Apple
AirPods 3
True-wireless · 2021
82
/ 100
From $179
VS
AirPods Pro 4 wins by 12
Apple
AirPods Pro 4
H3 · Adaptive ANC · Real-time translation
94
/ 100
From $279
Specdex verdict
AirPods Pro 4 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods 3 lands at 82 and AirPods Pro 4 at 94. That puts AirPods Pro 4 ahead by 12 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods 3 if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
Pick AirPods Pro 4 if…
- ✓H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- ✓Real-time Live Translate
- ✓Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
AirPods 3 82
vs 94 AirPods Pro 4
Score breakdown
AirPods 3
82 anc 79
sound 81
comfort 80
battery 78
features 78
AirPods Pro 4
94 anc 96
sound 92
comfort 94
battery 82
features 98
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods 3 | AirPods Pro 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True-wireless | — |
| Release year | 2021 | 2025 |
| Chip | — | H3 |
| Battery | — | 6 h (ANC) / 35 h case |
| Connectivity | — | BT 5.4 |
| Water rating | — | IP57 |
AirPods 3
Pros
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
Cons
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
AirPods Pro 4
Pros
- +H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- +Real-time Live Translate
- +Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
Cons
- −Pricier than AirPods Pro 3
- −Android compatibility limited
- −Battery ~6h still
FAQ: AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro 4
Which is better, AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro 4? +
AirPods Pro 4 scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 12. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods 3 worth the price? +
At $179, AirPods 3 delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in sound.
Is AirPods Pro 4 worth the price? +
At $279, AirPods Pro 4 delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in features.
Does AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro 4 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.