Apple has always been a brand that performs its best when it comes to stretching the capabilities of wireless Audio, and every release of the latest version of AirPods allows the question to be asked-is it worth upgrading?
The AirPods 3rd Gen were already a significant update over the older models; however, with the release of the 4th Gen, Apple has made significant design changes, audio capabilities, and listening features. In the choice between the two, it is not just new features, but are the upgrades actually meaningful in day-to-day usage?
In this comparison, we will compare all the key differences between the two, starting with design, comfort, sound, battery, and even price, so you can make sure which AirPods suit you better in your everyday life.
Design and Comfort – What’s Different on the Outside?
At first glance, both the 3rd Gen and 4th Gen AirPods share Apple’s signature minimalistic style. However, the differences start to show when you hold them side by side.
The AirPods 3rd Gen are slightly shorter and lighter, with a familiar stem design that many users find comfortable. They feature a one-size-fits-most approach, without interchangeable ear tips, making them simple but not always the best fit for everyone—especially during workouts or long listening sessions.
The AirPods 4th Gen, on the other hand, borrow design cues from the AirPods Pro. They introduce a more ergonomic shape and, in specific models, even come with optional ear tips for a snugger, more secure fit. This small change makes a big difference for users who struggled with the 3rd Gen slipping out during movement.
The charging case has been updated in the 4th Gen. with the addition of a USB-C port (in line with the latest products) and retaining MagSafe wireless charging, which provides additional convenience. The case is shorter and thicker, more scratch-resistant and everyday damage.
Sound Quality – How Much Better Does the 4th Gen Really Sound?
When it comes to AirPods, sound quality is often the deal breaker. The AirPods 3rd Gen already delivered a big leap from the 2nd Gen, with spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, and a fuller, more balanced sound. They offer clear vocals, crisp highs, and decent bass, making them ideal for casual listening and everyday use.
The AirPods 4-Gen, however, take this experience one step further. The drivers have been optimized and bass extended to deliver music more dimensionally or richly.
Among the most significant features is the Adaptive Audio, which reduces or increases the sound according to your setting- something that was not present in the 3rd Gen. The 4th Gen can even adapt to a noisy road or a silent room to give the best listening experience.
Spatial Audio also feels more immersive on the 4th Gen, thanks to enhanced head tracking and tighter integration with Apple Music and supported apps. If you enjoy movies, gaming, or want to feel surrounded by music, the 4th Gen stands out.
Put: while the 3rd Gen provides solid everyday sound, the 4th Gen is clearly built for people who care about richer audio detail and more innovative listening technology.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode – A Big Step Forward
This is where Apple makes the most dramatic upgrade. The AirPods 3rd Gen do not include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or Transparency Mode—features that were previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro lineup. This makes them more suited for quiet environments, but not ideal for travel or noisy commutes.
The AirPods 4th Gen change the game by introducing Adaptive Noise Cancellation. With ANC enabled, they block out unwanted background noise, allowing you to focus on your music, calls, or podcasts without distraction. Whether you’re on an airplane, in a café, or walking through a busy street, the difference is immediate.
Alongside ANC, the 4th Gen also offers an improved Transparency Mode. This lets you stay aware of your surroundings by blending outside sounds with your Audio in a natural way. Unlike some earbuds that make voices sound robotic, Apple’s implementation feels smooth and realistic, making conversations possible without removing your AirPods.
For anyone who’s ever wished their AirPods 3 could handle noisy environments better, the 4th Gen delivers precisely that. It’s arguably the most impactful upgrade in this generation.
Battery Life and Charging – Which One Lasts Longer?
The battery life is one of the strongest selling points in choosing between AirPods generations, but there are significant differences as well.
AirPods 3rd Gen will provide approximately 6 hours of playback at medium volume. That is how long they can stay in each charge, and 30 hours with the charging case.
These feature MagSafe wireless charging, as well as Qi wireless charging, and an old-fashioned Lightning cable. To most casual users, this is sufficient to get through a day or two without needing to trouble with the charger.
The AirPods 4th Gen, however, have a slight improvement on this. There are approximately 6 hours of active use with Adaptive Noise Cancellation enabled, and at least more with ANC not on. The case model now has a USB-C connector, similar to Apple’s current models, and preserves MagSafe wireless charging to facilitate simplicity.
