Why is AirPods 3 better than AirPods 4?
- Active noise cancellingYes · AirPods 4: No
- Battery life6 h vs 5 h+20%
Why is AirPods 4 better than AirPods 3?
- Bluetooth version5 vs 5.3+6%
Specifications
Side by side
| Sound | ||
| Fit | In-ear | In-ear |
| Ear cup design | Closed-back | Closed-back |
| Driver type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Spatial / 3D audio | Yes | Yes |
| Head tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable equaliser | — | Yes |
| Noise control | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| Adaptive ANC | Yes | — |
| Transparency / ambient mode | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 2 | 2 |
| Noise reduction for calls | Yes | Yes |
| Battery & charging | ||
| Battery life | 6 h | 5 h |
| Battery life with ANC | 5 h | — |
| Total with charging case | 30 h | 30 h |
| Quick charge (claimed) | 5 min → 1 h | 5 min → 1 h |
| Fast charging support | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint (two devices) | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | — | Yes |
| Smart & streaming | ||
| Voice assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Design & build | ||
| Earbud weight (each) | 5.4 g | 5.4 g |
| Protection rating | IPX4 | IP54 |
| Water resistance (IPx) | IPx4 | IPx4 |
| Dust protection (IP) | — | 5 |
| Features | ||
| Touch controls | — | Yes |
| Wear detection (auto pause) | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-free calls | — | Yes |
