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Apple AirPods 4 with ANC vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

Buy the AirPods 4 with ANC if you want open-fit earbuds that sit loose in the ear and still cut noise, and you mostly listen on Apple devices. Buy the AirPods Pro 3rd Generation if you want silicone tips, a tighter seal and stronger noise cancellation, and you accept a plugged-in feel. Both run Apple's H2 chip, pair instantly with iPhones and support Spatial Audio. Owners praise the fit and sound of both; the Pro's tips seal better but some people dislike the pressure, while the AirPods 4 can feel loose for hard workouts.

  • Choose the AirPods 4 with ANC if you prefer earbuds that rest in your ear without silicone tips and you want noise cancellation in a lighter, open design.
  • Choose the AirPods Pro 3rd Generation if you want a sealed in-ear fit, the strongest noise cancellation Apple offers and swappable ear tips.

Prices

  • Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: $68.22 at Scents Venue (checked today)
  • Apple AirPods Pro 3: $170.00 at Mercari (last seen Nov 7)
  • Difference: the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC is $101.78 cheaper than the Apple AirPods Pro 3 at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 9)
Apple
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation

4.4(31,411 ratings)
$68.22at Scents VenueVerified
See all prices and details
Visit Scents Venue
Pros
  • Open design stays comfortable for hours
  • IP54 dust and sweat resistance
  • Charges by USB-C, Apple Watch charger or Qi pad
  • Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness
Cons
  • Loose fit for some ears, especially during runs
  • Noise cancellation weaker than a sealed design
  • No silicone tips to adjust the seal
Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds

$170.00at MercariObserved Nov 7, 2026, 5:39 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Mercari
Pros
  • Sealed in-ear fit blocks more noise
  • Swappable ear tips for a custom seal
  • Strong noise cancellation for travel and commuting
  • Siri support and Apple H2 features
Cons
  • Silicone tips can feel plugged or pressurised
  • In-ear fit is not for everyone
  • Water resistance rating not stated as clearly as IP54

What separates them

Apple AirPods 4 with ANCApple AirPods Pro 3
FitOpen-fit, no silicone tips, rests in the earIn-ear with silicone ear tips for a sealed fit
Noise cancellationActive Noise Cancellation, effective but limited by the open designActive Noise Cancellation with a sealed tip, noticeably stronger
Water and dust resistanceIP54 rated for dust, sweat and waterWater resistant, rating not specified in the listing
ControlsQuick-press controls on the stemPress-and-hold stem controls plus a force sensor
ChargingUSB-C, Apple Watch charger or Qi wirelessUSB-C
Ear tipsNone, one size fits allMultiple tip sizes included for a custom seal
Case batteryUp to 20 hours of talk time with the caseCase recharges the buds for all-day listening

Price history

$239.00$119.88
Nov 7Nov 9
  • Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: lowest $119.88 on Nov 8 at PC Richard & Son.
  • Apple AirPods Pro 3: lowest $170.00 on Nov 7 at Mercari; $180.00 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

  • Scents VenueNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $68.22Verified
    Visit Scents Venue
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $119.88Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 10:22 AM
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $119.97Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 10:22 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $129.00Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 10:22 AM
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 13 stores and price history →

Apple AirPods Pro 3

  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $180.00Free shippingObserved at 12:00 AM
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $199.00Verified
    Visit Walmart
  • MercariNew

    Availability unknown

    $170.00Observed Nov 7, 2026, 5:39 AM
    Visit Mercari
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $199.00Free shippingObserved at 7:04 PM
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple AirPods 4 with ANCApple AirPods Pro 3
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3 wireless technologyBluetooth
colorWhiteWhite
Active Noise CancellationActive Noise Cancellation—
ChipH2 headphone chip—
Dust, sweat, water resistanceIP54—
Case talk timeUp to 20 hours of talk time—
Charging caseWorks with USB-C connector, Apple Watch charger…—
occasionAirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation—
multipack_quantity1—
Wireless—Yes
Microphone—Yes
USB Type—USB-C
Show all 20 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple AirPods 4 with ANCApple AirPods Pro 3
Noise Cancelling—Active Noise Cancelling
Wireless Technology—Bluetooth
Water Resistant—Yes
Type of Headphone—In-Ear
With Microphone—Yes
Style—In-ear
Assistant Support—Siri
Year Manufactured—2020s

What reviewers say

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

  • 4.4 / 531,411 ratings

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 31,411 ratings. Owners like the lighter fit, the Apple handoff and the fact that ANC exists at all without silicone tips. The common complaints are that the noise cancelling is weaker than on AirPods Pro and that battery life is short.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellingMixedReviewers say ANC cuts steady background noise but does not silence a bus or plane like sealed earbuds do.
  • FitMixedMany find the open design comfortable for hours, while others say they loosen during runs or chewing.
  • BatteryCriticisedOwners report roughly 4 to 5 hours per charge with ANC on and want more.
  • SoundPraisedListeners describe a balanced, clean sound with good vocals for open earbuds.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Owners of earlier AirPods Pro generations consistently praise the noise cancelling, the tight Apple integration and the comfortable fit. Complaints center on battery life and on Android users missing key features.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say it silences plane engines and open-plan office chatter well for earbuds this small.
  • Apple integrationPraisedPairing and switching between iPhone, iPad and Mac is described as instant.
  • Battery lifeCriticisedReviewers note the earbuds need recharging more often than over-ear headphones and degrade with age.
  • FitMixedMany find the tips comfortable, but some say the seal loosens during runs.

Questions and answers

Which has better noise cancellation?
The AirPods Pro 3rd Generation. Its silicone tips seal the ear canal, so passive isolation adds to the active cancellation. The AirPods 4 with ANC work well but leak more sound because they sit open.
Which is better for running and the gym?
The AirPods 4 with ANC carry an IP54 dust and sweat rating, which suits workouts. The Pro's sealed fit stays put better, but check its water resistance rating before heavy sweating.
Do the AirPods 4 with ANC stay in the ear?
For most people yes, but the open fit is looser than silicone tips. If earbuds usually slip out of your ears, the Pro's tip seal is the safer choice.
Is the Pro worth stepping up to?
Step up if noise cancellation and a sealed fit matter most, such as on flights or a noisy commute. Stay with the AirPods 4 if you dislike tips in your ears and want a lighter feel.
Do both work with Android phones?
Both pair over Bluetooth and play audio, but Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and quick pairing are Apple-only features. On Android you lose most of the smart features.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
Apple rates the AirPods 4 case at up to 20 hours of talk time. The Pro case adds several full recharges too; listening time per charge is similar, so the case matters more than the buds.

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