Another minor but functional upgrade is faster charging. Just 5 minutes in the case gives you about 1 hour of playback, which is perfect for quick top-ups before heading out.
While both models deliver strong battery life, the 4th Gen edges ahead with USB-C compatibility, faster top-ups, and more efficient power management, especially when using advanced features like ANC and Adaptive Audio.
Innovative Features and Controls – Siri, Gestures, and More
Apple AirPods are known for their smart ecosystem integration, and here’s where you see how much Apple has polished things from one generation to the next.
The AirPods 3rd Gen come with force sensor controls on the stem, letting you play, pause, skip tracks, or take calls with simple squeezes. They also support Hey Siri, automatic device switching, Find My support, and spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. These features make them feel far smarter than standard wireless earbuds.
The AirPods 4th Gen take all of this a step further. They introduce Adaptive Audio, which blends Transparency Mode and Noise Cancellation dynamically based on your environment—so you don’t have to toggle modes manually. Apple has also improved the conversation awareness feature, automatically lowering your Audio when it detects you’re speaking to someone.
Gestures remain similar but feel more responsive, and the tighter integration with iOS 18+ means smoother transitions between devices in the Apple ecosystem. Plus, the 4th Gen benefits from better Find My tracking, with precision finding that uses your iPhone’s Ultra Wideband chip to locate a lost earbud or case more accurately.
If innovative features are a deciding factor, the 4th Gen clearly pulls ahead, making daily use more seamless and less “manual.”
Connectivity and Compatibility – Seamless or Struggles?
Connectivity is where Apple usually shines, and both the 3rd Gen and 4th Gen AirPods keep that tradition alive.
The AirPods 3rd Gen connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and are optimized for the Apple ecosystem. Features like automatic pairing, iCloud syncing, and quick device switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac work smoothly. For Android users, they still function as regular Bluetooth earbuds, but without Apple’s thoughtful extras.
The AirPods 4th Gen take this further with Bluetooth 5.3, which brings improved stability, lower latency, and better energy efficiency. They also integrate more tightly with newer iOS versions, unlocking features like Adaptive Audio and enhanced Find My support.
The Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology in the case makes locating your AirPods far more precise—something frequent travelers and forgetful users will appreciate.
In terms of compatibility, both generations work across Apple devices, but the 4th Gen future-proofs your experience with newer connectivity standards and tighter software integration. If you’re someone who updates your Apple devices often, the 4th Gen is clearly the smarter pick.
Price and Value – Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
Price is often the final deciding factor, and this is where things get interesting.
The AirPods 3rd Gen are now priced lower than their launch cost, often available for $139–$149, making them an attractive option for users who want Apple’s sound quality and features without paying a premium. They’re still excellent for casual listeners who don’t need noise cancellation or the latest features.
The AirPods 4th Gen, being the newer release, sit closer to $169–$199, depending on the model and whether you opt for the version with Active Noise Cancellation.
While more expensive, they deliver significant upgrades—better fit, ANC, Adaptive Audio, USB-C charging, and more intelligent integration—that justify the price difference for many users.
So, which should you buy?
- Choose the 3rd Gen if you want reliable, great-sounding AirPods at a lower cost and don’t need ANC.
- Go for the 4th Gen if you value noise cancellation, better comfort, more innovative features, and future-ready connectivity.
In short, the 3rd Gen is the budget-friendly option, but the 4th Gen offers the best overall value for anyone who wants the most out of their AirPods in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
1. Do AirPods 4th Gen have noise cancellation?
Yes, unlike the AirPods 3rd Gen, the 4th Gen comes with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode, making them better for noisy environments.
2. Is the sound quality better on AirPods 4th Gen compared to 3rd Gen?
Yes. The 4th Gen offers deeper bass, clearer vocals, and Adaptive Audio, which adjusts sound based on your surroundings. The 3rd Gen still sounds good, but the 4th Gen is more refined.
3. Which AirPods have better battery life, 3rd Gen or 4th Gen?
Both offer around 6 hours per charge, but the 4th Gen benefits from USB-C charging, faster top-ups, and more efficient power use, especially with ANC enabled.
4. Which AirPods should I buy in 2025 – 3rd Gen or 4th Gen?
Buy the 3rd Gen if you want reliable AirPods at a lower price. Go for the 4th Gen if you want the latest features like ANC, Adaptive Audio, and future-ready connectivity.