 4 ($179.99) or the JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299.95). Both were released in early 2024, but they take very different approaches to personal audio. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
The wireless earbud market has evolved dramatically since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's premium models aren't just about playing music - they're sophisticated mini-computers that handle everything from noise cancellation to spatial audio processing (which creates a 3D sound effect, making audio appear to come from all around you).
Modern earbuds typically offer:
The AirPods 4 and JBL Tour Pro 3 represent two distinct philosophies in earbud design. Apple continues its open-ear approach, where the buds rest in your ear without sealing it. JBL opts for the more traditional sealed design with silicone tips that create a physical barrier to outside noise.
The AirPods 4 maintain Apple's iconic look but with a slightly shorter stem and refined contours. If you've found previous AirPods comfortable, you'll likely enjoy these too. The open design lets you maintain better awareness of your surroundings, which many users prefer for safety during outdoor activities.
The Tour Pro 3 takes a more conventional approach with interchangeable silicone tips. This creates a better seal for improved bass response and noise isolation, but some users find sealed designs less comfortable for long sessions. JBL includes multiple tip sizes to help you find the right fit.
Here's where things get interesting. The AirPods 4 deliver a balanced, natural sound that works well for most music genres. They support Apple's AAC codec but lack support for higher-resolution formats. The open design means you'll get less bass impact compared to sealed earbuds, but many prefer this more natural presentation.
The Tour Pro 3 uses a hybrid dual-driver system (combining two different speaker types in each earbud) to deliver more detailed sound with stronger bass. They support high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, which can transmit about three times more audio data than standard Bluetooth. This makes a noticeable difference when streaming high-quality music from services like Tidal or Amazon Music HD.
Both models offer active noise cancellation, but their effectiveness differs significantly due to their designs:
AirPods 4's open design means the ANC mainly helps with low-frequency noise like airplane engines or train rumble. It's good for maintaining awareness while reducing fatigue from constant background noise.
Tour Pro 3's sealed design provides better passive noise isolation (physical blocking of sound), and their ANC system can more effectively cancel a broader range of frequencies. This makes them better suited for noisy environments like offices or public transit.
If you're heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem, the AirPods 4 offer unmatched convenience:
The Tour Pro 3 takes a different approach with their smart case, which features a touchscreen display for:
Battery life has become a crucial factor as we rely more on wireless audio. Here's how they compare:
AirPods 4:
Tour Pro 3:
For home theater use, the Tour Pro 3 has a slight edge due to its:
However, if you're using an Apple TV, the AirPods 4 integrate seamlessly and provide excellent spatial audio for movies and shows.
After testing both models in various situations, here's what stands out:
Commuting:
Office Use:
Exercise:
Choose the AirPods 4 if you:
Choose the JBL Tour Pro 3 if you:
The $120 price difference is significant, but the Tour Pro 3 justifies it with better sound quality and more features. However, for Apple users, the AirPods 4's seamless integration might be worth more than pure audio performance.
Remember, personal preference plays a huge role - if possible, try both models before deciding. Many retailers offer return periods, so you can test them in your typical use cases.
The good news is that both options represent significant improvements over their predecessors and stand as excellent choices in their respective categories. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences rather than one being definitively "better" than the other.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($179.99) | JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299.95) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Affects comfort, noise isolation, and sound quality | |
| Open-ear design (no tips, better awareness) | Sealed design with silicone tips (better isolation) |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 6 hours (buds), 24 hours total with case | 10 hours (buds), 30 hours total with case |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Basic ANC (limited by open design) | Advanced ANC with better isolation (superior noise reduction) |
| Sound Quality - Determines overall listening experience | |
| Balanced sound, standard codecs only | Dual-driver system, Hi-Res audio support (notably better audio) |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects ease of use across devices | |
| Seamless Apple integration, automatic switching | Universal compatibility, multi-point connection |
| Special Features - Added value considerations | |
| Spatial Audio, Find My support, "Hey Siri" | Smart case with screen, wireless transmitter, customizable EQ |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX5 (better water protection) |
| Charging - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C, wireless charging, 5min = 1hr playback | USB-C, wireless charging, 10min = 3hr playback |
| Best For - Key deciding factor | |
| Apple users wanting simplicity and integration | Audiophiles seeking maximum features and sound quality |
The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers superior sound quality with its dual-driver system and support for high-resolution audio codecs. The AirPods 4 provides balanced sound but lacks the same level of detail and bass response due to its open-ear design.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 is generally better for home theater use due to its sealed design providing better bass response and its case functioning as a wireless transmitter for TVs. However, AirPods 4 work exceptionally well with Apple TV and offer excellent spatial audio for supported content.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 provides significantly better noise cancellation due to its sealed design with silicone tips. While the AirPods 4 offers ANC, its open-ear design limits its effectiveness primarily to low-frequency noise reduction.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers longer battery life with 10 hours per charge (30 hours with case), while the AirPods 4 provides 6 hours (24 hours with case).
The AirPods 4 integrate seamlessly with iPhones and other Apple devices, offering instant pairing and automatic switching. While the JBL Tour Pro 3 works well with iPhones, it doesn't offer the same level of ecosystem integration.
Yes, both models work with Bluetooth-enabled TVs. The JBL Tour Pro 3 has an advantage with its case acting as a wireless transmitter, while AirPods 4 works best with Apple TV for the full feature set.
Both perform well, but the JBL Tour Pro 3 has an edge with its dedicated low-latency mode and transmitter case. The AirPods 4 maintains excellent synchronization when used with Apple devices.
This depends on personal preference. The AirPods 4 open-ear design is often more comfortable for extended wear, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 sealed design might cause fatigue for some users.
Both offer good call quality, but the AirPods 4 has a slight edge in voice clarity due to Apple's advanced beam-forming microphones. The JBL Tour Pro 3 performs well but may pick up more background noise.
Both work for gaming, but the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers lower latency and better sound isolation. The AirPods 4 works best when gaming on Apple devices.
At $179.99, the AirPods 4 offers better value for Apple users and casual listeners. At $299.95, the JBL Tour Pro 3 justifies its higher price with superior sound quality and features for audiophiles.
Both support spatial audio, but implementation differs. The AirPods 4 excels with Apple TV content, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers more universal compatibility and generally better sound quality for movies.
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: 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 - techradar.com - sweetwater.com - news.jbl.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - jbl.com - krazykileys.ca - jbl.com - shop.menshealth.com - sweetwater.com
