Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation) vs Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you want the best noise cancellation, a secure silicone-tip fit and the widest feature set; at $199.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, they cost $114 more than the AirPods 4 with ANC at $85.00 at eBay. Buy the AirPods 4 with ANC if you prefer an open, tip-free fit and want to spend the least. The Pro 3 are the better earphones; the AirPods 4 are the better value.
Today the Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation costs $114.00 less at its best price.
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Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if you want stronger noise cancellation, a sealed in-ear fit for the gym or commute, and the extra features that come with the Pro line.
- Best-in-class noise cancellation thanks to the sealed tip and H2 chip.
- IP57 rating handles sweat, rain and dust.
- Up to 8 hours of listening per charge.
- Ultra Wideband case chip helps with Find My precision locating.
- USB-C charging.
What separates them
| Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation) | Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026 | $85.00 at eBay as of November 3, 2026 |
| Fit | In-ear with silicone tips, sealed | Open in-ear, no seal |
| Noise cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation with a sealed fit | Active Noise Cancellation with an open fit, so less low-frequency blocking |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours | Shorter per charge, with the case adding more |
| Water and dust resistance | IP57 | Water-resistant, no dust rating given |
| Chip | Apple H2 with a second-generation Ultra Wideband case chip | Apple H2 |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Price history
- Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation): lowest $199.00 on Oct 30 at Amazon; $199.00 on Nov 3.
- Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation: lowest $72.99 on Nov 1 at eBay; $85.00 on Nov 3.
Prices at every store
Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
- AmazonRefurbished
Availability unknown
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$189.00Free shippingObserved at 8:03 PM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$199.00Free shippingObserved at 8:03 PM
Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
- eBayNew
In stock
$85.00Observed at 7:49 PM - PoshmarkNew
In stock
$150.00+ $6.49 shippingObserved at 7:49 PM - TSI PromotionalsNew
In stock
$281.25Observed at 7:49 PM - AmazonRefurbished
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$109.00Free shippingObserved at 8:03 PM
Also available at
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
- Boise State Bronco ShopCheck price at Boise State Bronco Shop
- University of Cincinnati BookstoreCheck price at University of Cincinnati Bookstore
Specs compared
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation) | Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| Color | White | Black, White, Pink, Clear |
| Battery life | up to 8 hours | — |
| Water and dust resistance | IP57 | — |
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | — |
| Noise cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | — |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Proprietary, USB-C | — |
| Form factor | In-Ear Only | — |
| Wireless technology | Bluetooth | — |
| Microphone type | Built-In | — |
| Number of earpieces | Double | — |
What reviewers say
Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
Owners of the AirPods Pro line consistently rate noise cancellation and Apple-device pairing as the main draws, while noting that Android users lose most of the smart features. Reception of the third generation centers on the improved fit and the USB-C case.
- Strong, adjustable noise cancellation
- Fast, reliable pairing across Apple devices
- Comfortable fit for long wear
- Case tracking makes losing them less likely
- Limited functionality on Android
- Ear tips need regular cleaning and replacing
- Premium price compared with rival earbuds
Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
Owners rate the AirPods 4 with ANC around 4.4 out of 5 across more than 31,000 ratings. Most praise the fit and the fact that noise cancelling works without silicone tips; complaints center on bass depth and battery life.
Questions and answers
- Which has better noise cancellation?
- The AirPods Pro 3. The silicone seal blocks more low-frequency sound, so engine and traffic noise drop further than with the open-fit AirPods 4 with ANC.
- Is the AirPods Pro 3 worth $114 more?
- If you fly, commute or work out often, yes. The Pro 3 add a sealed fit, IP57 dust protection, longer battery life and a UWB case chip. For casual listening at a desk, the AirPods 4 cover the basics for less.
- Which is better for running and the gym?
- The AirPods Pro 3. The tips hold the buds in place during movement and IP57 covers sweat and dust. The AirPods 4 are water-resistant but sit looser in the ear.
- Which stays comfortable longer?
- The AirPods 4. The open design avoids the pressure some people feel from silicone tips. The Pro 3 are fine for most ears once you pick the right tip size.
- Do both have USB-C and Siri?
- Yes. Both charge over USB-C and support Siri, and both use the Apple H2 chip.
- Which holds its price better?
- The AirPods Pro 3. It has stayed between $199.00 and $199.99 since October 29, 2026. The AirPods 4 with ANC moved from $119.97 to $72.99 in two days, so time your buy.
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