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Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
Apple AirPods 4 ($129) vs Apple AirPods (3rd generation) ($55) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right true wireless.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 | Apple AirPods (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $55 |
| Weight | 40.9g | 46.5g |
| ANC | Active (on ANC model) | — |
| Battery | 5h / 30h case | 6h per charge, 30h with case |
| Chip | H2 | Apple H1 |
| Price | $129 (no ANC) / $179 (ANC) | — |
| Fit | One-size open ear | One-size, non-sealed |
| Feature | Personalized Spatial Audio | — |
| Charging | — | Lightning, MagSafe or Qi |
| Water | — | IPX4 sweat/water resistant |
| Weight | — | 46.5g (Apple published: 4.28g bud x2 + 37.91g case) |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 4
- ANC at $179 tier now
- H2 chip in base model
- Open design fits more people
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- Familiar AirPods form factor
- No ear tips for seal
- 6h battery (less than Pro)
- One-size fit not universal
Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
- Force-sensor stem controls, no more taps
- MagSafe charging case
- IPX4 resistance, first in the base AirPods line
- Adaptive EQ tunes output to fit in real time
- Still no ANC or Transparency
- Shorter stem changes the grip some people relied on
- Non-sealed fit remains a wall against isolation
- Costs more used than 1st/2nd gen for a fit-only upgrade
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) is the better value at $55. If weight matters most, Apple AirPods 4 carries lighter at 40.9g. Both are part of our curated true wireless index — tap through to check current pricing.
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