It’s funny how something as tiny as a pair of earbuds can become so ingrained in our routines that we stop thinking about them—until something better comes along. And that’s exactly what the AirPods 4 are: familiar on the outside, unexpectedly clever underneath. They don’t scream for attention, but they whisper change where it matters.
The AirPods 3 were already a solid all-rounder. Clean sound, reliable connection, great comfort—they earned their spot in Apple’s ecosystem without fuss. But with the AirPods 4, Apple isn’t just refining the formula; they’re quietly reshaping the idea of what open-fit earbuds can do, especially with the ANC variant now on the table.
So what actually shifts when we go from third to fourth generation? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Let’s break down what changes—and what stays familiar.
Design and fit: small tweaks, smarter comfort
From a distance, they could be twins. But the AirPods 4 make enough subtle adjustments to stand out in the hand—and especially in the ear. The stem is slightly shorter, the angles a bit sharper, and the fit just… better. Not dramatically different, but noticeably more stable for more ear shapes. It’s like someone shaved off the unnecessary edges and dialed in the ergonomics.
The AirPods 3 already had a good one-size-fits-most feel, and many users found them to be a sweet spot between comfort and security. But the AirPods 4 show that Apple’s been listening—literally—by studying ear shape data to tweak the design. You feel that difference during long sessions when the pressure just isn’t there.
Both models stick with the open-ear design—no silicone tips, no in-ear seal, just that airy, natural vibe that keeps you aware of your surroundings. Ideal for office life, street walks, or anyone who hates the plugged-up sensation.
Noise control: game-changer in the open-ear game
This is where things get interesting. The AirPods 3 offer zero noise control. No ANC, no Transparency Mode. What you hear is what you get, and any sound blocking relies purely on physics, not software.
Enter the AirPods 4, specifically the ANC version. Apple’s taken the concept of active noise cancellation and dropped it into an open-fit earbud—something notoriously tricky to pull off. And yet, here it is: adaptive audio that adjusts in real-time, giving you noise control without the ear-sealing discomfort of traditional in-ears.
It’s not magic. You’ll still hear wind and traffic to some extent. But the suppression of consistent background noise—hums, chatter, appliance whirring—is impressive. Transparency Mode works beautifully too, letting the world in when you need it.
The AirPods 4 don’t just give you more features—they adapt automatically between ANC and ambient modes based on your surroundings. That alone makes them feel smarter than anything that came before.
Controls and gestures: evolution without complication
Both generations use stem controls for basic playback—press to pause, double to skip, triple for reverse. Simple, effective, and consistent.
But AirPods 4 (ANC version) add a press-and-hold gesture to switch between noise control modes, making them feel more like AirPods Pro in disguise. It’s a small but meaningful addition that gives you more flexibility without diving into your phone settings every time.
Then there’s the nod. Yes, the AirPods 4 introduce head-gesture support for Siri Interactions. A nod to say yes, a shake to decline. It’s weird at first—but also kind of brilliant once you get used to it. Completely hands-free and totally intuitive.
You won’t find that trick on the AirPods 3. And while both models can summon Siri with a voice command, only the AirPods 4 let you physically react to notifications like you’re having a conversation.
Sound quality: cleaner, deeper, more intentional
Let’s not pretend the AirPods 3 sounded bad. They don’t. They have a clean, neutral signature with a slight emphasis on vocals and midrange clarity.
But the AirPods 4 refine everything—especially the bass, which feels fuller without overpowering the mix. Highs are crisper, mids are more articulate, and there’s a better sense of space overall. Whether it’s podcasts or piano, you hear more texture.
Personalized Spatial Audio remains available on both, adapting the soundstage to your unique ear shape. But the AirPods 4 get there with upgraded drivers and reworked amplifiers, which give the audio just that little bit more polish.
If you’re picky about sound, you’ll notice the difference—especially if you switch between the two side by side.
Charging case: more compact, more clever
You’d think a charging case is just a box. But Apple keeps finding ways to make it smarter—and the AirPods 4 case is the most intelligent yet.
It’s smaller than the AirPods 3 case—easier to pocket, smoother in the hand. But the real upgrade? There’s no physical button. Pairing is now triggered with a capacitive touch zone under the status light. Tap it, pair it, done.
Plus, the case now supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), meaning it can be tracked in Find My even when the earbuds aren’t inside. That’s huge for people who tend to misplace their stuff. With the AirPods 3, you’re out of luck if the buds and case get separated.
Wireless charging is still here. So is Lightning. No surprises there. Just more thoughtful touches in a slightly sleeker shell.
Battery: nearly identical—until features kick in
The AirPods 3 promise up to six hours per charge, and they mostly deliver. The AirPods 4 shave that down slightly to about five hours—with ANC on. Turn noise control off, and you’re right back at six.
So technically, yes, the AirPods 3 last a bit longer on a single charge. But considering the extra work the AirPods 4 are doing—noise canceling, adaptive audio, gesture tracking—it’s a fair trade.
Both models come with a case that brings total battery life up to about 30 hours, so you’re set for a full day either way.
Software integration: tighter, smoother, more responsive
If you’re using an iPhone, both AirPods models feel like an extension of your device. Automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac? Seamless. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking? Present on both.
But the AirPods 4 pull ahead in how fast everything happens. Opening the case, connecting, switching modes—it’s all just slightly faster and more fluid. That’s the benefit of the updated chip and newer sensors. It’s not huge, but it adds up.
And with Siri Interactions exclusive to the AirPods 4, you get a glimpse of where Apple’s taking voice control next. Less talking, more reacting. It’s subtle, but once you start nodding to confirm a text, you’ll never want to go back.
Durability: same rating, same expectations
No surprises here—both models are IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance. You can wear them in the rain, take them on a run, or survive a gym session without panic. But no, you’re not swimming with them.
Build quality feels identical—Apple’s white glossy finish, tight seams, solid hinges. Nothing to complain about, but nothing dramatically improved either.
Conclusion: AirPods 4 move the goalposts
If you’ve been using the AirPods 3 and loving them, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. They’re still dependable, comfortable, and perfectly suited for everyday use. But once you try the AirPods 4—especially the ANC version—you start to realize what you’ve been missing.
It’s not just about noise cancellation. It’s about smarter interaction, cleaner sound, better fit, and more responsive behavior. The AirPods 4 take a proven formula and quietly turn it into something sharper, more intuitive, and more helpful.
Apple didn’t reinvent the AirPods. They just made them more human. And that’s why, without question, the AirPods 4 are the better buy.