AirPods 4 (2024) vs AirPods 3 (2021): what are the differences?

The AirPods 3 arrived on the market in 2021, at the same time as the iPhone 13. Three years later, the Apple firm took advantage of its iPhone 16 announcement conference to present its new model of headphones : AirPods 4.

Two variants of AirPods 4 are offeredby Apple, with a notable price difference of 50 euros. You will see by reading this article that this discrepancy seems entirely justified.

Another question arises regarding this release: should we absolutely go for these AirPods 4 or settle for AirPods 3? Here is the complete list of differences between the two models to help you decide.

Dimensions and weight

Headphones

• AirPods 3 :30,79 x 18,26 x 19,21 mm – 4,28 g
• AirPods 4 :30,2 x 18,3 x 18,1 mm – 4,3 g

Housing

• AirPods 3 :46,40 x 54,40 x 21,38 mm – 37,91 g
• AirPods 4 :46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2 mm – 32.3 g (34.7 g with noise reduction)

AirPods 4 area little more compactthan the AirPods 3. But it’s a matter of pocket squares. On the case side, we observe a slight reduction in size and weight.

Sound: 3 improvements on AirPods 4

Active noise reduction

• AirPods 3 :not available
• AirPods 4 :only available on one of the two variants.

Active noise reduction makes its debut on AirPods 4, butonly for the most expensive version, a first for non-Pro AirPods. The cheapest variant of the AirPods 4 does not benefit from this, like the AirPods 3.

Performance audio

Three features that improve the experiencewhile listening to music, a show, or during a call are present on AirPods 4 and absent on AirPods 3:

• Voice isolation
• Custom volume
• Vent system “to equalize ear pressure”

The noise-canceling version of AirPods 4 adds adaptive audio, Transparency mode, and conversation detection.

Processor

• AirPods 3 :H1 chip
• AirPods 4 :H2 chip

Autonomy and battery: a slight regression on the AirPods 4

Headphone battery life

• AirPods 3 :up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, or 5 hours with Spatial Audio enabled. Up to 4 hours of talk time
• AirPods 4 :up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, or 4.5 hours of talk time
• AirPods 4 with noise reduction:up to 4 hours of listening time if the function is activated

A slightly reduced autonomy for the AirPods 4 which falls to 5 hours of listening, i.e.one hour lessonly for AirPods 3.

Battery life with charging case

• AirPods 3 :up to 30 hours of listening time and 20 hours of talk time
• AirPods 4 :up to 30 hours of listening time and 20 hours of talk time
• AirPods 4 with noise reduction:
  • up to 20 hours of listening time if the function is activated
  • up to 30 hours of listening time with ANC turned off

Recharge

• AirPods 4 with noise reduction:USB-C, Apple Watch and Qi charger
• AirPods 4 :USB-C
• AirPods 3 :2 case versions, MagSafe and Lightning

Sensors, controls and other features

Controls and voice assistant

• AirPods 3 :activated by voice command “Hey Siri”
• AirPods 4 :activation by “Hey Siri” or simply “Siri”

Detection and sensors

• AirPods 4 with noise reduction:conversation, skin and pressure detection
• AirPods 4 :skin and pressure detection
• AirPods 3 :skin detection

All modelsautomatically detectplace in the ear and pause playback as soon as you remove them. The version of AirPods 4 with noise reduction also includes conversation detection, which automatically adjusts Transparency mode.

Security

• AirPods 4 with noise reduction:precise location, built-in speaker with alarm function
• AirPods 4 :localisation simple
• AirPods 3 :localisation simple

Only the AirPods 4 case with noise reduction has aspeaker which allows it to ring if it is misplaced, in addition to the usual location found on standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 3.

Résistance

• AirPods 3 :sweat and water resistance (IPX4).
• AirPods 4 :dust, sweat and water resistance (IP54), better overall protection

Small improvement in terms of waterproofing, the AirPods 4 are certified IP54, compared to IPX4 for the 3.

Connectivity

• AirPods 3 :Bluetooth 5.0,
• AirPods 4 :Bluetooth 5.3.

Prix

• AirPods 4 with noise reduction:199 €
• AirPods 4 :149 €
• AirPods 3 :€199 (introductory price)

On the Apple Store, AirPods 4 start at €149. For an additional €50, you benefit from the version with active noise reduction. For their part, the AirPods 3 were offered at €199. Clarification: during this period of launch of its new headphones, Apple currently no longer offers AirPods 3 for sale, except reconditioned from 149 euros.

Should you go for the AirPods 4 or keep your AirPods 3?

AirPods 4 with noise reduction may be worth the extra cost if you're looking for an immersive listening experience. This feature gives the impression of being in a bubble, which is very appreciable in a noisy environment.

Features like conversation detection and the speaker in the case add a significant plus. On the other hand, the version without noise reduction does not provide any major noticeable difference with the 3rd generation.

If you have AirPods 3, they probably still have a bright future ahead of them.

On the other hand, if your headphones need to be renewed, or if noise reduction appeals to you, the AirPods 4 at 199 euros are a good option. Finally, if you don't yet have AirPods, the AirPods 4 without noise cancellation at €149 are an excellent starter.

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