AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: should you upgrade?

AirPods (3rd-generation) were released in October 2021. Three years, on, AirPods 4 are here.

If you are a current AirPods 3 owner, should you upgrade to Apple’s latest on-ear wireless earbuds? There’s one specific new feature that might encourage a sale, but here’s all the differences to consider …

Firstly, it’s worth pointing out that AirPods 4 are available in two models, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The base model are priced at Apple at $129, whereas the high-end model costs $179.

AirPods 3 were sold at $179, for reference. If you are a current AirPods 3 owner, there probably isn’t any compelling reason to make the jump to the cheaper $129 AirPod 4. However, the $179 model is appealing, because …

Noise cancellation

The major reason to consider purchasing AirPods 4 is the the new Active Noise Cancellation feature. Previously, getting ANC required making the leap to AirPods Pro, with their silicon tip in-ear design. But now, you can get a surprisingly effective Active Noise Cancellation with AirPods 4. The ANC is powerful enough to significantly quieten, if not silence altogether, most outside noise. The intensity of the noise cancellation is not as good as AirPods Pro, but it is a huge leap compared to what was previously available in the base AirPods line — that is, nothing at all.

If you have use cases where you find yourself wanting to eliminate distractions and outside noise, the AirPods 4 make a very compelling case. You can read more about my experience testing the noise cancellation capabilities here.

Better fit

AirPods 4 have a new design for the buds themselves. The part that goes into your ear is a slimmer shape with a more angular insert, compared to the rather large and bulbous design of AirPods 3.

This means that they seem to provide a better fit for most people. The AirPods 3 redesign received some backlash as some people struggled to keep them in their ears. AirPods 4 are much more accommodating. Fit is ultimately a personal affair, but anecdotally, my AirPods 4 fit is both secure and comfortable. If you have used AirPods 1 or AirPods 2 before, AirPods 4 are closer to that feel than the controversial 3’s.

Dust resistance and redesigned case

AirPods 3 are said to be sweat and water resistant. But Apple makes a bigger claim with AirPods 4. AirPods 4 have an official IP54 rating, offering dust, sweat and water resistance. This makes them formally resistant to egress of water drops, like walking outside in the rain.

Additionally, AirPods 4 have a newly redesigned case. The case is physically smaller than the AirPods 3 case, making it even more pocketable. It also looks slightly more premium, with a hidden status indicator on the front that cannot be seen unless illuminated. Functionally, the case now includes a USB-C port for convenient charging, and an integrated speaker so you can make it beep if you lose it.

Newer chip and better sound quality

AirPods 3 are powered by the H1 chip. AirPods 4 are powered by the newer H2 chip. This brings support for the latest AirPods features, like being able to summon the voice assistant using the simpler “Siri” wake word, rather than “Hey Siri”. The H2 chip also enables features like Personalized Volume, which intelligently adjusts the sound levels based on your environment, and Voice Isolation for better microphone quality.

The H2 chip also helps to deliver even better sound quality, combined with upgraded drivers nestled inside the AirPods. Although it’s a subtle improvement, AirPods 4 deliver better bass and clarity compared to AirPods 3.

Two regressions to be aware of

While AirPods 4 are mostly better in every way, compared to AirPods 3, there are a couple of drawbacks to be aware of.

Firstly, the newer smaller case is so small it no longer attaches to MagSafe chargers. You can place it on a MagSafe charging pad, and it will wirelessly charge, but it won’t attach magnetically. This means it will fall off vertical charging stands. The case is simply too small to magnetize to the MagSafe ring of magnets.

Secondly, perhaps the biggest gotcha is that battery life on AirPods 4 is actually slightly worse than AirPods 3. AirPods 3 are rated for 5 hours of listening on a single charge, with Active Noise Cancellation disabled. With Active Noise Cancellation enabled, you can expect only about 4 hours of battery life.

Compared to AirPods 3, this is one to two hours worse, as AirPods 3 could achieve 6 hours of continuous listening. However, both AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 offer the same listening time (about 30 hours) when allowing the earbuds to recharge using the charging case.