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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods 4
Which is better in 2026? A straight answer from our researched Top 10 Wireless Earbuds ranking.
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Apple AirPods Pro 3 wins for most people: it ranks #2 in our Top 10 Wireless Earbuds (Best for iPhone), while the Apple AirPods 4 ranks #5 (Best open-fit for iPhone). The Apple AirPods 4 usually costs less. Pick the Apple AirPods 4 if its strengths below match how you'll use it.
Side-by-side
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Apple AirPods 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rank | #2 of 10 | #5 of 10 |
| Best for | Best for iPhone | Best open-fit for iPhone |
| Brand | Apple | Apple |
| Typical price* | $249 list | ~$129 |
| Top strength | Class-leading ANC (SoundGuys) | Comfortable no-tip fit |
| Main drawback | Most features lost on Android | No ear tips means less isolation |
*Approximate, at time of writing; check the retailer for today's price. Ratings shown only where we found a sourced rating.
Choose the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if…
- You want the pick we rate best for iphone.
- Class-leading ANC (SoundGuys)
- Hearing Aid mode, Live Translation, heart rate
Choose the Apple AirPods 4 if…
- You want the pick we rate best open-fit for iphone.
- Comfortable no-tip fit
- Easy iPhone pairing; ANC version available
Honest pros and cons
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Pros
- Class-leading ANC (SoundGuys)
- Hearing Aid mode, Live Translation, heart rate
Cons
- Most features lost on Android
Apple AirPods 4
Pros
- Comfortable no-tip fit
- Easy iPhone pairing; ANC version available
Cons
- No ear tips means less isolation
- Best features need an iPhone
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Apple AirPods 4 FAQs
Is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 better than the Apple AirPods 4?
For most people, yes. In our researched ranking of the 10 best wireless earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is #2 (Best for iPhone) and the Apple AirPods 4 is #5 (Best open-fit for iPhone). The Apple AirPods 4 can still be the better buy if you value: comfortable no-tip fit; easy iphone pairing; anc version available.
Which is cheaper, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 or the Apple AirPods 4?
At time of writing the Apple AirPods Pro 3 runs $249 list and the Apple AirPods 4 runs ~$129. The Apple AirPods 4 is usually cheaper.
How did you compare the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Apple AirPods 4?
Both come from Rank the Rest's Top 10 Wireless Earbuds ranking, built from published expert testing, sourced review data and manufacturer specs. We did not hands-on test them, and brands can't pay for placement.
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