Comparison · Earbuds · Desk research
AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 3
Quick Answer
AirPods 4 (2024 Support 121203 / 121204) are leftover open-ear H2 stems. Base 121203 has no ANC row (5h / 30h, IP54, USB-C). 121204 adds ANC / Adaptive Audio (4h ANC / 20h case ANC, IP54). AirPods Pro 3 is the current sealed Pro: H2, 2nd-gen UWB MagSafe case, Hearing Test / Hearing Aid / Hearing Protection, Live Translation, IP57 buds and case, up to 8 hours ANC / 24 hours with case ANC, five tip sizes. Buy open leftover.
The verdict
AirPods 4 for leftover open stems; AirPods Pro 3 for the seal, IP57, hearing rows, and 8-hour ANC table
Why: Cross-generation open vs sealed. Parallel to AirPods 4 vs Pro 2 and AirPods 5 vs Pro 3, not a duplicate. AirPods 4 is two SKUs (121203 no ANC / 121204 with ANC, IP54). Pro 3 is sealed H2 with Hearing Test / Hearing Aid / Hearing Protection, IP57, 8h ANC / 24h case ANC.
Buy AirPods 4 if
You want leftover open-ear H2 stems and you will caption base 4 versus 4 with ANC.
Buy AirPods Pro 3 if
You want the current sealed Pro: silicone tips, hearing rows, IP57, and Apple’s 8-hour ANC claim.
Spec comparison
AirPods 4 SKUs from 121203 and 121204. Pro 3 from apple.com/airpods-pro/specs/.
| Spec | AirPods 4 / 4 with ANC | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Open-ear stem | In-ear, five tip sizes |
| Chip | H2 | H2; 2nd-gen UWB in MagSafe case |
| ANC | None on 121203; ANC + Adaptive Audio on 121204 | ANC; Adaptive Audio; Transparency; Conversation Awareness |
| Hours (ANC class) | 5h / 30h (base) or 4h / 20h (ANC SKU) | Up to 8h / 24h with case ANC |
| IP | IP54 | IP57 buds and case |
| Hearing rows | Not a Hearing Aid row on the 4 Support extracts | Hearing Test / Hearing Aid / Hearing Protection |
| Connector | USB-C case | USB-C MagSafe case |
Frequently asked questions
Does every AirPods 4 have ANC?
No. Name Support 121203 versus 121204.
Is this AirPods 5 vs Pro 3?
No. That hub is /earbuds/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3/.