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

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Apple’s iPhone 16 may have been the star of the September 9 “Glowtime” event, but it was the unveiling of the next-generation AirPods that got interesting. The AirPods 4 come in both the standard model and an edition with active noise cancellation (ANC), a first for Apple’s entry-level earbuds.

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ANC, combined with an updated design and a host of other features, marks a significant change 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 major changes to help you decide.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: price

Apple’s 4th-generation AirPods are set to launch on Friday, September 20. Prices start at $129 for the standard version and $179 for the active noise-canceling model. At $129, the former is an affordable entry-level earbud compared to competitors like the Bose Ultra Open or Samsung Galaxy Buds 3.

That’s a lower price than last year’s AirPods 3, which debuted at $179.

Apple typically discounts previous-generation products when new versions are released. However, no such discounts for the 3rd-generation AirPods have appeared on Apple’s official website yet. That said, you can find used or refurbished 3rd-generation models available at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, with prices ranging from $155 to $169.

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Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods (4th generation)

$129.99 at Best Buy

Pre-order here

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: design

The AirPods 4 are touted as Apple’s “most comfortable design” yet, thanks to extensive research into ear shapes. In terms of design, they follow their predecessors with shorter stems and ditch the silicone eartips, leaving the fit to individual ear shapes.

Both models still lack volume controls on the earbuds, a common complaint from users, but the AirPods 4 take the features even 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 AirPods 4 design brings some notable improvements, with two models for the first time. The most notable 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 Detection, which adjusts the volume when the earbuds detect that you’re near someone talking on a call.

A new Siri interaction allows users to answer calls with a simple nod, avoiding the need for voice commands.

SEE ALSO: I Just Took the New Hearing Test With AirPods Pro — and It Hurt

While the AirPods 3 don’t have these new features, the overall differences between the two generations aren’t substantial beyond ANC and a few external audio improvements. Both models have a USB-C charging case, 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 when removed from the ear.

The AirPods 4 aren’t quite there yet in terms of sound quality, but Apple claims that these are the “best-sounding AirPods ever.” However, according to Mashable’s Alex Perry’s review of the AirPods 3 , these earbuds already have the best sound quality on the market, so expect the 4th generation to be no different.