When you're looking to spend around $300 on wireless earbuds, you want to make sure you're getting the right ones for your needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Apple AirPods 4 ($299) and the JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299.95), two of the most sophisticated options available right now.
The wireless earbud market has evolved dramatically since the original AirPods launched in 2016. Today's premium models pack impressive technology into tiny packages – we're talking spatial audio (which creates a 3D sound experience), active noise cancellation (ANC) that adapts to your environment, and smart features that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago.
Both these models represent the latest in their respective lineups. The JBL Tour Pro 3 just launched in September 2024, while the AirPods 4 arrived in late 2023, bringing significant updates to Apple's iconic design.
Let's start with what matters most – how they actually sound. The JBL Tour Pro 3 takes an interesting approach with its dual-driver system. Think of it like having both a subwoofer and a tweeter in each ear – one driver handles the low bass notes while the other manages the crisp high frequencies. The result is notably detailed sound that'll please people who really care about audio quality.
The AirPods 4 takes a different path, using a single custom driver tuned by Apple. While it might seem less impressive on paper, Apple's tuning creates a really pleasant, balanced sound that works well across different types of music. They're particularly good at making vocals sound natural and clear.
In my experience testing both, the JBL offers more detailed sound for critical listening, but the AirPods are more consistently enjoyable for everyday use. This is especially true if you're using Apple devices, as they can take advantage of Apple's special audio processing.
This is an area where the difference is quite noticeable. The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers a remarkable 11 hours of listening time per charge, with the case providing enough power for 44 hours total. That's significantly more than the AirPods 4's 5 hours per charge and 30 hours total with the case.
Both support quick charging, but again, JBL has the edge – a 10-minute charge gives you 4 hours of playback, while the AirPods provide about 1 hour from a 5-minute charge.
Here's where things get interesting. The AirPods 4 shine in the Apple ecosystem with features like:
The JBL Tour Pro 3 counters with its own impressive feature set:
Both models offer active noise cancellation, but they approach it differently. The AirPods 4 uses Apple's advanced computational audio to provide excellent noise cancellation that adapts to your environment. It's particularly effective at blocking out consistent background noise like airplane engines or office chatter.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 features what they call True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0, which measures your environment 50,000 times per second. In practice, I've found the AirPods slightly more effective at noise cancellation, but the JBL isn't far behind.
For calls, both are solid performers, but the AirPods have a slight edge in voice clarity, especially in windy conditions.
The AirPods 4 maintain Apple's minimalist design philosophy but with improved ergonomics over previous generations. They're incredibly light at just 5.3g per earbud and include several tip sizes to help you find the right fit.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 buds are slightly heavier at 5.6g each, but they include both memory foam and silicone tips for maximum comfort options. The charging case is notably larger than the AirPods' case, mainly due to its touchscreen display.
If you're planning to use these with your TV or home theater setup, the JBL Tour Pro 3 has a significant advantage. Its charging case can act as a Bluetooth transmitter, connecting directly to your TV's audio output. This means you can watch movies without any audio lag – a common problem with standard Bluetooth connections.
Both models are sweat-resistant, but the AirPods 4 has a slightly more secure fit during intense movement. The JBL's larger size can sometimes feel less stable during vigorous exercise.
Choose the AirPods 4 if:
Go for the JBL Tour Pro 3 if:
At essentially the same price point ($299 vs $299.95), the decision really comes down to your specific needs rather than cost. The AirPods 4 provide better value for Apple users due to their deep ecosystem integration, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers better value for audiophiles and those who need maximum battery life.
Remember that both of these are premium products with premium features – if you don't need top-tier noise cancellation or spatial audio, there are excellent options available for less money. However, if you're investing in your audio experience and want the best, both of these models deliver impressive performance that justifies their price tags.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($299) | JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299.95) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life - Critical for long listening sessions and travel | |
| 5 hours per charge, 30 hours total with case | 11 hours per charge, 44 hours total with case |
| Driver Configuration - Determines audio quality and detail | |
| Single custom driver | Dual drivers (10mm dynamic + balanced armature) |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Advanced ANC with Adaptive Audio | True Adaptive NC 2.0 (good but not class-leading) |
| Ecosystem Features - Affects everyday convenience | |
| Seamless Apple integration, instant pairing | Platform agnostic, works equally with all devices |
| Case Features - Impacts usability and convenience | |
| Compact, wireless charging, Find My support | Touchscreen display, larger size, acts as audio transmitter |
| Water/Sweat Resistance - Critical for exercise use | |
| IP54 rated | No official IP rating |
| Special Features - Can justify price premium | |
| Spatial Audio with head tracking, Hey Siri | LDAC codec support, AuraCast sharing, Smart Case display |
| Quick Charging - Important for emergency top-ups | |
| 1 hour playback from 5-min charge | 4 hours playback from 10-min charge |
| Call Quality - Key for work use | |
| Superior voice clarity, best-in-class | Good but not exceptional |
The JBL Tour Pro 3 is superior for home theater use because its charging case can act as a Bluetooth transmitter, eliminating audio lag. The AirPods 4 may experience slight delay when watching videos unless connected to an Apple TV.
The AirPods 4 offers better noise cancellation performance, particularly effective at blocking consistent background noise. While the JBL Tour Pro 3 has good noise cancellation, it's not quite as effective in completely isolating ambient sounds.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 significantly outperforms with 11 hours per charge and 44 hours total with the case, while the AirPods 4 provides 5 hours per charge and 30 hours total with the case.
Yes, both can connect to Bluetooth-enabled TVs, but the JBL Tour Pro 3 is specifically better due to its case functioning as a transmitter, which can connect directly to your TV's audio output with minimal latency.
The AirPods 4 is optimized for Apple devices with instant pairing and automatic switching between Apple devices. The JBL Tour Pro 3 works with iPhones but lacks the seamless integration.
Both support spatial audio, but the AirPods 4 offers better implementation with dynamic head tracking when watching supported content. The JBL Tour Pro 3 has its own spatial audio system that works well but differently.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 edges out with its dual-driver system providing more detailed audio, especially for high-resolution music. The AirPods 4 offers good but less detailed sound quality focused on balanced, everyday listening.
Both can be used for gaming, but neither is optimal due to Bluetooth latency. The JBL Tour Pro 3 has slightly better latency when using its case as a transmitter.
The AirPods 4 has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 lacks an official IP rating, making the AirPods more reliable for workouts and rain.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 works equally well with all devices and supports high-quality LDAC codec for Android. The AirPods 4 works with Android but loses several key features.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 has a unique touchscreen display case with more features but is larger. The AirPods 4 case is more compact and supports wireless charging.
At $299, both offer good value but for different users. The AirPods 4 is worth it for Apple users wanting seamless integration, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 is better for audiophiles and home theater users needing longer battery life and advanced features.
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: cnet.com - apple.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - apple.com - support.apple.com - phonearena.com - apple.com - cdw.com - apple.com - apple.com - connection.com - bhphotovideo.com - techradar.com - sweetwater.com - news.jbl.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - jbl.com - krazykileys.ca - jbl.com - shop.menshealth.com - sweetwater.com
