Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3
Critics score the Apple AirPods 4 75 and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 86 out of 100, from 13 and 26 professional reviews. 10 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple AirPods 4 higher, 7 scored the Apple AirPods Pro 3 higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple AirPods Pro 3 11 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple AirPods 4
Praised for: sound quality (9 of 13), comfort (8 of 13), noise cancelling (6 of 13)
Criticised for: battery life (6 of 13), fit and comfort (4 of 13), controls and app (4 of 13)
The catch: Short battery life.
All 13 reviews of the Apple AirPods 4 →
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Image: AppleApple AirPods Pro 3
Praised for: noise cancelling (25 of 26), comfort (18 of 26), sound quality (10 of 26)
Criticised for: controls and app (12 of 26), battery life (7 of 26), fit and comfort (7 of 26)
The catch: Shorter total battery with the case.
All 26 reviews of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple AirPods 4 | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIRED | 50 | 90 | -40 |
| TechGearLab | 56 | 85 | -29 |
| TechRadar | 70 | 90 | -20 |
| The Independent | 80 | 95 | -15 |
| soundguys.com | 64 | 78 | -14 |
| The Verge | 80 | 90 | -10 |
| Good Housekeeping | 83est. | 89est. | -6 |
| The Guardian | 83est. | 83est. | same |
| CNN Underscored | 83est. | 77est. | +6 |
| Tom's Guide | 90 | 73est. | +17 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple AirPods 4 minus the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Compare either one with another wireless earbud → · All wireless earbuds ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple AirPods 4 or the Apple AirPods Pro 3?
Critics rate the Apple AirPods Pro 3 higher: 86 against 75. 10 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple AirPods 4 higher, 7 scored the Apple AirPods Pro 3 higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple AirPods Pro 3 11 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple AirPods 4 and the Apple AirPods Pro 3?
The Apple AirPods 4: critics split, scores from 50 to 90. The Apple AirPods Pro 3: broad agreement, scores from 66 to 95.