AirPods Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3 Pro vs. AirPods 4: which should you choose?

Anouk21 JANUARY 2026

Content

Here’s the difference between AirPods Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3 and AirPods 4
Compare AirPods Pro and other variants
The design of the different AirPods
Battery life of AirPods
Noise cancelling on AirPods
Which AirPods are water resistant?
Which AirPods are right for you?
Our advice on comparing AirPods Pro and AirPods

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Got your eye on a new pair of wireless earbuds? Here, we list the key differences between the AirPods Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3 and AirPods 4. From the design to specs such as water resistance, noise cancelling and battery life, you’ll get a clear overview of the AirPods models so you can choose the ones that suit you best.

Here’s the difference between AirPods Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3 and AirPods 4

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The difference between the AirPods models starts with the design and features. The AirPods Pro models have an in‑ear fit with silicone ear tips and active noise cancelling, which reduces ambient sounds while you’re calling or listening. The standard AirPods use an open fit without ear tips. Within the Pro range, there are also differences in how powerful the noise cancelling is, how well Transparency mode softens loud sounds and which sizes of silicone ear tips you can use. Depending on the Pro model, you can adjust the volume using the stems of the AirPods, the charging case has a built‑in speaker for Audio Cues and to help you find it, and you benefit from Find My support.

Check out all Apple AirPods

Compare AirPods Pro and other variants

Property name	Airpods Pro	Airpods Pro 2	Airpods Pro 2	AirPods 4
Wearing style	In‑ear	In‑ear	In‑ear	Earbud
Chip	H1	H2	H2	H2
Battery life	28.5 hours	30 hours	24 hours	35 hours
Noise cancelling	Yes	Yes	Yes	1 model with noise cancelling
Water resistance	IPX4: splash and sweat resistant	IP54: splash, sweat and dust resistant	IP57: enhanced water and dust protection	IP54: splash, sweat and dust resistant

The design of the different AirPods

Two white AirPods Pro 3 earbuds float side by side on a light background, with soft shadows and their silicone eartips visible.

When you place all the AirPods next to each other, the first things you notice are the fit and the design of the charging case. The AirPods Pro, Pro 2 and Pro 3 are in‑ear models with silicone ear tips that sit deeper in the ear and provide more isolation. The AirPods 4 have an open fit without ear tips. Within the Pro range, the models look very similar, but with the AirPods Pro 3 the shape was subtly adjusted: the ear tips are positioned differently and are angled more inwards, which makes them sit extra securely in your ear. Despite these differences, all Apple AirPods share one common trait: they are only available in white.

Comparison of two sets of white wireless earbuds on a light background, with a more compact design on the left and a slightly larger model on the right.

The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 have a compact case with USB‑C, support for wireless charging with the right Apple accessory and a built‑in speaker for Find My alerts, while the other models keep things simpler.

View the Apple AirPods Pro 3

Battery life of AirPods

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The AirPods Pro 2 offer up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with active noise cancelling switched on. The AirPods Pro 3 extend this to 8 hours per charge, which is handy for uninterrupted listening during long journeys or work sessions. With the charging case, you get a total of 30 hours of listening time with the AirPods Pro 2 and 24 hours with the AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods 4 deliver 5 hours of listening time per charge, and the charging case, just like with the Pro 2, provides a total battery life of 30 hours. All models support fast charging: around 5 minutes in the case is enough for 1 hour of listening.

All about ‘Find My AirPods’

Noise cancelling on AirPods

A white earbud is centered against a black background with star-like dots surrounding a dark circle.

The AirPods Pro models are equipped with active noise cancelling (ANC). This technology reduces distracting background noise so you can clearly hear your music, podcasts or calls without turning up the volume. Noise‑cancelling earbuds are especially useful in noisy environments, such as on the train or in a busy workspace. In addition to noise reduction, the Pro models also feature Transparency mode, which deliberately lets in ambient sound when needed. The AirPods 4 come in 2 variants: one without noise cancelling and one with ANC. If you often use your AirPods in loud environments, AirPods with noise cancelling are a smart choice.

More info on the AirPods 4

Which AirPods are water resistant?

A close-up shows a white earbud in an ear, facing left. It's raining, with blurred buildings in the background.

The AirPods Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3 and AirPods 4 can all withstand light exposure to water. The level of protection varies by model. The AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating, while the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 are rated IP54, and the AirPods Pro 3 are rated IP57. This means that rain, cycling in wet weather or sweating during a workout is no problem for these wireless earbuds. You should still avoid more intensive contact with water: it’s not recommended to drop them in water, shower with them or submerge them. If you’re unexpectedly caught in a heavy downpour, it’s best to put your AirPods away in the charging case.

How do you clean your AirPods?

Which AirPods are right for you?

Two white wireless earbuds and their rectangular charging case are neatly arranged on a flat yellow background, creating a grafische compositie.

Looking for the Apple AirPods that best match your needs? Below you’ll find advice on which earbuds to choose for different use cases:

AirPods with noise cancelling: choose from AirPods Pro 1, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods 4.
Strongest noise cancelling: AirPods Pro 3.
Best option without noise cancelling: AirPods 4.
Customisable fit: AirPods Pro, Pro 2 and Pro 3.
For sporty users: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3.
Best battery life: AirPods Pro 2.
Most affordable option: AirPods Pro.

Our advice on comparing AirPods Pro and AirPods

When comparing AirPods, it’s important to look at the fit and the features you find useful. If you often use your AirPods in busy environments, the AirPods Pro models offer extra comfort thanks to active noise cancelling and a more sealed in‑ear fit. If you mainly listen on the go or prefer open earbuds without the in‑ear feeling, AirPods 4 will suit you better. Differences in controls also play a role. Some models can be controlled via the stem, while others are operated only via the iPhone they’re connected to. Finally, battery life also varies per model: depending on your choice, you’ll get between 5 and 8 hours of listening time per charge. Keep the battery life per charge in mind if you’re often on the move for longer periods without the chance to top up. By weighing up these points, you can quickly choose the AirPods that best fit your daily routine.