Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods 4 ANC: 25 Differences Compared
At €149, the Apple AirPods 4 are currently the cheapest entry-level model in the world of Apple headphones. For €50 more, you can add active noise cancellation, bringing them closer than ever to the Apple AirPods Pro 3. But which AirPods should you choose after a major update this fall?
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are slightly closer to the AirPods 4, featuring a hidden LED indicator and a capacitive pairing button. However, the device also offers new high-end features such as heart rate monitoring, as well as significantly improved active noise cancellation and longer battery life for the earbuds.
Apple AirPods 4 ANC
Last year, Apple introduced a comprehensive update to the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC. The earbuds received an improved design for greater comfort and an H2 chip. They’re also dust-, sweat-, and water-resistant, feature 5 GHz connectivity, a pressure-equalizing vent system, personalized volume control, voice isolation, a USB-C port, and support for Siri commands—just like the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3.
For an additional €50, you can get the AirPods 4 ANC, and the similarities to the AirPods Pro extend even further with active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, and adaptive audio. There’s also support for Apple Watch chargers and a speaker in the charging case for Find My.
So, should you consider buying one of the AirPods 4 models, or does it have to be the AirPods Pro 3 for €249? Our comparison lists the 25 most important differences and shows which AirPods are best suited for whom.
Comparison
| AirPods 4 (2024) | AirPods 4 with ANC (2024) | AirPods Pro 3 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Open-ear fit | Open-ear fit | In-ear fit with silicone/foam ear tips (five size options) |
| Optical in-ear sensors | Optical In-ear sensors | Skin detection sensors |
| Force sensing controls | Force sensing controls | Force sensing and touch controls for volume control |
| Active noise cancellation | Up to 4x more effective active noise cancellation | |
| Transparency mode | Transparency mode | |
| Adaptive audio | Adaptive Audio | |
| Conversational Awareness | Conversational Awareness | |
| Conversational Boost | ||
| Loudness Reduction Noise | ||
| Hearing protection | ||
| Hearing test | ||
| Hearing aid | ||
| Live translation | Live translation | |
| Heart rate measurement during exercise | ||
| 2.4 GHz connectivity | 2.4 GHz connectivity | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connectivity |
| Lossless Audio with Vision Pro | ||
| IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance | IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance | IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance |
| Up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge | Up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge | Up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge |
| 30 hours of total listening time with charging case | 30 hours of total listening time with ANC in the charging case | 24 hours of total listening time with ANC in the charging case |
| Compact charging case | Compact charging case | Wider charging case |
| Lanyard loop | ||
| Speaker in the charging case for Find My | Speaker in the charging case for Find My | |
| U2 chip for Precision Finding | ||
| Charging case compatible with USB-C only | Charging case compatible with Apple Watch chargers, Qi wireless charging mats, and USB-C | Charging case compatible with MagSafe chargers, Apple Watch chargers, Qi wireless charging mats, and USB-C |
| €146 | €199 | €249 |
The standard AirPods are now very similar to the AirPods Pro, offering almost the same core features at a lower price. Therefore, the AirPods 4 should be the default choice for most potential buyers. If you already own the AirPods Max with ANC and are looking for additional headphones for working out or on the go, the AirPods 4 are also a good choice.
Noise Cancellation
Furthermore, you should only buy the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if you are satisfied with the in-ear fit. While they offer better sound quality and active noise cancellation, they can become somewhat uncomfortable and tiring when worn for extended periods. While the AirPods 4 now offer ANC, it is not as effective as the AirPods Pro due to the lack of an in-ear fit. So, if noise cancellation is your top priority, the AirPods Pro 3 are still the best choice—they offer four times better noise cancellation than the AirPods 4 ANC.
In addition to better sound quality and ANC, the AirPods Pro 3 also offer slightly longer battery life, Conversation Boost, touch volume controls, compatibility with MagSafe chargers, Precision Finding with a U2 chip, a carrying strap, and hearing protection, testing, and assistive listening features. The most important new feature of the latest generation is heart rate monitoring during exercise—a great option if you don’t wear an Apple Watch. For many users, the extra €50 for the AirPods Pro is therefore justified.
The AirPods 4 are still a solid option for most users and are better suited for those who don’t like the in-ear silicone tips of the AirPods Pro.
The AirPods Pro are often heavily discounted on Amazon and other retailers. Therefore, upgrading to the Pro version can be worthwhile if the right deal is available. The standard AirPods are also often available at significant discounts. It’s therefore always worth looking for the best price in our Apple AirPods price comparison.
