Differences between AirPods 4th generation, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro

The AirPods 4th generation are equipped with active noise cancellation and have several functions that you will also find on the AirPods Pro 2nd generation. The design of the AirPods 4 has been updated compared to the previous generation so that the fit is even better.

The AirPods 4th generation is available in two versions, with or without noise cancellation. But the charging case is also different. Because the AirPods are popular, it is interesting to compare the facts and differences.

Differences between AirPods 4th generation models

The AirPods 4th generation is available in two versions, with or without noise cancellation. But the charging case is also different. The design of the AirPods is the same, but the more expensive model is more advanced in terms of functions and options. The options and possibilities below can only be found on the AirPods 4th generation of active noise cancellation.

  • Active noise cancellation
  • Adaptive audio
  • Transparency mode
  • Call detection
  • Wireless charging case with USB-C, can also be used with the Apple Watch charger and Qi chargers
  • Speaker in charging case for ‘Find My’ function
Differences between AirPods 4th generation, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro

The charging case of the regular AirPods 4th generation only has USB-C and cannot be charged wirelessly or play a sound via the Find My app.

Differences between AirPods 4th generation and AirPods 3

The differences below are new for the 2022 model or improved compared to the third generation.

  • New design with a better fit
  • H2 headphone chip
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Adaptive audio
  • Transparency mode
  • Call detection
  • Voice isolation
  • Personalized volume
  • Ventilation system for air pressure distribution
  • Optical in-ear sensor
  • Siri interactions
  • Sweat, dust and water resistant (IP54)
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Smaller charging case with or without wireless charging (depending on model)
  • no USB-C charging cable included
  • AirPods 4th generation: suggested retail price €149
  • AirPods 4th generation with noise cancellation: suggested retail price € 199

Similarities of AirPods 4th generation and AirPods Pro

Now that the 4th generation AirPods with noise cancellation are very similar to the AirPods Pro in terms of audio functions, it is also interesting to compare these devices. They contain a number of similarities. Below is an overview of options that can be found on both the AirPods 4 of noise cancellation like AirPods Pro.

  • H2 headphone chip
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Adaptive audio
  • Transparency mode
  • Call detection
  • Voice isolation
  • Personalized volume
  • Ventilation system for air pressure distribution
  • Siri interactions
  • Sweat, dust and water resistant (IP54)
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • USB-C charging case
  • Wireless charging case with Qi and Apple Watch charger support
  • Speaker in charging case for find my
AirPods 4th Generation | AirPods 3rd generation | AirPods Pro 2nd generation
AirPods 4th Generation | AirPods 3rd generation | AirPods Pro 2nd generation

Exclusively for the AirPods Pro

  • Silicone eartip design
  • Up to 2x more active noise reduction due to ear tips that close off the ear canal
  • Skin detection sensor
  • Pressure sensor with touch controls: swipe up or down to adjust the volume
  • Hearing test
  • Use as a hearing aid
  • Reduction of loud noise
  • Longer battery life
  • MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
  • U1 chip in charging case for precise searching
  • Call Enhancement (Accessibility Feature)

Support for spatial audio and Adaptive EQ

All AirPods models can use Dolby Atmos via Apple Music. This means that you can listen to music in spatial audio. You can also enjoy virtual surround sound for films and series.

Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking surrounds you with sound and gives a completely new dimension to music, series, films and much more. The sound comes from all sides, as if you were sitting in the middle of your own cinema or concert hall. Just like with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, the position of the head is also taken into account with these models.

spatial audio airpods 3

Apple indicates that the sound quality is better than ever, thanks to the improved speakers the music sounds fuller. The AirPods 4th generation have Adaptive EQ. This automatically adjusts the music to the shape of your ears, so that the sound always sounds full. This is made possible by the new microphone inside, which hears what you hear and will then adjust the audio by adjusting the mid and low frequencies.

Buy AirPods

New subscribers receive 3 months of free Apple Music when purchasing a set of AirPods, regardless of model.

  • Buy AirPods 4th generation with noise cancellation ▸ € 199
  • Buy AirPods 4th generation ▸ € 149
  • Buy AirPods Pro 2nd generation ▸ € 279
  • Buy AirPods Max ▸ €579

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