Apple AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3: What’s the difference?

Apple’s iPhone 16 may have headlined Sept. 9’s “Glowtime” event, but the introduction of the next generation of AirPods is where things got interesting. AirPods 4 arrives in the standard model and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) edition, a first for Apple’s entry-level earbuds.

ANC, coupled with a refreshed design and a host of other features, marks a significant shift for the AirPods lineup. But the real question is: Should you upgrade from the 3rd-gen model to the 4th-gen? We’ve broken down the key changes to help you decide.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Price

Apple’s 4th-gen AirPods are set to launch on Friday, Sept. 20. Pricing starts at $129 for the regular version and $179 for the Active Noise Cancellation model. At its $129 price point, the former makes an affordable entry-level earbud over competitors like the Bose Ultra Open or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3.

This price undercuts last year’s AirPods 3, which debuted at $179.

Typically, Apple reduces the price of previous-gen products when newer versions are released. However, no such discount for the 3rd-gen AirPods has appeared on Apple’s official site yet. That said, you can find used or refurbished 3rd-gen models available from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, priced between $155 and $169.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Design

The AirPods 4 are touted as Apple’s “most comfortable design yet,” thanks to extensive research on ear shapes. Design-wise, they follow their predecessor with shorter stems and skip the silicone ear tips, leaving fit up to individual ear shapes.

Both models still lack on-bud volume controls, a common user complaint, but the AirPods 4 take functionality a step further with Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio, features not available in the 3rd-gen model.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Features and Sound

The design of the AirPods 4 brings notable improvements, debuting two models for the first time. The standout feature is Active Noise Cancellation, powered by Apple’s H2 chip. Additionally, the new AirPods introduce Adaptive Audio, which dynamically reduces background noise based on your surroundings, and Conversation Awareness, which adjusts volume when the earbuds detect you’re near someone speaking on a call.

A new Siri interaction allows users to answer calls with a simple nod or shake of the head, bypassing the need for voice commands.

While AirPods 3 lacks these new features, the overall differences between the two generations aren’t substantial beyond ANC and some external audio enhancements. Both models feature USB-C charging cases, offer over 30 hours of battery life, and support Spatial Audio, though neither supports lossless audio on Apple Music. Both also have Audio Sharing and auto-pause functionality when removed from the ear.

Sound quality is up in the air for the AirPods 4 as they haven’t been released yet, but Apple claims that they are the “best-sounding AirPods ever.” However, based on Mashable’s Alex Perry’s review of the AirPods 3, these buds already have the best sound quality in the game, so expect the 4th-gen to be no different.