{"id":"cmr7cwlcw007l8nrjzx05y9ry","slug":"airpods-4-vs-airpods-3)","title":"AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3","shortAnswer":"AirPods 4 introduce active noise cancellation and improved audio codec support, while AirPods 3 offer a lower price point and established reliability. AirPods 4 represent a meaningful upgrade in noise control and adaptive audio features.","keyDifferences":[{"label":"Active Noise Cancellation","winner":"a","entityAValue":"Yes, with Adaptive Audio","entityBValue":"No"},{"label":"Price (MSRP USD)","winner":"b","entityAValue":"$129","entityBValue":"$169"},{"label":"Codec Support","winner":"a","entityAValue":"AAC, SBC, LC3","entityBValue":"AAC, SBC"},{"label":"Personalized Volume","winner":"a","entityAValue":"Yes (Conversation Awareness)","entityBValue":"No"},{"label":"Battery Life (Single Charge)","winner":"tie","entityAValue":"6 hours","entityBValue":"6 hours"},{"label":"Total Battery (with Case)","winner":"tie","entityAValue":"30 hours","entityBValue":"30 hours"},{"label":"Adaptive Audio Modes","winner":"a","entityAValue":"3 modes (Conversation, Environment, Standard)","entityBValue":"1 mode (Ambient Sound)"}],"verdict":"Choose AirPods 4 if you need active noise cancellation, adaptive audio features, and modern codec support for superior audio quality during calls and music listening. Choose AirPods 3 if you prioritize budget savings ($40 less), prefer a proven product with excellent ambient sound awareness, and don't require noise cancellation for your use case.","category":"products","entities":[{"id":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","slug":"airpods-4","name":"AirPods 4","shortDesc":"Apple's latest earbuds with active noise cancellation and adaptive audio technology","imageUrl":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/AirPods_%28cropped%29.jpg/330px-AirPods_%28cropped%29.jpg","entityType":"products","position":0,"pros":["Active Noise Cancellation with adjustable intensity levels","Adaptive Audio automatically balances music with surroundings","LC3 codec support for higher quality audio compression","Conversation Awareness mode automatically detects speech and lowers music volume","Personalized Volume adjusts playback based on ambient noise"],"cons":["$129 MSRP vs $89 entry price for AirPods 3 (44% premium)","Requires iOS 18.1+ or later firmware for full feature access"],"bestFor":"Users with iPhone 14+ who commute or work in variable environments and want noise control without larger over-ear headphones"},{"id":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","slug":"airpods-3","name":"AirPods 3","shortDesc":"Apple's previous-generation earbuds with ambient sound and reliable connectivity","imageUrl":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/AirPods_%28cropped%29.jpg/330px-AirPods_%28cropped%29.jpg","entityType":"product","position":1,"pros":["Lower price point at $89 (44% cheaper than AirPods 4)","Established reliability with 2-year market presence since late 2021 release","Ambient Sound mode allows hearing surroundings without removing earbuds","Same 6-hour battery life and 30-hour total capacity as AirPods 4","Seamless integration with entire Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch)"],"cons":["No active noise cancellation for blocking ambient noise","Limited to AAC and SBC codecs without advanced compression options"],"bestFor":"Budget-conscious Apple users who prioritize ambient awareness for safety, already own multiple Apple devices, and don't frequently use headphones in loud environments"}],"attributes":[{"id":"cmmxr48jn00jrlh9eftjy22t7","slug":"price","name":"Price","unit":"USD","category":"Cost","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"$129","valueNumber":129,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmosxyt3l000n6iqsm2oqe3n0","slug":"total-battery-with-case","name":"Total Battery with Case","unit":"hours","category":"Battery","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"30 hours","valueNumber":30,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmot6w7w5000nj2t5z67vf6ml","slug":"earbud-weight","name":"Earbud Weight","unit":"grams per 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Features","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"Standard volume only","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqkavkuh000uj1b49275wsoh","slug":"price-msrp-","name":"Price (MSRP)","unit":"USD","category":"Cost","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"$129","valueNumber":129,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"$89","valueNumber":89,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]},{"id":"cmqia3sda00ahbqe4ix8jvtj3","slug":"single-charge-battery-life","name":"Single Charge Battery Life","unit":"hours","category":"Battery","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"6 hours","valueNumber":6,"valueBoolean":null},{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"6 hours","valueNumber":6,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmquj02c400g8epdesdoubndq","slug":"total-battery-life-with-case","name":"Total Battery Life with Case","unit":"hours","category":"Battery","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"30 hours","valueNumber":30,"valueBoolean":null},{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"30 hours","valueNumber":30,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmnf1uvtq005j11nu3qri39fm","slug":"active-noise-cancellation","name":"Active Noise Cancellation","unit":null,"category":"Audio Features","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"Yes, with adjustable intensity","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null},{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"No","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr7cwle5008f8nrjclwtaghh","slug":"adaptive-audio-modes","name":"Adaptive Audio Modes","unit":"count","category":"Audio Features","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"3 modes (Conversation Awareness, Environmental Awareness, Standard)","valueNumber":3,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"1 mode (Ambient Sound)","valueNumber":1,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmn915m9u023caealyj4uf30h","slug":"bluetooth-version","name":"Bluetooth Version","unit":null,"category":"Connectivity","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"5.3","valueNumber":5.3,"valueBoolean":null},{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"5.3","valueNumber":5.3,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqp5louf00cvefrfmswi4y7c","slug":"supported-audio-codecs","name":"Supported Audio Codecs","unit":"count","category":"Audio Features","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"3 codecs (AAC, SBC, LC3)","valueNumber":3,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"2 codecs (AAC, SBC)","valueNumber":2,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmr7cwleq008x8nrjo63nb6v2","slug":"minimum-ios-requirement","name":"Minimum iOS Requirement","unit":null,"category":"Compatibility","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmoec8c7x008m40w8d65ou3no","valueText":"iOS 18.1+","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null},{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"iOS 16.1+","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqyi328j000zhwh6z26imev6","slug":"launch-price-usd-","name":"Launch Price (USD)","unit":"USD","category":"Pricing","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"$169","valueNumber":169,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr3p80oa000fbk53kfl8ye84","slug":"battery-life-anc-on-off-","name":"Battery Life (ANC On/Off)","unit":"hours","category":"Performance","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"6 hours (consistent)","valueNumber":6,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr3p80ok000nbk532b3s7hu8","slug":"total-listening-time-with-case-","name":"Total Listening Time (with case)","unit":"hours","category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"30 hours","valueNumber":30,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr3p80op000rbk53r4clvxk3","slug":"personalized-volume","name":"Personalized Volume","unit":null,"category":"Features","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"No","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr3p80oz000zbk53f7zg1lub","slug":"earbud-weight-per-unit-","name":"Earbud Weight (per unit)","unit":"grams","category":"Design","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"4.3g","valueNumber":4.3,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqoanyjc00cg8rzqanqmrlw3","slug":"charging-case-weight","name":"Charging Case Weight","unit":"grams","category":"Design","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmr3p80nf0004bk5367jzsilg","valueText":"50.8g","valueNumber":50.8,"valueBoolean":null}]}],"faqs":[{"question":"Do AirPods 4 have active noise cancellation?","answer":"Yes. AirPods 4 include active noise cancellation (ANC) with adjustable intensity levels. You can control how much external sound is blocked using the Settings app on your Apple device. AirPods 3 do not have this feature—they only offer Ambient Sound mode for hearing surroundings."},{"question":"Is there a significant price difference between AirPods 4 and AirPods 3?","answer":"Yes. AirPods 4 are priced at $129 MSRP, while AirPods 3 retail for $89—a $40 difference (44% premium). However, both models frequently go on sale during retail promotions, with discounts up to 20% off typical MSRP."},{"question":"Which AirPods have better battery life?","answer":"Both AirPods 4 and AirPods 3 offer identical battery specs: 6 hours per charge and 30 hours total battery with the charging case. Battery life is not a differentiator between these models."},{"question":"What is Adaptive Audio and how does it work in AirPods 4?","answer":"Adaptive Audio is an exclusive AirPods 4 feature that automatically switches between three modes based on your activity: Conversation Awareness (reduces music volume when you speak to someone), Environmental Awareness (lets in ambient sound for safety), and Standard (normal listening). AirPods 3 only offer a single Ambient Sound mode."},{"question":"Are AirPods 4 worth the extra $40 over AirPods 3?","answer":"It depends on your use case. AirPods 4 justify the cost if you commute in loud environments, take frequent calls where noise cancellation helps, or prefer adaptive audio features. AirPods 3 remain excellent if you prioritize budget, want proven reliability, and don't need noise cancellation. For most casual users, AirPods 3 provide excellent value."}],"relatedComparisons":[{"slug":"airpods-4-vs-airpods-3","title":"AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3","category":"products"},{"slug":"airpods-4-vs-airpods-pro","title":"AirPods Pro vs AirPods 4","category":"products"},{"slug":"airpods-4-vs-airpods-pro-2","title":"AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2","category":"products"},{"slug":"iphone-17-vs-samsung-s26","title":"iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26","category":"technology"},{"slug":"ps5-vs-xbox-series-x","title":"PS5 vs Xbox Series X","category":"technology"},{"slug":"mac-vs-windows","title":"Mac vs Windows","category":"technology"},{"slug":"android-vs-ios","title":"Android vs iOS","category":"technology"},{"slug":"nvidia-vs-amd","title":"NVIDIA vs AMD","category":"technology"},{"slug":"amazon-haul-vs-shein))","title":"Amazon Haul vs Shein","category":"products"},{"slug":"nespresso-vs-breville","title":"Nespresso vs Breville","category":"products"},{"slug":"nespresso-vs-delonghi","title":"Nespresso vs Delonghi","category":"products"},{"slug":"nespresso-vs-ninja","title":"Nespresso vs Ninja Coffee Makers","category":"products"}],"relatedBlogPosts":[{"slug":"best-streaming-services-in-2026-top-picks-for-every-budget-interest","title":"Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest","excerpt":"Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. 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Which should you buy?","publishedAt":"2026-07-05T05:34:32.436Z","updatedAt":"2026-07-05T05:34:32.480Z","isAutoGenerated":true,"isHumanReviewed":false,"viewCount":0}}