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Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAirPods 4AppleAirPods Pro 3
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024September 2025
Sound
TypeOpen-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingNoYes
Transparency modeNoYes
Spatial audio with head trackingYesYes
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-CNoNo
ChipH2H2
DriversCustom high-excursion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifierCustom high-excursion Apple driver and custom high dynamic range amplifier
Chip–H2 in each AirPod; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the MagSafe Charging Case
Noise cancelling detail–Active Noise Cancellation with Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness and Loud Sound Reduction; foam-infused ear tips for passive isolation
Audio featuresPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Voice Isolation; lossless audio with Apple Vision ProPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Personalised Volume; Voice Isolation; studio-quality audio recording; Live Translation; lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro
Hearing health–Hearing Test, Hearing Aid (with automatic Conversation Boost) and Hearing Protection
Health sensors–Heart rate sensor for workouts
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 5 hoursUp to 8 hours
With the caseUp to 30 hoursUp to 24 hours
Wireless chargingNoYes
Battery life detail–Up to 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking on; 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing during workouts; 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature
Charging caseCharging Case (USB-C), charged by USB-C cable onlyMagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker for Find My and lanyard loop; charges with MagSafe, Apple Watch or Qi-certified chargers or a USB-C cable
Fast charging5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening5 minutes in the case gives around 1 hour of listening
Design
Weight (each earbud)4.3 g5.55 g
Water and sweat resistanceIP54IP57
Bluetooth5.35.3
ControlsForce sensor on the stems (press once to play, pause or answer a call; twice to end a call or skip forward; three times to skip back; press and hold for Siri); “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri Interactions by nodding or shaking your headForce sensor with volume swipe on the stems (press to play, pause, answer calls and skip; press and hold to switch listening modes; swipe up or down for volume); camera remote; “Hey Siri” or just “Siri”; Siri Interactions
MicrophonesDual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometerDual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; speech-detecting accelerometer
Fit and ear tipsOpen-ear design with no ear tipsFoam-infused silicone ear tips in five sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L)
Case weight32.3 g43.99 g
Water resistance detailIP54 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods and charging caseIP57 (IEC 60529) for the AirPods Pro and charging case
Works withFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other devices, with limited featuresFull features with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro on the latest software; works as Bluetooth headphones with other devices, with limited features
ColoursWhiteWhite
In the boxAirPods 4 and Charging Case (USB-C), documentation; USB-C cable sold separatelyAirPods Pro 3, MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop, silicone ear tips (XXS, XS, S, M, L), documentation; USB-C cable sold separately

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