Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation vs Apple AirPods Pro 3
Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you want the strongest noise canceling, a secure silicone-tip fit, heart rate tracking and Live Translation. Buy the AirPods 4 with ANC if you prefer open-fit earbuds that don't seal in your ears and want to spend less. The AirPods 4 with ANC was $119.00 on 2026-10-29, while the AirPods Pro 3 ranged from $197.88 on 2026-10-29 to $199.00 on 2026-10-30.
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Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
4.5Choose the AirPods 4 with ANC if you dislike silicone tips, want open-fit earbuds for all-day wear, and want to save about $80.
Pros
- About $80 cheaper at the latest prices
- Open fit suits people who dislike silicone tips
- Up to 30 hours of listening with the case
- IP54 water resistance
- Adaptive Audio and Personalized Spatial Audio
Cons
- Weaker noise canceling than the Pro 3
- No heart rate or Live Translation features
- Open fit leaks sound and lets in more noise
What separates them
| Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 on 2026-10-29 | $197.88 on 2026-10-29 to $199.00 on 2026-10-30 |
| Fit | Open-fit in-ear, no silicone seal | In-ear with five pairs of silicone ear tips |
| Noise canceling | Active Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation, up to 2x more noise reduction than AirPods Pro 2 |
| Battery with ANC | Up to 30 hours total with the case | Up to 8 hours per charge with ANC |
| Health and smart features | Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio | Heart rate and calorie tracking across 50 workout types, Live Translation |
| Water resistance | IP54 | Not stated in the listing |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging | Charging case included |
Price history
$199.00$119.00
- Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation: lowest $119.00 on Oct 29 at Crutchfield; $119.00 on Oct 30.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: lowest $197.88 on Oct 29 at PC Richard & Son; $199.00 on Oct 30.
Prices at every store
Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
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- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- AppleCheck price at Apple
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
Specs compared
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation | Apple AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Headphone Cup Type | In-ear | — |
| Body Part Use | Ear | — |
| Noise Cancellation Type | Active | — |
| Max Battery Life | Up to 30 hours of listening time (using the cas… | — |
| Rechargeable Battery | Yes | — |
| Standby Time | Standby mode (when removed from ears and not in… | — |
| Driver Size | 50 mm | — |
| Headphone Impedance | 8 ohm | — |
| Sound Output | Stereo | — |
Questions and answers
- Which has better noise canceling?
- The AirPods Pro 3. Apple rates it at up to 2x more noise reduction than AirPods Pro 2, and its silicone seal blocks more sound than the open-fit AirPods 4 with ANC.
- Which is better for running and gym workouts?
- The AirPods Pro 3. The silicone ear tips hold a seal during movement, and it tracks heart rate and calories across 50 workout types.
- Is the AirPods Pro 3 worth the extra money?
- If you want top noise canceling, a sealed fit and health features, yes. At $197.88 to $199.00 versus $119.00, the AirPods 4 with ANC is the better value for casual listening.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- The AirPods 4 with ANC, at up to 30 hours of listening using the case. The AirPods Pro 3 gives up to 8 hours per charge with ANC on.
- Do the AirPods 4 with ANC stay in during exercise?
- They can, but they have no silicone seal, so fit depends on your ear shape. The AirPods Pro 3 with five tip sizes is the safer choice for hard workouts.
- Which is more water resistant?
- The AirPods 4 with ANC is rated IP54. The AirPods Pro 3 listing does not state a water-resistance rating.