As the world of personal audio continues to evolve, Apple's AirPods remain a popular choice for many. With the introduction of the AirPods 4, it's natural to wonder how they stack up against their predecessors, particularly the AirPods 3. Let's dive in and see what's changed and what might sway your decision.
At the heart of both the AirPods 3 and the new AirPods 4 lies the H2 chip. This is a significant piece of technology that powers many of the smart features we've come to expect. However, the real magic happens when we look at the audio capabilities. While the AirPods 3 offered a solid listening experience, the AirPods 4, especially the version with active noise cancellation, seems to be pushing the boundaries further.
One of the most talked-about features is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The AirPods 3 didn't offer this at all, making the AirPods 4 a compelling upgrade for those who crave silence in noisy environments. For those who already own the AirPods Pro (1st generation), the ANC on the AirPods 4 is reportedly up to four times better. That's a substantial leap!
Beyond just blocking out noise, the AirPods 4 also introduce Adaptive Audio. This is a smart blend of Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, intelligently adjusting to your surroundings. Imagine walking from a bustling street into a quiet office; your AirPods would seamlessly transition their audio filtering. The AirPods 3, while having Transparency mode, lacked this adaptive intelligence.
Another feature making its debut with the AirPods 4 is Conversation Awareness. This is particularly neat for everyday interactions. If you start talking to someone, the AirPods can automatically lower the volume of your audio and enhance the voice of the person you're speaking with. It's like having a built-in assistant for clearer conversations without having to remove your earbuds.
When it comes to battery life, both generations offer respectable performance. The AirPods 3 provide up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with the charging case extending that to around 30 hours. The AirPods 4 maintain that 5-hour single charge for the standard model, but the version with ANC offers up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge (or 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and head tracking enabled). With the charging case, the ANC-enabled AirPods 4 can deliver up to 24 hours of listening time when ANC is active. It's worth noting that the charging case for the AirPods 4 also comes with a built-in speaker for Find My functionality, a nice touch for those prone to misplacing their gear.
Durability is another area where we see a slight difference. Both are water and sweat resistant, but the AirPods 4 boast an IP54 rating, meaning they're protected against dust and splashes, while the AirPods 3 have an IP57 rating, offering even better dust protection and submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. However, the AirPods 4 with ANC step up to IP57, matching the AirPods 3 in this regard.
Controls have also seen a subtle evolution. While both generations use force sensors or touch controls, the AirPods 4 (with ANC) introduce swipe gestures on the stem for volume adjustment, alongside the usual play/pause and Siri commands. This adds a layer of convenience for on-the-fly audio adjustments.
For those who value personalized audio experiences, both models support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, creating an immersive soundstage. However, the AirPods 4 also bring Personalized Volume, which intelligently adjusts audio levels based on your environment and listening habits, and Voice Enhancement, which makes speech clearer during calls.
Ultimately, the choice between AirPods 4 and AirPods 3 hinges on what you prioritize. If you're looking for the latest in noise cancellation, adaptive audio, and conversational features, the AirPods 4, especially the ANC-equipped version, is a clear step up. The AirPods 3 remain a solid option for those who want a great all-around listening experience without the need for advanced noise-blocking or the newer smart audio features.
