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Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods 4
  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
HearWiki score
78
86
Sound
7.6
8.6
Noise cancelling
-
9.3
Battery
6.5
7.3
Calls
7.5
7.4
Value
7.6
8.3
Price (USD)
$99
$180

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Apple AirPods 4 (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Apple AirPods Pro 3 adds Multipoint pairing, Transparency mode and Water resistance IP57 against IP54.

  • AirPods 42024
  • AirPods Pro 320251 yr newer
What differsAirPods 4AirPods Pro 3

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Water resistance
IP54
IP57

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods 4AirPods Pro 3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$99
$180
HearWiki score
78
86
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
11 mm dynamic
10.7 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
11 mm
10.7 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
-
110 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Battery life
5 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
4 h
8 h
Battery incl. case
30 h
-
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
buttons
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Siri
Weight
4.3 g
5.5 g
Case weight
32.3 g
44 g
Water resistance
IP54
IP57
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
3
Microphone type
beamforming
beamforming

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods 4

The Apple AirPods 4 are a lightweight, open-style pair of true wireless earbuds that bring a polished Apple experience to a more accessible price point. With a comfortable half-in-ear fit, decent sound quality, and IP54 durability, they're a solid choice for iPhone users, though their feature set is fairly basic for the cost.

  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight open fit
  • Pro:Strong sound quality for the size
  • Pro:IP54 dust and splash resistance
  • Con:Battery life is modest at 4-5 hours
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Average call quality and isolation

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, secure fit. They deliver clear calls, robust battery life, and a balanced sound profile, all wrapped in an IP57-rated design that handles water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging, they offer a polished experience for Apple and non-Apple users alike.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality with beamforming mics
  • Pro:Strong battery life of 8 hours with ANC on
  • Con:Fit may be tricky for some ears
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonApple AirPods 4Apple AirPods Pro 3