Overview

• Apple’s standard AirPods now offer active noise cancellation as a $50 add‑on, bringing many Pro‑level features to the open‑fit design at a lower price.
• AirPods Pro 3 add heart‑rate monitoring for workouts and deliver substantially stronger noise cancellation than AirPods 4, helped by their in‑ear silicone or foam tips.
• Battery life differs notably, with AirPods Pro 3 rated for up to about 8 hours per earbud versus roughly 5 hours for AirPods 4, while case totals land at about 24 hours for Pro 3 and about 30 hours for AirPods 4 with ANC on.
• Pro 3 also include touch controls for volume, MagSafe case charging, and U2 Precision Finding, while both lines support Live Translation and Apple’s hearing‑related features.
• The guide’s recommendation favors AirPods 4 for most buyers, with AirPods Pro 3 better for those prioritizing isolation, fit stability, and health tracking, and retail discounts can shift the value equation.