The AirPods 4 are the newest model of the AirPods, and they've got a brand new feature set for the latest generation. The model most comparable to the AirPods 3 now have ANC on board, a great boost for the middle-of-the-range buds.
The AirPods 3 are now the outgoing AirPods, although you'll still be able to buy them from some 3rd party retailers while the AirPods 4 launch. But are they worth the upgrade, and should you consider buying a pair and saving some money.
Instead of just revealing one new pair of AirPods at the iPhone 16 launch Glowtime event, Apple unveiled two: One pair of AirPods 4 to replace the aged AirPods 2, and then another slightly more expensive and fully-featured AirPods 4 to take the place of the AirPods 3.
It's the latter that are the two compared here — but what's new to the latest AirPods, and should you consider upgrading from your old pair?
Let's get down and dirty and work out just how big an update the AirPods 4 are over their predecessor.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Price and availability
The AirPods 4 are currently only available to preorder from the Apple Store, where you'll find both iterations. They're going to ship out starting on September 20, and you'll then be able to order yourself a pair of 3rd part retailers. Given that they've not yet been released there are a grand total of zero reduced prices to pull from, and there are unlikely to be any for some time given their new-ness.
They're not going to cost you the earth if you do nab a pair either. The cheaper pair are going on sale for $129, the same price that you'd have found the AirPods 2 on the Apple Store, and then the more premium, ANC version will set you back $179. For those paying attention, that's the same price that you could've netted yourself a pair of AirPods 3 when they were available in the Apple Store.
Speaking of the AirPods 3 — they've now been pulled from said Apple Store, so if you want to grab a pair you'll need to head to a 3rd party retailer like Amazon or Best Buy. That does come with some bonuses, however — namely, that we've seen loads of deals on the AirPods 3 over the course of their lives.
Generally, a pair will cost you $179 at full price. If you get some when they're reduced, however, you'll find them drop to $159, and even further during deals events. In fact, we've seen them drop as low as $129 in the likes of Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. At the end of it all, however, no matter how much the AirPods 3 are reduced, we'd recommend not buying a pair now that the AirPods 4 are out: Something we'll explain when we talk about the feature sets of the buds.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Features
The AirPods 4 are a massive upgrade on the previous models, and the new pricing makes it pointless to even think about grabbing a pair of AirPods 3. I'll explain for why: The AirPods 4 base model, which cost $129, have an improved feature set over the AirPods 3 at $179. The features that set the AirPods 3 apart from the cheaper AirPods 2 are now all available at a lower price point, and there are even some improvements sprinkled in for good luck.
The AirPods 3 featured a tip-less design, Spatial Audio, and a MagSafe charging case. While the sound profile had been improved from the AirPods 2, they were otherwise largely the same.
The AirPods 4 up the ante. The $129 model packs in Spatial Audio, the headline feature of the AirPods 3, improved sonic architecture, and a more comfortable design. That undercuts the AirPods 3, and leaves them looking a little long in the tooth.
Then there's the $179 option, which packs in ANC as an extra to go with a wireless charging case. For all intents and purposes, the AirPods 4 leave you with no reason to buy the AirPods 3.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Design
The AirPods 4 aren't as big an update in this regard over the AirPods 3, but there are some crucial changes to the design. The stems have been shaved down for one, and the opening on the buds has changed shape to make for a better fit.
The case has shrunk from the AirPods 3, with what Apple calls "the smallest AirPods case we've ever made" so they'll be even more pocketable than the previous model. The pairing button on the case is gone as well, replaced instead with a capacitive touch panel. The status LED on the case has also been made more discreet, now only coming on when the case itself is open.
If you're looking for a complete overhaul to the AirPods formula, then you're not in luck — but you'll still get a good-looking pair of buds.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Comfort and fit
Until we've got them in our ears, we're not going to be sure of how comfortable they are — but Apple does tell us that they're "the most comfortable AirPods ever" after using "50 million data point" to really dial them.
They're unlikely to be too much different from the AirPods 3, however, given that they share a similar shape and size. The AirPods 3 and their lack of silicon ear tips (a la the AirPods Pro 2) aren't as secure as some of the other options you can buy, but some do like the less invasive fit.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Battery life
This is the most disappointing part of the new AirPods 4, because there isn't that much of a jump from the previous model. The buds themselves will give a grand total of 5 hours of use, extended to 30 hours when you pop them back in the charging case. The ANC model actually net you slightly less battery life, topping out at 4 hours of use.
That's about the same as you'd expect from the AirPods 3, so if the only thing you're looking for out of a pair of earbuds is better battery life, you're not going to get it with the AirPods 4. Instead, you should check out the best cheap wireless earbuds — there are some great options to be found out there.
AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Should you upgrade?
There's a couple of things to bear in mind here — there are enough upgrades in the $129 pair of AirPods 4 to just about justify an upgrade over the old model, but it's not a must. If you're looking for ANC, however, then an upgrade to the AirPods 4 are going to be a great choice.
Now, if you're looking to buy a new pair of buds, then the story is a very simple one. If you where waiting for the AirPods 3 to drop in price, then you should wait no longer — just grab the AirPods 4 without ANC. You'll get the Spatial Audio, and the more comfortable fit to go with the new USB-C port. Then, if you where already considering paying full price for the AirPods 3, then you should opt for the AirPods 4 with ANC. The launch of the AirPods 4 leave the AirPods 3 with nought a reason to exist, nor for you to buy them — they are the perfect replacement.
More from Tom's Guide
- AirPods 4 unveiled at Apple event — two new models, prices and ANC
- Apple AirPods 4 hands-on review
- AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Biggest upgrades to expect
