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Start with fit: AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) have an open design without silicone tips, while AirPods Pro 3 use silicone tips for an in-ear seal. If you are choosing between them, decide which style you can wear comfortably, then compare noise control, battery life, device compatibility, and the price where you live.
AirPods 4 ANC vs. AirPods Pro 3: the key differences
The two Apple models make different compromises. AirPods 4 with ANC leave the ear canal open; AirPods Pro 3 sit in the ear with interchangeable silicone tips. Comfort and stability vary by ear, so neither design is automatically better for everyone.
| What to compare | AirPods 4 with ANC | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Open design without ear tips, as described by What Hi-Fi. | In-ear design with five silicone tip sizes, according to Apple Support. |
| ANC | ANC included. | ANC included. Apple claims up to twice the ANC of AirPods 4 with ANC and the original AirPods Pro; this is Apple’s qualified comparison, not a guarantee for every wearer or setting. |
| Listening time per charge with ANC on | Up to 4 hours, reported by What Hi-Fi; actual results vary. | Up to 8 hours, reported by What Hi-Fi; actual results vary. |
| Total listening time with charging case | Up to 20 hours, reported by What Hi-Fi; actual results vary. | Up to 24 hours, reported by What Hi-Fi; actual results vary. |
| Price context | Current price not established here; check retailers in your region. | What Hi-Fi gives launch prices of $249, £219, and AU$429. These are launch-price context, not current retail quotes. |
Battery figures are reported specifications, not promises of a particular listening time. Apple notes that “Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage and many other factors.”
Choose by fit and noise-control needs
Choose AirPods 4 with ANC if you prefer an open fit
The open design may suit you if you dislike silicone tips or do not want an in-ear seal. It still includes ANC, but the available evidence does not establish that open-fit earbuds will block noise as effectively for every person or environment as a sealed in-ear design.
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- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
- Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
- Up to 32 (8h + 24h) hours of battery life and speed charging: With 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 24 in the case, the JBL Vibe Beam provide all-day audio. When you need more power, you can speed charge an extra two hours in just 10 minutes.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: When you're making hands-free stereo calls on the go, VoiceAware lets you balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking with others
- Water and dust resistant: From the beach to the bike trail, the IP54-certified earbuds and IPX2 charging case are water and dust resistant for all-day experiences
Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you want an in-ear seal
Pro 3 come with five silicone tip sizes, giving you options to find a secure, comfortable fit. A good seal can matter to how earbuds feel and how well noise control works, but individual ear shape affects the result. Apple says Pro 3 provide up to twice the ANC of AirPods 4 with ANC and the original AirPods Pro; retain “up to” when interpreting that manufacturer comparison.
Check which features work with your devices
Both models can pair with Android over Bluetooth for basic use, including ANC and controls, according to What Hi-Fi. Additional features are tied to Apple devices. Before buying, check compatibility for the specific functions you want and your operating-system version; basic Bluetooth pairing does not mean every Apple feature will be available on Android.
Rank #2
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Compare current prices carefully
Prices vary by region, retailer, and date. What Hi-Fi reports AirPods Pro 3 launch prices of $249 in the US, £219 in the UK, and AU$429 in Australia; these figures do not establish what a retailer charges now. TechRadar reports that Sony WF-1000XM6 launched on February 12, 2026, at $329 in the US, £250 in the UK, and AU$480 in Australia. Those are also launch prices, not current quotes. Check local availability and retailer pricing before deciding.
Sony WF-1000XM6 is one named non-Apple alternative, but the available comparison does not establish enough consistent, current evidence to rank it—or other brands—against the AirPods across fit, battery, compatibility, and other everyday needs. Treat it as a candidate to investigate, not a universal recommendation.
Rank #3
- Powerful Bass: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds have oversized 10mm drivers that deliver powerful sound with boosted bass so you can lose yourself in your favorite songs.
- Personalized Listening Experience: Use the soundcore app to customize the controls and choose from 22 EQ presets. With "Find My Earbuds", a lost earbud can emit noise to help you locate it.
- Long Playtime, Fast Charging: Get 10 hours of battery life on a single charge with a case that extends it to 30 hours. If P20i true wireless earbuds are low on power, a quick 10-minute charge will give you 2 hours of playtime.
- Portable On-the-Go Design: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds and the charging case are compact and lightweight with a lanyard attached. It's small enough to slip in your pocket, or clip on your bag or keys–so you never worry about space.
- AI-Enhanced Clear Calls: 2 built-in mics and an AI algorithm work together to pick up your voice so that you never have to shout over the phone.
A practical buying checklist
- Decide whether you prefer open earbuds or silicone tips before comparing feature lists.
- Consider when and where you need ANC, and remember that fit affects the experience.
- Compare per-charge listening time with ANC on as well as total time with the case.
- Confirm that the features you value work with your phone and operating system.
- Check current prices and local availability rather than relying on launch prices.
Sources: Apple’s AirPods comparison; Apple Support: AirPods Pro 3; What Hi-Fi’s AirPods comparison; TechRadar’s Sony WF-1000XM6 comparison.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- LED Power Display and 50H Playback: Dual digital LED power display outside of the case is to show the power level for charging case and earbuds. When charging for the case, the LED light will start to flash from 1 to 100. When you put wireless Bluetooth earbuds into the case, then the Bluetooth earbuds will start charging. The 470mAh battery capacity charging case can provide extra 4 times full charging for both earbuds; each earbud can last 6H on a single charge. So, you can enjoy 50H music time in total by using them in turn
- 2026 Upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 and Ultra-Low Latency: S58 Pro wireless earbuds with mics feature the next-generation Bluetooth 5.4 chip. Compared to version 5.3, it offers 30% lower power consumption and 35% stronger signal penetration. Equipped with a high-sensitivity antenna and a Hall switch, wireless Bluetooth headphones auto-pair as soon as you open the charging case, with a stable connection within 15 meters. Whether you're gaming or binge-watching, enjoy smooth, flawlessly synced audio
- Hi-Fi Stereo and 4 ENC Mics: The wireless earbuds feature triple-layer 13mm coil dynamic drivers and a polymer diaphragm, resulting in sufficiently strong bass that naturally connects to the mid and high frequencies, supporting AAC/SBC audio coding technology and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Audio technology. Noise Cancelling Earbuds adopt a 4-mic design and ENC noise cancelling technology that picks up your voice precisely and blocks out 80% background noise, providing a crystal clear call experience
- Smart Touch Control and Wide Compatibility: These wireless Bluetooth earbuds feature a high-precision touch sensor, offering greater accuracy than similar products. A simple tap allows you to control playback/pause, volume, song switching, calls, and voice assistants, minimizing accidental touches. The in-ear running headphones are compatible with most Bluetooth devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops, and connect effortlessly with Android 4.4, iOS 8.0 and above, or Bluetooth 4.0 and above
- Ergonomic and IPX7 Waterproof: Thanks to an ultra-light nano coating, these wireless Bluetooth earbuds are IPX7 waterproof and dustproof—perfect for workouts or outdoor adventures. The ergonomic in-ear design provides a secure, comfortable fit while keeping outside noise out, letting you immerse yourself fully in your music
Rank #4
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
