The AirPods Pro 3 are generally considered the best overall for their superior noise cancellation, sound quality, water resistance (IP57), and new features like heart rate monitoring, making them ideal for most users. However, the AirPods 4 with ANC offer excellent value for those wanting noise cancellation without the Pro's features, while the AirPods Max are best for premium over-ear sound and Apple ecosystem depth, and standard AirPods 3 are great for casual users seeking Spatial Audio at a lower price.
The AirPods 3rd Gen offers significant upgrades over the 2nd Gen, including a contoured design, Spatial Audio, MagSafe charging, IPX4 water resistance, and longer battery life, while the 2nd Gen maintains a classic look and lower price but lacks these newer features; the 3rd Gen is generally considered a worthwhile upgrade for better sound, fit, and features, though the 2nd Gen remains a solid budget option.
The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3, offering superior sound with better bass, the H2 chip for advanced features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, and USB-C charging (with MagSafe on the ANC model), making them a significant upgrade for most users seeking improved audio and modern tech in an open-ear design, though the AirPods Pro 3 offers superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) if a sealed fit and top-tier noise blocking are priorities.
The AirPods 4 are better for an open, comfortable fit with good sound and features like Spatial Audio, while the AirPods Pro 2 offer superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), richer bass, louder volume, and volume control on the stem, making them better for immersive listening and noisy environments. Choose AirPods 4 for budget-friendly comfort and sound; choose AirPods Pro 2 for top-tier ANC, sound, and features, especially if you prefer an in-ear seal.
On the other hand, the 3rd generation have a longer continuous battery life, and their mic has a better recording quality. They also block out very little ambient sound, which you may prefer if you want to hear your surroundings.
Yes, AirPods Pro 3 are generally considered worth it for most Apple users, offering significant upgrades in noise cancellation, sound quality, battery life, and comfort over previous generations, plus new features like heart rate tracking, making them a strong upgrade for those with older models or regular AirPods, though perhaps not essential for Pro 2 owners unless those specific new features are crucial.
The AirPods Pro 3 are generally considered the best overall Apple AirPods for their superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), excellent sound, secure fit, and new fitness/health tracking, making them ideal for commuters and gym-goers, while the standard AirPods 4 offer the core experience (like Spatial Audio) for budget-conscious users who prefer the open-ear design without deep canal insertion. For premium over-ear experience, the AirPods Max are top-tier, though pricier.
If you're on a budget, the AirPods 4 won't disappoint, but you have to accept that the low price means no noise cancellation, no wireless charging, and various other missing features. They do sound quite good, though. For us, this narrows it down to the AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2.
At the time of this writing, the AirPods Pro 2nd gen can be as little as $20 more expensive than the newer AirPods 4 ANC. That's pretty big upgrade you're getting for just $20, considering the superior noise cancelling and sound quality of the Pro 2.
The AirPods Pro 2 are excellent earphones with great sound quality and impressive noise cancellation, but they're a noticeable step behind the AirPods Pro 3 in several ways.
Yes, there is an AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) option, but it's a specific version; there's also a standard AirPods 4 model without ANC, so you need to check the product details to ensure you're buying the ANC-enabled version, often indicated by the charging case having a speaker and wireless charging capability. The ANC feature uses the H2 chip and improved mics to block environmental noise, providing a quieter listening experience.
To check the ear tip fit, wear your AirPods for 10 to 15 minutes during normal activity, such as walking. Observe how they feel in your ears. AirPods ear tips that are too small feel loose or fall out when you move your head.
The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3, offering superior sound with better bass, the H2 chip for advanced features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, and USB-C charging (with MagSafe on the ANC model), making them a significant upgrade for most users seeking improved audio and modern tech in an open-ear design, though the AirPods Pro 3 offers superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) if a sealed fit and top-tier noise blocking are priorities.
Are AirPods 3 noise cancelling? No, Apple AirPods 3rd generation do not contain any active noise cancelling features. Only the AirPods Pro series and Max contain noise cancelling.
There are two very notable differences in tuning from the AirPods Pro 2 to 3. First is the bass, which is noticeably more substantial now but may be a bit too much for some people. The second and more egregious is the treble, which is sharper and a bit more pronounced.
The AirPods 4 are better for an open, comfortable fit with good sound and features like Spatial Audio, while the AirPods Pro 2 offer superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), richer bass, louder volume, and volume control on the stem, making them better for immersive listening and noisy environments. Choose AirPods 4 for budget-friendly comfort and sound; choose AirPods Pro 2 for top-tier ANC, sound, and features, especially if you prefer an in-ear seal.
The AirPods Pro 2 offers excellent noise cancellation and sound, but the newer AirPods Pro 3 (or the latest gen, depending on the date of review) brings significant upgrades like enhanced ANC, improved sound quality with deeper bass, longer single-charge battery life (8 hrs vs 6 hrs), heart rate tracking, more water resistance, and USB-C charging, making the Pro 3 better for workouts and serious listeners, while the Pro 2 remains a strong value.
For the best budget AirPods experience, the Apple AirPods (4th Gen) are great for iPhone users who want standard Apple quality without needing noise cancellation, while alternatives like Anker Soundcore (Space A40/Liberty 4 NC) or CMF Buds Pro 2 offer excellent value, features (ANC, app control, multi-point), and sound for Android users or those on a tighter budget, often under $100.
The real difference is how you recharge the cases. The standard AirPods 4 case charges only over USB-C, while the AirPods 4 with ANC case supports USB-C, Qi/MagSafe wireless charging, and even Apple Watch chargers, making it much more flexible for day-to-day use.
Reasons to buy
As I said, these buds are significantly improved in the four most important areas: fit, sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life. The result is that you don't feel like you're making any compromises when buying the AirPods Pro 3 if you're an Apple user.
Our Top Tested Picks
The AirPods Pro 3 refine an already impressive formula, making the popular wireless earbuds better than ever with leading noise cancellation, first-rate audio, and a list of compelling features the competition simply can't match.
The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3, offering superior sound with better bass, the H2 chip for advanced features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, and USB-C charging (with MagSafe on the ANC model), making them a significant upgrade for most users seeking improved audio and modern tech in an open-ear design, though the AirPods Pro 3 offers superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) if a sealed fit and top-tier noise blocking are priorities.