Apple AirPods 3rd Generation
Score: 54/100
Apple AirPods 4
Score: 78/100Rankings
The AirPods 4 deliver solid sound, excellent integration with Apple devices, and a comfortable fit, but they lack ANC and wireless charging. They are best suited for users deep in the Apple ecosystem who value spatial audio and fast charging.
AirPods (3rd Gen) provide a comfortable, lightweight fit, spatial audio and impressive total battery life via a MagSafe case, but lack ANC and rely on a single AAC codec. They integrate tightly with Apple devices and are sweat-resistant, making them a solid everyday choice for iPhone users.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 hoursbest | 5 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.28 gbest | 118 g |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Codecs | AAC | AAC-ELD |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 4.28 g | 118 g |
IP Rating | IPX4 | IP54 |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 6 hours | 5 hours |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the AirPods 3 for delivering noticeably better audio, a more secure fit, and the addition of Spatial Audio and MagSafe charging, while noting the absence of ANC and limited codec support as primary shortcomings.
Everyday users love the effortless pairing, comfort and long battery life, but miss having active noise cancellation and wish for more color options and on-ear volume controls.
“The bass is amazing - I never knew standard AirPods could sound this good.”
“Calls are crystal clear, even on windy streets.”
“They stay in my ears during workouts - no more falling out!”
AirPods 4 are the clear upgrade over AirPods 3 for users wanting better sound, advanced audio processing, and a more compact, USB-C case.
Professional reviewers praise the sound quality that rivals the AirPods Pro, the comfort of the new contour, and the H2 chip's computational audio, while noting the missing ANC and limited appeal for non-Apple users.
Everyday users love the richer bass, clear call quality, secure fit during workouts, and immersive Spatial Audio, but complain about the lack of ANC, no wireless charging, and case durability.
